Now if the makers of Gladiator would have watched this film, they would have known how to build an arena that was fascinating, with lions and fiery lakes for the losers. They even had their own version of rodeo clowns.
But, this is not just a gladiator story, but a story about a man's redemption. Barabbas (Anthony Quinn) stands in for all men who are thrashing about with doubts and half-beliefs.
Based upon a Nobel prize winning novel by Pär Lagerkvist, with screen play by Christopher Fry, considered the 20th Century Shakespeare, this is a story for the ages. Sure, there is no evidence for this, as there is no evidence that Barrabas even existed; it is just one man's imagination, but it makes for a good story.
Barrabas does win his freedom in the arena against an over-the-top Jack Palance as Torvald, while Sahak (Vittorio Gassman)gives his life rather than deny his God. Lucius, (Ernest Borgnine) rejects Barrabas for killing to gain his freedom and then trying to find God.
But, in the end, he makes a decision.
But, this is not just a gladiator story, but a story about a man's redemption. Barabbas (Anthony Quinn) stands in for all men who are thrashing about with doubts and half-beliefs.
Based upon a Nobel prize winning novel by Pär Lagerkvist, with screen play by Christopher Fry, considered the 20th Century Shakespeare, this is a story for the ages. Sure, there is no evidence for this, as there is no evidence that Barrabas even existed; it is just one man's imagination, but it makes for a good story.
Barrabas does win his freedom in the arena against an over-the-top Jack Palance as Torvald, while Sahak (Vittorio Gassman)gives his life rather than deny his God. Lucius, (Ernest Borgnine) rejects Barrabas for killing to gain his freedom and then trying to find God.
But, in the end, he makes a decision.