The King of Kings (1927)

Jesus Christ faces religious and political oppression during his ministry and in the days before his death and resurrection.

Director:

Cecil B. DeMille

Writer:

Jeanie Macpherson (story)

Stars:

H.B. Warner, Dorothy Cumming, Ernest Torrence

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
H.B. Warner	...	Jesus - the Christ
Dorothy Cumming	...	Mary - the Mother
Ernest Torrence	...	Peter
Joseph Schildkraut	...	Judas Iscariot
James Neill	...	James - Brother of John
Joseph Striker	...	John - the Beloved
Robert Edeson	...	Matthew - the Publican
Sidney D'Albrook	...	Thomas, the Doubter
David Imboden	...	Andrew - a Fisherman
Charles Belcher	...	Philip
Clayton Packard	...	Bartholomew
Robert Ellsworth	...	Simon - the Zealot
Charles Requa	...	James the Lesser
John T. Prince	...	Thaddeus
Jacqueline Logan	...	Mary Magdalene

Storyline

Mary Magdalene becomes angry when Judas, now a follower of Jesus, won't come to her feast. She goes to see Jesus and becomes repentant. From there the Bible story unfolds through the Crucifixion and Resurrection.

---

Plot Keywords:

based on the bible | 1st century | miracle | religious sect | blind boy | 

---

Taglines:

Magnificent, dazzling, awesome, uplifting, inspiring, massive, beautiful, reverential, amazing, dramatic, spectacular- an epochal motion picture that will live forever in the hearts of mankind. (Print Ad- Ludington Daily News, ((Ludington, Mich.)) 7 October 1928)

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

---

Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

Assuming its copyright has not lapsed already, this film and all others produced in 1927 enter the U.S. public domain in 2023.

---

Goofs

In the first scene in Mary Magdalene's house, studio lights are reflected in a large hand-held mirror.

---

Quotes

Mary Magdalene: Go fetch my richest perfumes!

---

Crazy Credits

In the original premiere version, there is no 'THE END' title. The film fades to black after the final scene of Jesus looming over a modern city with the title 'LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS' superimposed.

---

Alternate Versions

When the film was cut from 155 minutes to 112, two main sequences were deleted. In one, Judas tries to heal a lunatic boy but fails and Jesus has to do the job, telling him he failed because of his unbelief. In the other, Jesus is asked by tax collectors if he has anything to say about tax. He responds by getting Peter to catch a fish: in its mouth is a coin, which he hands over, saying that as it bears a portrait of Caesar, it should be given unto Caesar: give unto God that which is God's. In addition, shorter sequences where Peter denies knowing Jesus have gone, along with the scourging of Christ, one where the Virgin Mary comforts the mother of one of the men crucified alongside her own son, and many of the details of the final scene where Christ farewells his disciples.

---

Connections

Featured in Jesus Christ, Movie Star (1992)

User Reviews

DeMille's finest production

Cecil B. DeMille produced this masterpiece over 80 years ago and it still retains its great power and reverence. Everyone associated with the production put their heart and soul into this work and it certainly shows on screen. The photography and background music score are to be particularly commended. By the way, any on-screen violence during the scourging and crucifixion sequences were kept to a minimum. Parents can view this film with their children and have no concerns. For some reason, this has very limited play on television in the United States. TCM plays the film twice a year during Easter and Christmas. That cable channel seems to be the only place to watch this wonderful film. The Kino video tape and Criterion DVD release remain available for purchase. The DVD offers the original premiere cut and the shorter sound reissue. Some important sequences are shown in the uncut 155 minute version ( such as Peter's denial of Jesus). The sound reissue version is missing slightly less than 30 minutes and this is the one most people have seen throughout the years. Both versions are superb in their own way. This film will truly touch your heart. By all means, seek it out. A true silent classic.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

The King of Kings

Filming Locations:

Culver Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

DeMille Pictures Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min (1931 re-release) 155 min (DVD) (premiere)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Photophone System) (1931 reissue) Silent Silent (RCA Photophone System)

Color:

Black and White Color (2-strip Technicolor) (some sequences)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1