MovieChat Forums > The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) Discussion > Casting

Casting

posted 19 years ago by Williliwaw
2 replies | jump to latest

This slow and very boring movie was a very big disappointment. I remember catching up on some much needed sleep when I saw it.

Max Von Sydow a great actor had NO Charisma playing the most charismatic figure in History. Jennifer Jones always wanted to play Mary Magdalene and her star power would have energized this movie a bit. Perhaps George Stevens found dealing with David Selznick too difficult. Other than Tender Is The Night Jennifer made no movies in the early 60's so she could not have been 'busy'
I thougt John Wayne --a truly iconic star if ever was one--ridiculous in this movie..

Much was made of George Stevens filming this movie in the US West versus the Holy Lands and also that the interior were done at Desilu Culver..George Stevens took over the entire lot and funny story he was directing the Hail Caesar scenes and Lucy Ball stopped by to say hi and see if everything was going okay..and the extras all yelled "Hail Lucy, Hail Lucy".

[–] wallacesawyer 16 years ago

I really liked Max as Jesus. Didn't like the hair, as it wasn't traditional, but I'll live.

Think Max was a fatherly figure kind of Jesus.

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[–] tracyfigueira 16 years ago

The historical Jesus probably did have short hair. If he hadn't, the Apostle Paul would never have said that flowing locks on a man are disgraceful.