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IMDbPro

King of Kings

  • 19611961
  • PG-13PG-13
  • 2h 48m
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
8.3K
YOUR RATING
King of Kings (1961)
Official Trailer
Play trailer3:24
2 Videos
99+ Photos
BiographyDrama
The temporary physical life of the Biblical Savior, Jesus Christ.The temporary physical life of the Biblical Savior, Jesus Christ.The temporary physical life of the Biblical Savior, Jesus Christ.
IMDb RATING
7.0/10
8.3K
YOUR RATING
    • Nicholas Ray
    • Philip Yordan(screenplay)
    • Ray Bradbury(narration)
  • Stars
    • Jeffrey Hunter
    • Siobhan McKenna
    • Hurd Hatfield
    • Nicholas Ray
    • Philip Yordan(screenplay)
    • Ray Bradbury(narration)
  • Stars
    • Jeffrey Hunter
    • Siobhan McKenna
    • Hurd Hatfield
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 134User reviews
    • 48Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards

    Videos2

    King of Kings
    Trailer 3:24
    Watch King of Kings
    King of Kings
    Trailer 1:40
    Watch King of Kings

    Photos126

    Frank Thring in King of Kings (1961)
    Rita Gam at an event for King of Kings (1961)
    King of Kings (1961)
    Jeffrey Hunter in King of Kings (1961)
    Jeffrey Hunter in King of Kings (1961)
    King of Kings (1961)
    King of Kings (1961)
    Jeffrey Hunter in King of Kings (1961)
    Jeffrey Hunter in King of Kings (1961)
    Jeffrey Hunter in King of Kings (1961)
    King of Kings (1961)
    King of Kings (1961)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Jeffrey Hunter
    Jeffrey Hunter
    • Jesus
    Siobhan McKenna
    Siobhan McKenna
    • Mary
    Hurd Hatfield
    Hurd Hatfield
    • Pontius Pilate
    Ron Randell
    Ron Randell
    • Lucius
    Viveca Lindfors
    Viveca Lindfors
    • Claudia
    Rita Gam
    Rita Gam
    • Herodias
    Carmen Sevilla
    Carmen Sevilla
    • Mary Magdalene
    Brigid Bazlen
    Brigid Bazlen
    • Salome
    Harry Guardino
    Harry Guardino
    • Barabbas
    Rip Torn
    Rip Torn
    • Judas
    Frank Thring
    Frank Thring
    • Herod Antipas
    Guy Rolfe
    Guy Rolfe
    • Caiaphas
    Royal Dano
    Royal Dano
    • Peter
    Robert Ryan
    Robert Ryan
    • John The Baptist
    Edric Connor
    • Balthazar
    Maurice Marsac
    Maurice Marsac
    • Nicodemus
    Grégoire Aslan
    Grégoire Aslan
    • Herod
    • (as Gregoire Aslan)
    George Coulouris
    George Coulouris
    • Camel Driver
      • Nicholas Ray
      • Philip Yordan(screenplay)
      • Ray Bradbury(narration) (uncredited)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The crucifixion scene had to be re-shot because a preview audience was offended at Jesus having a hairy chest.
    • Goofs
      At the temple at the beginning of the film, a Star of David can be seen on the temple. The Star of David didn't become a symbol of Judaism until the Middle Ages, in Europe.
    • Quotes

      [Jesus is mending a chair for the Virgin Mary, but has to leave for Jerusalem]

      Jesus: The chair will have to wait until I return.

      Virgin Mary: [having a vague premonition of Jesus' arrest, trial and death] The chair will never be mended. I am going with you.

    • Connections
      Featured in Manila in the Claws of Light (1975)

    User reviews134

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    Beautiful, dignified, reverent -- one of the best.
    The story of Jesus has been told many times from the very beginning of the movies, but this version, underrated when first released, is one of the best.

    KING OF KINGS creates and sustains a dignified yet highly entertaining tone that is unique among biblical epics. The screenplay is extremely intelligent and effective, concentrating not just on Jesus, but on the society and personalities that surround him. Pilate, Caiaphas, Mary, John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene, the apostles, and a sublimely oversexed Salome are all well-drawn characters and well-cast, especially in contrast to the uncomfortable "superstar cameo" approach George Stevens used in his inferior "Greatest Story Ever Told".

    The political background is well handled, making clear the wish of Judas and others that Jesus foment a revolution to free the Jews from Roman rule.

    Handsome, myopic Jeffrey Hunter may not be a great actor, but his low-key, measured performance matches the overall design of the film very well. Orson Welles' rapt, mellifluous narration is a plus, as is Roschka's passionate musical score.

    Definitely see this letter-boxed to appreciate the gorgeous scenery, photography, and spectacular scenes.
    helpful•21
    3
    • fwmurnau
    • Apr 15, 2001

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 30, 1961 (United States)
      • United States
      • English
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • El Fresno, Ávila, Castilla y León, Spain
    • Production company
      • Samuel Bronston Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • 2 hours 48 minutes
      • Color

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