The Bible has inspired a lot more than followers.
Hollywood has made enough money telling the story of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection to give even a nonbeliever pause.
In celebration of Easter, we looked at a few of the movies and shows connected with today’s holiday. The seven we found collectively earned 27 Academy Award nominations and more than half a billion dollars at the box office.
Most focus on Christ, some use Easter itself as a backdrop, and one is, admittedly, a television special.
“The Passion of the Christ,” 2004
Starring: Mount Vernon native Jim Caviezel. Nothing says Easter like an R-rated Mel Gibson flick. Despite — or is it because of? — loads of controversy, this movie became a smash, earning $371 million in theaters. The graphic retelling of Christ’s death now sits at No. 12 on a list of the highest grossing movies of all time, between “Spider-Man 2” and “Jurassic Park.”
“Ben-Hur,” 1959
Starring: Charlton Heston
Based on an 1880 novel, “Ben-Hur” had been adapted into a silent movie long before Heston laid hands on it. His square-jawed portrayal of the merchant-turned-slave became a blockbuster, however, winning a record 11 Academy Awards. It remains a critical favorite, lauded for its thrilling chariot race and epic scope.
“Jesus Christ Superstar,” 1973
Starring: Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson
The songwriting team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice scored their first hit with the biblically inspired “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Rather than mess with success, the two used the good book for their follow-up, a psychedelic take on Christ’s betrayal that turned the part of Judas Iscariot into a starring role.
“The Greatest Story Ever Told,” 1965
Starring: Max von Sydow
Critics and audiences alike shrugged over this epic, meant to be a crowning achievement for director George Stevens. Some were distracted by the cameos: John Wayne as “The Centurion,” Pat Boone as “Young Man at the Tomb,” and Shelley Winters as “Woman of No Name.” Others simply thought it fell short of its grandiose title.
“The Robe,” 1953
Starring: Richard Burton, Jean Simmons
Upon its release, “The Robe” was famous for two things: being adapted from a best-selling book and giving audiences their first look at CinemaScope, a new technology that doubled the width of movie screens. Today, the film lives on in a newly restored Blu-ray DVD released in March, and may be best known as one of the first hits for Burton (above, center).
“Easter Parade,” 1948
Starring: Fred Astaire, Judy Garland
Astaire starred in this musical as a New York dancer who loses his partner — and girlfriend — at Easter time. He quickly recruits a new partner, played by Garland, and the two fall in love, dancing through a collection of Irving Berlin songs such as “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” and, of course, “Easter Parade.”
“It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown,” 1974
Charles Schulz wrote the story for this television special, which finds Linus trying to sell the Peanuts gang on the Easter Beagle. A dubious Sally mentions that Linus’ story of the Great Pumpkin didn’t come true. His response: “This is different. That was Halloween. This is Easter.”
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com
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