Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Film version of the musical stage play, presenting the last few weeks of Christ's life told in an anachronistic manner.

Director:

Norman Jewison

Writers:

Melvyn Bragg (screenplay: based upon the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" by), Norman Jewison (screenplay: based upon the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" by)

Stars:

Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ted Neeley	...	Jesus Christ
Carl Anderson	...	Judas Iscariot
Yvonne Elliman	...	Mary Magdalene
Barry Dennen	...	Pontius Pilate
Bob Bingham	...	Caiaphas
Larry Marshall	...	Simon Zealotes (as Larry T. Marshall)
Josh Mostel	...	King Herod (as Joshua Mostel)
Kurt Yaghjian	...	Annas
Paul Thomas	...	Peter (as Philip Toubus)
Pi Douglass	...	Apostle
Robert LuPone	...	Apostle James
Jonathan Wynne	...	Apostle
Thommie Walsh	...	Apostle Thaddeus
Richard Molinare	...	Apostle Andrew
David Devir	...	Apostle

Storyline

Based on a concept album project written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and the subsequent long-running Broadway performance, this film tells the story of the final 6 days in the life of Jesus Christ through the troubled eyes of Judas Iscariot. Too often mis-labeled a musical, this film is a "rock opera." There are no spoken lines, everything is sung.

---

Plot Keywords:

babe | rock opera | palestinian | palestine | mary magdalene character | 

---

Taglines:

and now the film...

---

Genres:

Drama | History | Musical

---

Certificate:

G

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 August 1973 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jesucristo Superstar

Filming Locations:

Avdat, Israel

Box Office

Gross USA:

$24,477,615

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (Westrex Recording System) (70 mm prints) Mono (35 mm optical prints) 4-Track Stereo (35 mm magnetic prints)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

At a cast reunion, director Norman Jewison recalled that while shooting the film, all of the electricians disappeared one day. He was told that there was a skirmish, and the crew members all had to go fight, as all Israeli adults are in the army. The electricians returned, victorious, two days later. (Commentary from Superstars (2015) bonus material.)

---

Goofs

In "Superstar" Judas sings "Could Muhammad move a mountain / Or was that just PR?" The story of the crucifixion is set circa A.D. 30-33, more than 500 years before Muhammad's birth.

---

Quotes

Jesus: Father, forgive them... they don't know... what they're doing!

---

Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Manhunt in Space (1992)

---

Soundtracks

King Herod's Song
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Performed by Josh Mostel (as Joshua Mostel)

User Reviews

Superstar Rocks!

Speaking for the younger generation, I've never seen anything like it. This movie hit theaters 6 years before I was born and I only just saw it now in Nov. 2004. and I was so moved that I had to comment. Visually it was psychedelic, and the editing matches the music masterfully.

The music rocks! Carl Anderson is beyond amazing as Judas, and ALL of the performances are really magnetic. I love singing along with Annas, Jesus, and Kiafass. I mostly listen to KoRn and Rap, so I never expected to remember (rock opera) lyrics and run around performing them. The feeling I got when 1st "experiencing" the movie was trippy. Similar to a live concert. The movie is outstanding and in my opinion will last for generations and generations. It speaks to a part of my soul and spirit.It says "right on" "rock on"