“Barabbus” is a Biblical epic film telling the story of what could have happened to Barabbus, the criminal chosen by the crowd for release instead of Jesus Christ, just before His crucifixion, as recorded in all four Gospels. The film was produced by Dino De Laurentiis, a great movie-maker and showman who always employs top-rate production values. This movie is no different, with focused direction by Richard Fleischer (“The Vikings” 1958) and a marvelous screenplay by Christopher Fry. It was adapted from the 1950 novel “Barabbus” by Par Laverkvist.
Anthony Quinn stars in the title role, lending his considerable acting skills to this classic motion picture. Co-stars include Arthur Kennedy as Pontius Pilate, Jack Palance as a gladiator, Silvana Mangano as Rachel, Harry Andrews as Peter, and Ernest Borgnine as Lucius. Other actors featured are Katy Jurado, Vittorio Gassman, Valentina Cortese, Guido Celano, Enrico Glori, Carlo Giustini, Joe Robinson, Maria Zanoli, and Sharon Tate in an uncredited small part.
Cinematographer Aldo Tonti filmed numerous scenes in the beautiful Italian countryside, in and around Verona and Rome. A big feature was the battle of gladiators in a huge mockup of the Colosseum at Cinecitta studio in Rome. The Crucifixion scene was shot during an actual total eclipse of the sun on Feb. 15, 1961.
“Barabbus” was successful in theatrical release for producer Dino De Laurentiis, Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica, and Columbia Pictures.
Barabbus (1961)
cinema
My Review
“Barabbus” is a Biblical epic film telling the story of what could have happened to Barabbus, the criminal chosen by the crowd for release instead of Jesus Christ, just before His crucifixion, as recorded in all four Gospels. The film was produced by Dino De Laurentiis, a great movie-maker and showman who always employs top-rate production values. This movie is no different, with focused direction by Richard Fleischer (“The Vikings” 1958) and a marvelous screenplay by Christopher Fry. It was adapted from the 1950 novel “Barabbus” by Par Laverkvist.
Anthony Quinn stars in the title role, lending his considerable acting skills to this classic motion picture. Co-stars include Arthur Kennedy as Pontius Pilate, Jack Palance as a gladiator, Silvana Mangano as Rachel, Harry Andrews as Peter, and Ernest Borgnine as Lucius. Other actors featured are Katy Jurado, Vittorio Gassman, Valentina Cortese, Guido Celano, Enrico Glori, Carlo Giustini, Joe Robinson, Maria Zanoli, and Sharon Tate in an uncredited small part.
Cinematographer Aldo Tonti filmed numerous scenes in the beautiful Italian countryside, in and around Verona and Rome. A big feature was the battle of gladiators in a huge mockup of the Colosseum at Cinecitta studio in Rome. The Crucifixion scene was shot during an actual total eclipse of the sun on Feb. 15, 1961.
“Barabbus” was successful in theatrical release for producer Dino De Laurentiis, Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica, and Columbia Pictures.