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I. INTRODUCTORY DOCUMENTARY:
THE BIBLE ACCORDING TO HOLLYWOOD (1994)
A lively documentary loaded with fascinating movie clips surveying how
Hollywood has treated the Bible in over a century of cinematic history. |
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II. 2 SILENT FILMS:
 THE LIFE, PASSION & DEATH OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST (1903)
One of the earliest “Jesus Movies” ever made, it is delightful
to watch for its charming and unapologetic approach to Scripture and for
the special effects it incorporated into the new art form.
NOAH’S ARK (1929)
The biblical story of Noah and the Great Flood with a parallel story of
soldiers caught in the First World War. Director Michael Curtiz created
one of the most notable disaster movies of all time. |
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III. THE SHOESTRING SPECTACULAR
 THE
SILVER CHALICE (1955)
A Greek artisan is commissioned to cast a reliquary around the cup used
by Christ at the Last Supper. He travels to Jerusalem and Rome and meets
Simon the Magician along the way. Paul Newman ‘s first starring role
in a film both castigated and admired as high kitsch. |
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IV. AVANT-GARDE
SALOME (1923)
America’s first ART FILM, this interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s
play stars flamboyant Alla Nazimova with costumes and sets designed by
Natacha Rambova (Rudolph Valentino’s wife) in the style of Aubrey
Beardsley
 THE SECOND COMING (1992)
Authorities accuse a Black man wearing dreadlocks who calls himself Jesus
of being a lunatic. Actor Blair Underwood made this film with his father,
a Baptist minister. |
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V. THE ITALIAN SPECTACULAR
 FABIOLA (1948)
Fabiola, the daughter of a senator in ancient Rome, gets caught up in a
love affair with a Christian who is later accused of assassinating him.
As Constantine marches on the city, Christians are persecuted, tortured,
and killed as pagan Rome makes one last effort to restore its old traditions.
This is the film that set the new post-war standard for “sword and
sandal” spectaculars. |
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VI. THE DEMILLE SPECTACULAR
 THE SIGN OF THE CROSS (1932)
After burning Rome, Emperor Nero decides to blame the Christians and a
bloody persecution commences. But the highest military officer in Rome
falls in love with one of them incurring the wrath of both the Emperor
and his jealous wife Poppaea. Charles Laughton plays Nero and Claudette
Colbert plays the Empress Poppaea, billed as “the wickedest woman
in the world.” |
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TUE
DEC 12
5:30 pm |
VII. A HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTER
 QUO VADIS (1951)
A military hero returns to Rome and falls in love with a Christian woman.
Set against the spectacle of Nero’s Rome, this film was a financial
and critical success and brought actor Peter Ustinov many awards for his
portrayal of the crazed Emperor. |
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