The Story of Ruth (1960)

Inspired by the scriptural tale. Moabitess priestess Ruth is drawn both to a Judean man and to his talk of a forgiving God. After tragedy strikes, she begins a new life in Bethlehem.

Director:

Henry Koster

Writer:

Norman Corwin

Stars:

Stuart Whitman, Tom Tryon, Peggy Wood

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Stuart Whitman	...	Boaz
Tom Tryon	...	Mahlon
Peggy Wood	...	Naomi
Viveca Lindfors	...	Eleilat
Jeff Morrow	...	Tob
Elana Eden	...	Ruth
Thayer David	...	Hedak
Les Tremayne	...	Elimelech
Eduard Franz	...	Jehoam
Leo Fuchs	...	Sochin
Lili Valenty	...	Kera
John Gabriel	...	Chilion
Ziva Rodann	...	Orpah
Basil Ruysdael	...	Shammah
John Banner	...	King of Moab

Storyline

Inspired by the tale from Hebrew scriptures and the Christian Bible, the Moabitess child Ruth is sold to the temple of Chemosh. Years pass and she serves as a priestess to the idol. While arranging a temple ritual, she encounters a Judean family of artisans: Elimelech, his wife Naomi, their sons Chilion and Mahlon, and daughter-in-law Orpah. Ruth is curious about their God, and begins to meet secretly with Mahlon. After tragedy strikes, Ruth follows Naomi and begins a new life in Bethlehem...

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Plot Keywords:

priestess | hebrew | israel | mother in law daughter in law relationship | based on the bible | 

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Taglines:

An Epic of Faith and Devotion!

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 June 1960 (USA)

Also Known As:

La historia de Ruth

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Twentieth Century Fox

Technical Specs

Runtime:

132 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The role of Ruth was intended for Susan Strasberg - who was tested for the part - but the studio decided to go for an unknown.

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Goofs

As Ruth and Naomi enter Bethlehem the white donkey is in the lead but the next moment it is the other donkey that is in the lead without a change in order.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Jehoam: Yonder is a city whose name will one day be known in the far places of the Earth... Bethlehem of Judah. Generations have yet to pass before its star shall rise in the east. Much shall happen in these lands and be told. For nearby, across the Jordan in the land of Moab, lives a people who of old have hated the God of Israel and who serve a god of stone, Chemosh, thirsty for the blood of the young and the innocent.

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Connections

Version of The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith (2009)

User Reviews

This is really a good movie!

I have always liked biblical epics and thought that I'd seen them all, but while watching a feature on them I saw listed "The Story of Ruth." I knew nothing of this story of the Old Testament, so I purchased the DVD. The film, made in 1960, shortly after the release of "Ben Hur" was not an epic in the sense of 'a cast of thousands' with big name stars, but rather a simply told story, both moving and charmingly portrayed by a cast who excelled in their respective roles and brilliantly directed by Henry Coaster, with a literate script by Norman Corwin. Stuart Whitman was never better than in his role as Boaz and newcomer Elana Eden was stunningly beautiful and very impressive as Ruth. In fact, it surprises me that her career waned after "Story of Ruth." The always great Peggy Wood was Oscar worthy as Naomi and the rest of the players were also well cast. Franz Waxman's score was moving and added a reverence to the entire film. It seemed pretty accurate for the most part. I wondered if there was any truth to the fact that Ruth was sold to the Moabites by her father, as my sources (Biblical dictionaries) are pretty concise. To summarize, I must say that I really enjoyed this film!