Speaking of Biblical Epics

Today being Easter, TCM played two of the more well-known epic movie versions of the story of the Savior, "King of Kings", and "The Greatest Story Ever Told".  Considering this to be an Easter-appropriate activity, I came home from Church and spent the rest of the afternoon watching them.  Both have their merits, but I thought it would be interesting to do a comparison.  So here goes...

King of Kings

What it's got going for it - Jeffrey Hunter as Jesus, Robert Ryan as John the Baptist, and an original story concerning the politics of Judea at the time.  There's plenty of intrigue and action, and Jeffery Hunter gives a really nice portrayal of the Savior.  

Cons - The same original story.  If you're looking for a story that holds closely to that told in the Gospels, this isn't it.  And I'd bet it was filmed in Italy, since quite a few of the actors appear to not be quite in sync with the dialog.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

What it's got going for it - Filmed in Southern Utah, there's terrific local scenery.  It's very faithful (with a few exceptions) to the text of the Gospels, and it has a really beautiful music score by Alfred Newman.  There's also a host of cameo appearances, Dorothy Mcguire, Charlton Heston, John Wayne, Claude Rains, Jose Ferrer, and Telly Savalas to name a few.

Cons - I hate to say it, but the biggest con for this one is that Max Von Sydow is a creepy Jesus.  His hairstyle is wrong, and he's just, well creepy.  If you have sharp eyes, you'll see Jamie Farr as one of the twelve disciples.  But after being used to seeing him in a dress for 10 years on MASH, it really throws me off.

The Ten Commandments

It's Easter, and the Passover season, which means it's that time of year again for ABC to broadcast the 1956 version of "The Ten Commandments".  Sure, by today's standards it's too long, it's corny and it's over the top.  But really, who does not love Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner.  It's got a cast of thousands (literally), and the special effects are very cool for their time - not in CGI either. It's the one time a year other than Christmas, where the country sits down together to learn about God's law, and how he saves those who put their trust in Him.  Here's hoping that ABC continues this tradition as long as there's TV.  So let it be written, so let it be done.

R.I.P. Farley Granger

There's been a lot said and written about the passing of Liz Taylor last week. But I doubt anyone payed much attention to the passing of another classic star a few days later.  His name was Farley Granger.  Most of you have probably never heard of him, but he was a pretty big star in the 40's and early 50's, and he was a favorite of Alfred Hitchcock.  He was also mighty handsome.  In later years, he worked a lot in European films, as well as on the stage.  If you get a chance, you should check him out in the following movies:

Strangers on a Train - In this movie, Granger plays a man eager to leave his marriage to his cheating wife.  On a train home, he happens to meet another passenger, played by Robert Walker, who is eager to be rid of his overbearing Mother.  In the process of their conversation, Robert Walker proposes that they take care of each other's problems. Incredibly suspenseful, this movie has one of the coolest final scenes ever.  (Note: This picture inspired the later movie "Throw Momma From The Train").  

Rope - Another Hitchcock picture, this one is an experimental film, in that it all takes place in "real time".  In it, Granger plays a young thrill killer, and James Stewart is a prosecutor out to prove how Granger did it.

They Live By Night - Probably my favorite movie of his, directed by Nicholas Ray, who later went on to direct "Rebel Without a Cause".  In this one, Granger plays a young ex-con, in love with a girl, trying desperately to go straight.  No matter how hard he tries, and even with the best of intentions, he keeps getting gradually sucked back in to a life of crime.