Jesus of Nazareth 

Beginning before the Nativity and extending through the Crucifixion and Resurrection, this mini-series brings to life all of the sweeping drama in the life of Jesus, as told by the Gospels.

Stars:

Robert Powell, Olivia Hussey, Laurence Olivier

Top Rated TV #195 | Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Robert Powell	...	Jesus Christ 2 episodes, 1977
Anne Bancroft	...	Mary Magdalene 2 episodes, 1977
Ernest Borgnine	...	The Centurion 2 episodes, 1977
James Farentino	...	Simon Peter 2 episodes, 1977
Ian McShane	...	Judas Iscariot 2 episodes, 1977
Christopher Plummer	...	Herod Antipas 2 episodes, 1977
Olivia Hussey	...	Virgin Mary 2 episodes, 1977
Tony Vogel	...	Andrew 2 episodes, 1977
John Duttine	...	John the Evangelist 2 episodes, 1977
Michael York	...	John the Baptist 2 episodes, 1977
Jonathan Muller	...	James I 2 episodes, 1977
Claudia Cardinale	...	The Adulteress / ... 2 episodes, 1977
Valentina Cortese	...	Herodias 2 episodes, 1977
Sergio Nicolai	...	James II 2 episodes, 1977
James Mason	...	Joseph of Arimathea 2 episodes, 1977
Laurence Olivier	...	Nicodemus 2 episodes, 1977
Anthony Quinn	...	Caiaphas 2 episodes, 1977
Rod Steiger	...	Pontius Pilate 2 episodes, 1977
John Eastham	...	Bartholomew 2 episodes, 1977
Ian Holm	...	Zerah 2 episodes, 1977
Ian Bannen	...	Amos 2 episodes, 1977
Keith Skinner	...	Obessed Boy / ... 2 episodes, 1977
Keith Washington	...	Matthew 2 episodes, 1977
Isabel Mestres	...	Salome 2 episodes, 1977
David Garfield	...	Amos 2 episodes, 1977
Robert Rietty	...	Various small roles 2 episodes, 1977
Nikki Van der Zyl	...	Salome 2 episodes, 1977

Storyline

Beginning before the Nativity and extending through the Crucifixion and Resurrection, this mini-series brings to life all of the sweeping drama in the life of Jesus, as told by the Gospels.

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Plot Keywords:

resurrection | epic | john the baptist | ancient rome | religious sword and sandal | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Country:

Italy UK

Language:

English Syriac

Release Date:

3 April 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jesus of Nazareth

Filming Locations:

Durango, Mexico

Company Credits

Production Co:

ITC Films, RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana

Technical Specs

Runtime:

382 min 180 min (2 episodes) 237 min (theatrical)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to Ernest Borgnine (The Centurion), many local extras had to be dubbed because they couldn't speak English very well. Director Franco Zeffirelli decided to avoid recording sound altogether in many parts, and simply sent the principal actors and actresses to dub their own characters in the studio later.

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Goofs

The celebration of becoming a Bar Mitzvah, which Jesus is shown participating in, was not developed until medieval times.

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Alternate Versions

For Easter 2016, the UK's Sky Arts channel showed one part a day over the 4 days of Easter. They used the extended 4 parts of 120 minutes each version, totaling 8 hours with advertising.

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Connections

Version of The Passion of the Christ (2004)

User Reviews

Great for Families

I have watched this film for many years with my family. Each year we follow the life of Jesus through Holy Week and Easter Sunday. The director has made this a film that is understandable for all ages and makes the realism unique. I would highly recommend this film for families. Even though I loved "The Passion of the Christ," I found this film easier to view for the family. Maybe we'll watch in earnest when the kids are a little older, teens perhaps. All in all this film takes you through an understanding of life as it would have been seen through the eyes of the common person. Perhaps it is this reality that allows people to gravitate toward a love for the film and a commitment to making the viewing of it each year and family tradition. Looking for a great family movie to help teach the faith, this is it.