David and Bathsheba (1951)
Monday, April 11 at Midnight ET / 9pm PT
A grand retelling of the Old Testament story of King David. Though well-loved by his loyal subjects, King David, a war hero, has finally met a force that he cannot contend with: love.
Having fallen for the beautiful Bathsheba, the beloved king must now find a way to handle her husband, Uriah. David sends Uriah, one of his most trusted soldiers, into a deadly battle, which ensures the fate of Bathsheba's husband and begins King David's downward spiral. The once-mighty king's eventual neglect for his kingdom and people incurs the wrath of God, who in turn destroys much of the country.
Photos
Esther and the King (1960)
Tuesday, April 12 at Midnight ET / 9pm PT
Joan Collins stars as Esther in this biblical melodrama. Set in Persia in the 4th century B.C., recently widowed King Ahasuerus (Richard Egan) is trying to defeat his enemy, Haman, who is leading a campaign of hatred against the Jews. After many intrigues, including the competing affection of another attractive woman, King Ahasuerus marries Esther and defeats the villainous Haman. The film was directed by Raoul Walsh, and also features Denis O'Dea. It also features a mostly Italian cast and crew with Mario Bava helming an Italian language version.
Photos
The Story of Ruth (1960)
Wednesday, April 13 at Midnight ET / 9pm PT
Plucked from the Old Testament, the story revolves around the character of Ruth, a pagan priestess who serves in her temple under the High Priestess, and who falls in love with a Hebrew man named Mahlon. This love brings her spiritual beliefs into question as she has trouble reconciling her pagan religion with his belief in one invisible deity. By the time they marry, she has decided to convert to Judaism, but her newfound spiritual beliefs are put to the test when Mahlon dies.
Photos
Salome (1953)
Friday, April 15 at Midnight ET /9pm PT
Desperate to save the life of the radical Christian preacher John the Baptist, Princess Salome (Rita Hayworth) pleads to her stepfather, King Herod of Galilee (Charles Laughton), for mercy. Fearing that a prophecy about John being a holy man is true, Herod agrees to grant Salome’s wish after she performs the seductive Dance of the Seven Veils…until the promise of having the beautiful princess to himself overpowers his compassion and he orders John’s execution.
Photos
The Robe (1953)
Monday, April 18 at Midnight ET /9pm PT
The first movie ever filmed in CinemaScope, The Robe Won 2 Oscars® and was nominated for another three. Best Actor nominee RICHARD BURTON stars as Marcellus Gallio, the Roman centurion charged with overseeing the crucifixion of Jesus. But when he wins Christ's robe in a gambling game at the foot of the cross, his life is changed forever. This inspired story set to a spectacular score features an all-star cast including Victor MATURE and Jean SIMMONS, and remains one of the screen's greatest Biblical epics.
Photos
Demetrius And The Gladiators (1954)
Tuesday, April 19 at Midnight ET / 9pm PT
In this sequel to "The Robe," Demetrius fights for his life in the arenas of Rome and eventually challenges Caligula for possession of Christ's sacred garment.
Photos
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) –
Part One: Wednesday, April 20 at Midnight ET / 9pm PT
Part Two: Thursday, April 21 at Midnight ET / 9pm PT
Director George Stevens disavowed gimmicks and in his epic retelling of the Four Gospels of the New Testament, set this dramatization in a panoramic framework of splendidly evocative backgrounds, including the astonishing buttes of Utah. Jesus is portrayed by Max Von Sydow in a difficult and highly praised performance. A huge all-star cast (including Charlton Heston as John the Baptist) animate the vast landscape of the film. Based on the Bible, Fulton Oursler’s "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and radio scripts by Henry Denker. Carl Sandburg was a Creative Associate.
Photos
Apocalypse (2010)
Thursday, April 21 at 10pm ET / 7pm PT
Friday, April 22 at Midnight ET / 9pm PT
Distinguished screen actor Richard Harris portrays the aged apostle John, prisoner on Patmos and prey to physically and emotionally depleting visions that he records for posterity - as admonishment and warning to all mankind. Also stars Vittoria Belvedere, Benjamin Sadler, Christian Kohlund, Bruce Payne, and Ian Duncan.
i've always found the over-the-top performances of jay robinson's caligula hugely entertaining
ReplyDeletewhile mature outshines burton in "the robe" he becomes more wooden in the "gladiators" which was panned by the critics to no one's suprise - but they remain two of my favorite movies
donald pleasance's underplayed satanic performance in "the greatest story..." was inspired but i didn't care for the movie much
i'll have to put the others on my list
i've tried explaining cinemascope to my kids, but they don't seem to really get it and never fail to ask what the "intermission" and "overture" segments of the movies mean on the dvd, no matter how many times i tell them.