King of Kings (1961)

My Review

“King of Kings” is a reenactment of the life of Jesus Christ from His birth and ministry to His crucifixion and resurrection. Director Nicholas Ray (“Rebel Without a Cause” 1955) did an outstanding job of filling the movie with excellent production values, memorable performances, and good writing. The tight screenplay was written by Philip Yordan, accurately adapted from the New Testament Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The talented cast includes Jeffrey Hunter as Jesus, Siobhan McKenna as Mary, Hurd Hatfield as Pontius Pilate, Harry Guardino as Barabbus, Rip Torn as Judas Iscariot, Royal Dano as Peter, Robert Ryan as John the Baptist, Gerard Tichy as Joseph, Maurice Marsac as Nicodemus, Guy Rolfe as Caiaphas, Carmen Sevilla as Mary Magdalene, Frank Thring as Harod Antipas, Gregoire Aslan as Herod the Great, Luis Prendes as the penitent thief, Ruben Rojo as Matthew, Antonio Mayans as John the Apostle, Michael Wager as Thomas, and Orson Welles as the narrator.

The very watchable “King of Kings” was a big hit in theatrical release for Samuel Bronston Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The film was the sixth highest grossing film of 1961, with a running time of nearly three hours.