10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Bible Movie

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Bible Movie

As a child, I was captivated when I first saw the vast desert landscapes of Utah in the Bible movie. The sun-drenched vistas of canyons and sand made me feel like I was walking alongside Jesus through ancient Israel.

Moreover, when I saw Max von Sydow portraying Christ with grace and Charlton Heston depicting John the Baptist’s intensity, it was just as I imagined them from Bible stories.

In this article, I will share fascinating facts I learned about the 50-year odyssey to make this epic film, the all-star cast’s on-set trials, and how the clever timing of its release helped bring Jesus’ journey to audiences like me in an unforgettable way. I cannot wait to take you behind the scenes of this cinematic Biblical experience. Come along. 

Here are 10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Bible Movie.

1. The Bible Movie Took Over 50 Years to Make

The Bible epic, also known as The Greatest Story Ever Told, was directed by George Stevens and released in 1965. But the idea for the film had been in the works for decades. As early as the 1920s, Cecil B. DeMille proposed making a movie about Jesus’ life.

Furthermore, he later wrote The King of Kings in 1927 about Jesus’ story. The Bible Movie was originally conceived in the 1940s by Darryl F. Zanuck of 20th Century Fox. Pre-production started in 1945 but filming didn’t begin until 1958. It took over 50 years, from the initial idea to the film’s completion in 1965.

2. The Bible Movie Had an All-Star Cast

The Bible movie featured a star-studded cast including Max von Sydow as Jesus, Mia Farrow as Mary, and Pat Boone as the angel at Jesus’ tomb. Other notable stars were Charlton Heston as John the Baptist, Sidney Poitier as Simon, Angela Lansbury as Pontius Pilate’s wife, and John Wayne as a Roman soldier.

Additionally, the famous cast gave the film credibility but also drove up production costs significantly. At $20 million, it was one of the most expensive films ever at the time. Getting all the big stars together was remarkable.

3. It Was Filmed in Utah

Photo by Taylor Brandon on Unsplash

The Bible movie was primarily filmed on location in the deserts of Utah. Places like Lake Powell, Glen Canyon, and Dead Horse Point doubled for ancient Israel. The ghost town of Castle Valley became 1st-century Jerusalem.

Besides, the beautiful but harsh landscape provided an ancient look. Filming in 100°F temperatures was not easy. Trucks often got stuck in the sand. But the stunning vistas were perfect for the epic tale. Special gear had to be flown in via helicopters to reach remote areas. The desert shoots added authenticity.

4. The Bible Movie Had a Huge Marketing Campaign

20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios) promoted the Bible movie with an enormous marketing blitz across all media. Newspaper ads proclaimed it the “Greatest Story” ever. The trailer highlighted the famous cast. Telegrams about the film went to over 500,000 clergy.

Besides, tie-in books, records, and clothes were sold. A balloon in Jesus’ image flew over the Hollywood premiere. Over $25 million was spent on advertising alone, more than production costs. The hype aimed to make it a must-see cultural event.

5. Critics Had Mixed Reviews of The Bible Movie

Critics had polarized reactions to the Bible movie when it premiered. Some praised its reverential treatment of the Gospels and grand visuals. Time magazine called it “deeply moving.” But others found the 3.5-hour runtime bloated.

On top of that, esteemed critic Bosley Crowther said the plot “bogs down.” He noted the Western representation of Biblical figures was inaccurate. While it won an Oscar for its score, it was not nominated for Best Picture. Audiences also reacted positively and negatively.

6. It Influenced Later Biblical Films

Despite mixed reviews, the Bible movie influenced future Biblical epics like Ben-Hur (2016 version), The Ten Commandments mini-series (2005- 2006), and Jesus of Nazareth (1977). It set a new standard for bringing scriptural stories to the big screen.

Better still, this movie proved ancient tales could also be vividly dramatized with huge sets, costumes, effects, and design. Later films copied its practice of casting famous stars among huge casts. It proved Biblical movies could draw both religious and general crowds. Although flawed, The Bible movie inspired spectacular Bible films for years after.

7. The Bible Movie Faced Many Production Troubles 

Making the Bible epic was plagued by numerous problems. Elaborate sets like the crucifixion scene were buried by sandstorms. Coordinating thousands of extras took days for one shot. Costume malfunctions happened in the intense heat.

What’s more, key scenes had to be captured quickly before winds ruined the sound. A helicopter crash killed a pilot. Despite the heavenly subject, making the earthly film was filled with remarkable trials from start to finish.

8. It Opened at Easter

The Bible movie was strategically released in February 1965 to coincide with Easter. Opening just before this important Christian holiday would help attract the largest religious audience. Easter marks Jesus’ resurrection, so debuting his life story then was relevant.

To boot, on nearly 900 screens, it opened on Ash Wednesday two months before Easter Sunday. The timing got churchgoers ready for Lent and this poignant Biblical tale. Tying the release to Easter proved a smart distribution decision to reach target viewers.

9. It Won Guild & Grammy Awards

Although the Bible movie missed out on the Oscars, it did receive other awards. The Sound Editors Guild gave it a special award. At the Golden Globes, it won for Alfred Newman’s score—his arrangements of hymns and original music earned praise.

Moreover, at the Grammys, Newman also won for the soundtrack and score. While divisive, these guild and Grammy wins showed the film made strides in technical craftsmanship that were rightfully honored.

10. The Bible Movie Brought Jesus’ Story to Masses

Despite issues, the Bible movie was a major box office success in 1965, ranking among the highest-grossing films then. For many, it represented their first encounter with Jesus’ whole story dramatized. Seeing the Gospels vividly on screen made them more real than words on a page.

Additionally, the hype created huge anticipation to experience the cinematic Bible. While not Biblically accurate, it brought the essence and emotion of the ancient tales to life. The movie lets audiences feel like they were there with Christ through his journey. That visceral connection for the masses was its greatest achievement.

The Bible movie is not just a film but a cultural phenomenon that has left a mark on the world of cinema. From its record-breaking production to its enduring legacy, it continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the globe. So, the next time you revisit this epic tale, remember these 10 fascinating facts and discover the Bible movie in a whole new light.