The Message (1976)

This epic historical drama chronicles the life and times of Muhammad and serves as an introduction to early Islamic history.

Director:

Moustapha Akkad

Writers:

H.A.L. Craig, Tewfik El-Hakim

Stars:

Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, Michael Ansara

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anthony Quinn	...	Hamza
Irene Papas	...	Hind
Michael Ansara	...	Abu Sofyan
Johnny Sekka	...	Bilal
Michael Forest	...	Khalid
Garrick Hagon	...	Ammar
Damien Thomas	...	Zaid
André Morell	...	Abu-Talib
Martin Benson	...	Abu-Jahal
Robert Brown	...	Otba
Rosalie Crutchley	...	Somaya
Bruno Barnabe	...	Umaya
Neville Jason	...	Jaafar
John Bennett	...	Salool
Donald Burton	...	Amr

Storyline

In the 7th century, Mohammed, Peace Be Upon Him, is visited by Angel Gabriel who urges him to lead the people of Mecca and worship God. But they're exiled in Medina before returning to Mecca to take up arms against their oppressors and liberate their city in the name of God (Allah).

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Plot Keywords:

7th century | mecca | key character never on screen | prophet | epic | 

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Taglines:

In four decades only four... "The Robe" "The Ten Commandments" "Ben-Hur" and now... For the first time...the vast, spectacular drama that changed the world!

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Genres:

Adventure | Biography | Drama | History | War

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

Lebanon Libya Kuwait Morocco UK Saudi Arabia

Language:

English Arabic

Release Date:

8 July 1977 (France)

Also Known As:

Mohammad: Messenger of God

Filming Locations:

Libya

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$15,000,000, 31 December 1977

Company Credits

Production Co:

Filmco International Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

177 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Germany) Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In July 1976, five days before the film opened in London's West End, threatening phone calls to a cinema prompted Moustapha Akkad to change the title from Mohammed, Messenger of God to The Message, at a cost of £50,000.

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Quotes

Hamza: The Prophet is seeing you! You are not to rob or try to perish this. And if a rogue does, cut him loose. I said, cut them loose and give them water and share your food, equal mouth-fulls. And if they walk, walk beside them. Any prisoner who can teach 10 Muslims to read will go free.

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Alternate Versions

Director Moustafa Akkad wanted the story to be told in English, so people all around the world could enjoy it. Also, he felt he needed to pay a tribute to the Middle East, where it took place. So two versions were shot on location simultaneously. There were two actors for each role and the one that is well known now is the English Version, starring Anthony Quinn. However, "Al Risalah" (the Arabic movie) is the other well known version in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding countries.

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Connections

Alternate-language version of The Message (1976)

User Reviews

Definitely worth seeing!

This is a truly excellent movie. It is quite long, but has a beautiful score and engaging story.. Anthony Quinn is terrific.. The movie also provides a short overview of the early years of Islam and the story of its prophet Mohammad.