Hill Number One: A Story of Faith and Inspiration (25 Mar. 1951)

A respectful interpretation of what might have happened among Jesus's followers in the three days before Crucifixion. The story is told in the modern context of an US Army company stationed in Korea during the Korean War.

Director:

Arthur Pierson

Stars:

Patrick Peyton, Gordon Oliver, Todd Karns

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Patrick Peyton	...	Host (as Father Patrick Peyton)
Gordon Oliver	...	Padre
Todd Karns	...	Cpl. Bates
Roddy McDowall	...	Pvt. Huntington (The Professor)
Charles Smith	...	Pvt. Carson
Ray Hyke	...	Sgt. Mansfield
Spec O'Donnell	...	Pvt. Cashman (as 'Spec' O'Donnell)
William Schallert	...	Pvt. Wheeler (as Bill Schallert)
Dan Rankins	...	Cpl. Weaver
Marc Hamilton	...	Pvt. Madigan
Peter Similuk	...	Forward Observer
Ruth Hussey	...	Mary
Henry Brandon	...	Cassius Longinus
Leif Erickson	...	Pilate
Nelson Leigh	...	Joseph of Arimathea

Storyline

A respectful interpretation of what might have happened among Jesus's followers in the three days before Crucifixion. The story is told in the modern context of an US Army company stationed in Korea during the Korean War.

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Plot Keywords:

crucifixion | chaplain | sergeant | roman soldier | jerusalem | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 March 1951 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Jerry Fairbanks Inc., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Jerry Fairbanks Productions

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Televised debut of James Dean.

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Connections

Featured in The Bible According to Hollywood (1994)

User Reviews

Pretty good despite the relatively low production values.

This sort of drama is the sort of film I doubt you would ever seen made nowadays. It's from a religious show called "Family Theatre" and is a retelling of the story of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. It's unusual for two main reasons--it features quite a few famous actors (such as Gene Lockhart and Leif Erickson) of the day and it begins in Korea during the war and the story is told by the Chaplain to his men.

The manner in which the story is told is quite minimalistic--with few sets and at a relatively low cost. However, in spite of this, it doesn't come off as cheap--just different than the typical film about Jesus--without the huge spectacle and angelic music blaring. Instead, it's direct yet reverent. Sure, occasionally it's a tad heavy-handed in the dialog, but in general it's quite good and still watchable in this more jaded generation.

By the way, this was sponsored by Catholic organizations, hence the show's emphasizing Mary--calling her 'Holy Mother' and the like during this recreation of the days following Jesus' death.