Pontius Pilate (1962) User Reviews

PONTIUS PILATE (Irving Rapper and Gian Paolo Callegari, 1962) **1/2

[Bunuel1976 · 6/10 · 21 November 2007]

Best-known for a string of Bette Davis tear-jerkers, director Rapper had previously overseen another Italian Biblical epic, Joseph AND HIS BRETHREN (1960), but he would subsequently direct just two more movies in Hollywood.

Despite a general air of overfamiliarity to the proceedings, the film is quite watchable as it unveils – and only falls apart in its last third, when the Jesus trials take center-stage. This is because the figure of Jesus had only been mentioned fleetingly before (even by the Pharisees) and suddenly the whole of Judea turns against him for no apparent reason (other than, it seems, because that's what did happen according to the Bible)! In fact, before this unconvincing about-face, the figure of High Priest Caiaphas (Basil Rathbone) was a sympathetic one fighting with dignity for the plight of his oppressed people. Another uncharacteristic event is the fact that, according to this version, it is Judas (John Drew Barrymore) who convinces the Pharisees that Jesus is dangerous, and it is they alone who capture him at Gethsemane!!

Whatever the flaws in the many-handed script (seven writers in total!), they are redeemed by competent production values and a good cast: Jean Marais (rather stiff in the title role), Jeanne Crain (as Pilate's wife), Leticia Roman (a Judean girl Pilate falls for), Roger Treville (as Roman's powerful merchant father), Massimo Serato (as Nicodemus), Riccardo Garrone (as Pilate's faithful lieutenant), Gianni Garko (as one of a bald-headed[!] Barabbas' rebels) and Raffaella Carra' (as Garko's girl); according to the IMDb, Paul Muller and Dante Di Paolo also appear but, personally, I didn't recognize them! Interestingly enough, the events unfold in flashback at Pilate's own trial before an uncredited Emperor Caligula...with the former using the same silent tactics (and, subsequently, the famous words) as Christ himself did before him!!

Italian epic about Pilatos , Procula , Caiaphas , Judas Iscariote and ¨Christ¨ , being realized in Peplum style

[ma-cortes · 6/10 · 23 March 2016]

This is an interesting though average retelling at the life of Pontius Pilatos , Caiaphas , Giuseppe d'Arimatea , Nicodemus , Barabbas and Jesús from a Roman political , historical and religious view point , being based on the biblical Gospel of John . This Biblical movie deals with the story of a notorious Procurator of Judea , Pontius Pilatos , and the events that culminated with the Passion of Christ , the man who moves multitude . As Pilatos must choose between Christ's freedom or His condemnation , but he washes his hands . Following ¨Passion Christ¨ seen from the perspective of Pontius Pilate (Jean Marais) who unwillingly condemned Jesus to death and his wife Procula (Jeanne Crain as Emperor Tiberio's niece) who is tormented by delusion and nightmares after learning His innocence . The film includes some major events referred to the New Testament with descriptive Biblical passages such as the revolt led by Barrabbas (John Drew Barrymore who gives overacting) as Zelots leader and his struggle to deal with seek the best course of resistance to Roman oppression embodied by the political savvy Pontius Pilate , sermon and entry of Jesús Christ in Jerusalem , expulsion of merchants of the temple , the arrest of Jesús (who never appears His face) in Mount of Olives , Golgotha Crucifixion , among others . At the end takes place a silly finale with an unexpected earthquake included .

Set against the magnificent backdrop of classic Rome and Israel , "Ponzio Pilato" is a colorful version of Jesus Christ and Pilato's life with a true international all-star-epic treatment , being professionally shot and reaches an exciting peak at the ending . It results to be an engaging idea : key moments and events in the life of Jesús , as seen through the eyes of other characters , mainly Ponzio Pilato , Caiaphas , Nicodemo and Procula . It is not completely reverential at some Biblical characters such as Judas Iscariote , Pontius Pilate and ¨Barrabbas¨ portraying the man less a thief than as a political revolutionary . Here appears , Jesús : John Drew Barrymore , only in what can best be described as "cameos" , usually from a long distance or with his face out of the frame . The result, however, proves one thing above all others , it is more entertaining than virtuousness . Filmed on a relatively acceptable scale , being efficiently produced by Enzo Merolle who financed other epics as ¨Colossus and the Amazon queen¨, "Pirate of the Half Moon" , "L'assedio Di Siracusa" , ¨Sheba and the Gladiator" or "Sign of Rome" . Good main cast , as the French Jean Marais is passable as the ambitious Procurator and the Hollywood star , Jeanne Crain , shows up beautiful and attractive , though is sometimes a little wooden . Fine support cast , at least they bring some life to their characters , such as Basil Rathbone as Caifa , leader of Sanedrín , Letícia Román as Sara , Massimo Serato as Nicodemus , Livio Lorenzon as Barabba , Riccardo Garrone as Galba and Gianni Garco , former his successful character as Sartana . Furthermore , a brief appearance by a very young Raffaella Carrà as Jessica . Evocative as well as atmospheric original music by Angelo Francesco Lavagnino . Including glowing cinematography by Massimo Dallamano , filmed surrounding Rome , Lazio . The motion picture was decently directed Irving Rapper , a craftsman who realized several Bette Davis vehicles and other films as ¨El Bravo¨, ¨Shinning victory¨ , ¨Strange intruder¨, ¨Crystal menagerie¨ , ¨The voice of the turtle¨ , ¨Adventures of Mark Twain¨, and another Biblical story : "Joseph and His Brethren" .

Other pictures dealing with divine presence of Jesus Christ are the followings : ¨King of Kings¨ , released in 1927, , first silent version by Cecil B. DeMille with H.B. Wagner ; ¨King of Kings¨ by Nicholas Ray with Jeffrey Hunter , Robert Ryan , Carmen Sevilla , Frank Thring , Rip Torn , Rita Gam , Harry Guardino ; ¨The Sword and the Cross¨ (1958) by Carlo Ludovico Bragaglia , with Ivonne De Carlo , Jorge Mistral , Rossana Podestà , Massimo Serato , Andrea Aureli , Terence Hill ; ¨The greatest story ever told¨ (1965) by George Stevens with Max Von Sidow , Charlton Heston , Jose Ferrer , Sidney Poitier , Claude Rains ; ¨Gospel according to Matthew¨ by Pier Paolo Pasolini with Enrique Irazoqui as Jesus ; ¨Jesus Christ Superstar¨(1977) by Norman Jewison with Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson ; ¨Jesus de Nazareth¨(1977) by Franco Zeffirelli with Robert Powell , Olivia Hussey , James Mason , Laurence Olivier , Anne Brancfort , Fernando Rey ; ¨Last temptation of Christ¨ by Martin Scorsese with Willem Dafoe , David Bowie , Harvey Keitel , Ian Holm , Harry Dean Staton ; and ¨The Passion of the Christ¨ (2004) by Mel Gibson with James Cazievel , Maia Morgenstern and Monica Belucci

An accounting

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 14 June 2018]

After looking for this film for decades I find it and sad to say for me is not dubbed and my Italian is non-existent. Fortunately this is certainly a story quite well known and I could follow it in any event.

Playing the title role of Pontius Pilate is French screen legend Jean Marais and his wife is played by American expatriate Jeanne Crain. The story is told in flashback as Pilate is before the Emperor and the Roman Senate giving an account of that most troublesome of provinces Judea which they can't quite get a hold on.

Such as it seemed the plot followed along the same path of King Of Kings which starred Jeffrey Hunter the year before. Of course told from the occupying Roman point of view. Marais having been joined by Crain and their two kids has wife and kids somewhat taken with the preachings of that carpenter turned rabbi from Nazareth.

No need go into the rest, it can be found in the New Testament in four different versions. Basil Rathbone who was born in Johannesburg, South Africa plays Caiaphas and I really missed hearing that one of a kind voice as he is dubbed in Italian. John Drew Barrymore plays both Jesus and is one bug eyed Judas.

Hopefully we Americans will get an English dubbed version to watch soon.

Nice try, but a miss.

[Mister-UHF · 10 August 2002]

A very elusive film on this side of the Atlantic. It received only a brief and limited theatrical release in the United States. It is reportedly available on video, but in the PAL (European) format, not NTSC (USA and Canada). It hasn't been aired in the Washington, D.C., area in over 20 years.

My recollection is that it had beautiful photography and production design, but a hectic and confusing storyline. Typical of many European imports of the time, it had a jerky continuity (editing by the importer?) and some awkward dubbing with the usual "Speed Racer" voices. An attempt to compete with Hollywood epics that came up a bit short.

What I found both distracting and amusing was that the actor who played Barabbas was a dead ringer for a crazy professional wrestler named Bugsy McGraw. In fact, they actually talked and acted much the same!

Forgotten Bible story

[Leofwine_draca · 4/10 · 6 October 2021]

A relatively forgotten Biblical epic of the era, this has a handful of exciting and dynamic moments but otherwise feels very bland and predictable. It's well staged for sure and as ever it's a joy to see some familiar faces in the crowd (Basil Rathbone in particular), but the story is episodic at best and only has real gravitas at the climax.

the Roman Point of View

[philipjelley · 7/10 · 21 January 2002]

Interesting movie showing Pontius Pilate's reasons for the execution of Jesus. Like a modern policemen he has files on all local trouble-makers, such as the disciples. He wants Jesus convicted so that he can be spared at the Passover instead of the terrorist Barabbas. To this end he tricks Judas into betraying Jesus to the Pharisees so he can prove he is the Messiah. As Pilate anticipates he is condemned, and Judas, to his horror, is paid the appropriate 30 pieces of silver, the sum given to the man who betrays the Messiah. The crowd, however, choose to save Barabbas, not Jesus, and Judas hangs himself in remorse.

Lots of aged beefcake and stale cheesecake on display in this Passion Play

[melvelvit-1 · 5/10 · 14 April 2014]

There's plenty of aged beefcake and stale cheesecake on display in Hollywood "woman's director" Irving Rapper's peplum-style Passion Play (co-directed by someone named Caligari) which attempts to cash in on a popular run of big budget biblical epics that began with SOLOMON & SHEBA.

Jean Cocteau's muse Jean Marais, no spring chicken, struts about as the titular magistrate and cuts a fine if flabby figure in his red cape, breastplate, sandals, and tiny gladiator skirt (he's topless, too, at one point) but apparently the only acting he can do is with his profile. Another old profile, Basil Rathbone, is also on hand as an ancient rabbi and a still-attractive Jeanne Crain unintentionally nails "patrician indifference" as Pilate's wife. Pilate's a womanizing martinet not without heart and the gang's all here from a ruthless, cut-throat Barabbas to a bony John Drew Barrymore in a dual role as both Jesus & Judas. The latter has a wild-eyed mad scene that would give JD's dad John a coronary and, like most movies of this sort, the Lord's visage is never shown, just his eyes. The money lenders get thrown out of the temple, too. I never knew the saying "I wash my hands of it" came from Pilate (or if I did, I forgot) and it's illustrated nicely here when he washes his hands after condemning Jesus and the basin water turns red with the Nazarine's eyes reflected in it.

There's much ado about an aqueduct and enough political intrigue between the Jews and the Romans in the first half of the film to put any viewer to sleep before the final crucifixion, which was unlike any I'd seen before on film. There's an eclipse and "spectacular cataclysm" as Jesus dies on the cross but unfortunately, for every plus there's a minus here and although it's no doubt unintentional, the movie does suggest the Jews killed Jesus since sending down an earthquake to destroy Jerusalem during the Crucifixion implies punishment, no? The U.S. release version cut out a wrap-around of Pilate's trial before Caligula but it's been restored (albeit with English subs) and although Rapper had an eye for spectacular widescreen tableaux (there really is a cast of thousands), it's pretty much a bore (albeit a strangely compelling one) and the low IMDb rating is about right for once.

Ecce Homo.

[brogmiller · 6/10 · 2 September 2021]

The somewhat insubstantial but pivotal figure of Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea, has been seen 'washing his hands' in the shape of some fine actors through the years and here we have Jean Marais who was by all accounts greatly admired by Irving Rapper, co-director of this with someone named Gian Paolo Callegari.

Pilate's life has been 'fleshed out' here by going to a comparatively unknown source, the Jewish historian Josephus. This provides us with two of the finest scenes in the film, namely the construction of the Aqueduct and especially the 'Affair of the Standards' in which the Jews of Jerusalem stage a protest at Pilate having erected emblems of Caesar.

This could easily have turned into a wholesale massacre had not Pilate given the order for his soldiers to sheathe their swords. Also depicted here is the close 'political' relationship between Pilate and the high priest Caiaphas which would eventually result in their both being dismissed by Vitellius, Governor of Syria.

At the other end of the spectrum alas we have the predictable tackiness of the genre known as 'Sword and Sandals' in the form of a gruesome scene involving crocodiles and following the Crucifixion, an utterly absurd earthquake in which Pilate's wife is killed!

Regarding the characterisations Marais convinces as a military man entrusted with the unenviable task of bringing order to a particularly troublesome part of the Roman Empire and the 'hand-washing' is imaginitively done. The Gospels portray him as a man who unwillingly condemns Christ to death whereas historian Philo suggests that Pilate's rule was marked by cruelty and repression and that he would not have hesitated to dispense with such a popular rabble-rouser. The film's treatment is neutral.

Pilate's wife, the even more obscure Claudia Procula, is sensitively played by the lovely Jeanne Crain and Basil Rathbone excels as Caiaphas, here written as a far more sympathetic character. Most negative reviews have been reserved for John Drew Barrymore who plays both Judas and Christ! This notoriously 'troubled' actor actually conveys very well Judas' emotional conflict whilst one only sees him as JC from the back apart from a quick flash of his baby blues. One can view this doubling-up as either a cheap marketing ploy or perhaps as a subtle suggestion that Christ and Judas represent both sides of the same coin. I personally favour the latter view.

This is indeed a bizarre and uneven opus that combines originality with tastelessness. Far from being tasteless however is the magnificent score by Angelo Francesco Lavagnino.

The lives and indeed ultimate fates of Pilate and Claudia are destined to leave more questions than answers. Probably best to conclude with the words of Pilate himself: "Quid est veritas?"

An unusual take on the events surrounding the Passion of Jesus Christ...

[ccmiller1492 · 8/10 · 29 February 2004]

This film takes an unusual perspective on events surrounding the Passion of Jesus Christ by focusing on Pontius Pilate, the man who condemned Him to death. The ambitious Pilate, a Roman citizen from the province of Hispania was promoted to be the Procurator of Judaea, which turned out to be the most troublesome and intractable of Rome's provinces. He immediately sets his foot wrong by setting up the eagles of Rome, as was customary, in the most prominent place, the courtyard of the Jewish temple. When riots ensue, Pilate backs down, but he's in for a bumpy ride. To put the fractious mobs to work, Pilate has an acquaduct built to show Rome's benevolence by ensuring a potable water supply to the masses. But here again, instead of being grateful the people rebel because the course of the acquaduct transgresses one of their nonsensical tribal laws; it traverses over a burial ground! Pilate fails to placate them, zealots attempt to assassinate him, nothing goes right accept the safe arrival of his wife and son. Eventually, the Sanhedrin turns over a "blasphemer" for Roman dispensation of justice. By this time Pilate senses a trap, sees no wrong in the Man, and gives the mob a choice. They choose that Christ be executed. Pilate's wife, Claudia Procula, warns him not to crucify Christ as she saw violent repercussions in a dream, but he has to keep his given word. So he makes the biggest mistake of all time...and the results are tragic. Altogether a very interesting film which depicts more details of the enigmatic administrator's life than we are accustomed to seeing.

Sword-and-Sandal version of the times of Jesus--John Drew Barrymore as Jesus AND Judas!

[django-1 · 9/10 · 23 January 2005]

I finally scored an English language copy of this interesting Italian sword-and-sandal style depiction of the life and times of Jesus, focusing on the career of Pontius Pilate, played by legendary French actor Jean Marais (Cocteau's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST). I previously had a Spanish language version, but the dubbing sounded like it was recorded in a radio station last week and there were virtually no sound effects. This original English version is MUCH more enjoyable, with both Basil Rathbone and John Drew Barrymore (as Judas, not as Jesus) doing their own voices in the dubbing. The story is structured with a wrap-around sequence where Pilate is on trial in front of Caesar, and Pilate recounts the events of his life. At the end of the film, we pick back up with this trial and we see what Pilate has learned from his life and from his encounter with Christ. Basil Rathbone, doing his own voice, is quite impressive as the Jewish religious leader Caiaphus--he tries to be a faithful spiritual leader to his people, while he understands the political necessities of the day. The scene where Rathbone challenges Marais to take down the Roman insignias off the Hebrew temple is quite impressive. Of course, the "gimmick" about this film is that John Drew Barrymore plays both Judas and Jesus. Let's start with Judas. This is a role Barrymore was born to play--he was always excellent as a tortured soul or an outcast or a man with a tragic obsession, and in the Judas created by these scriptwriters, the part requires all of these qualities, and Barrymore does a great job. During one of Judas's most intense scenes, we suddenly start getting angular, Orson Welles style shots of Barrymore that are unlike any other shots in the film! Yes, Barrymore also plays Jesus, but we only see Jesus' back and side and closeups of his eyes--frankly, had a man of similar build been under the robe throughout the film and it wasn't John Drew Barrymore, I don't think I would have known. Also, someone else dubs Jesus' voice when He speaks, which isn't very often. Peplum fans will see a number of familiar faces such as Livio Lorenzon and Riccardo Garrone, and the whole film has the look of a sword and sandal film. I feel like I understand more about the political world of Palestine in the days of Jesus after seeing this film, and Barrymore's unique portrayal of Judas is something I won't soon forget. As a fan of sword and sandal films in general, I thought PONTIUS PILATE was quite interesting and overall a success. Perhaps someone could restore the film for DVD? Finally, although my copy of this runs 100 minutes, I have a strange feeling some small sections have been cut. Perhaps the Euro version ran over 100 minutes?

decent

[Kirpianuscus · 25 July 2020]

Many reasons to see it, from the interesting - in few points provocative perspective- about the Savior , to an image too idealistic of Pontius Pilate, from Jean Marais decent job to the old recipe of genre, well used. A portrait of Pilate , romantic, off course, far by historical proofs, not doubts but far to be boring or only expression of good intentions. Good performances, nice details for create the atmosphere and seductive try to give the familiar story from different perspective , using the image of good leader in an world remaining far by him against his effort to help it. So, just decent.

Another effort to give the Jesus case another view

[clanciai · 8/10 · 26 May 2022]

I was hoping for an interesting alternative view of the Jesus case here from the aspects of Pontius Pilate but was disappointed. Jean Marais makes a good performance as usual but adds nothing interesting to the character. The film begins with a trial scene against Pilate to be judged by Caligula, and during Caligula's harsh interrogation Pilate thinks back on his experiences and we are brought by flashback into his career from the moment of his inauguration as the procurator of Judea to the critical case of the passion of Christ. Jeanne Crain plays his wife, and during the course of events she has her own experience of the Galilean and is thereafter initiated in his case. She implores Pilate to have nothing to do with the trial of Jesus, but he must perform his duty and carry through the trial, leading to the worst judicial error in history, which results in an earthquake in which Claudia perishes. Pilate has thereby lost everything. Basil Rathbone plays Caiaphas but also has nothing special to add to his role: he is a conventional high priest who has to tread carefully between the interest of the Romans and of his people and is something of a cautious diplomat. The whole film is as conventional as he. The most interesting part of the film is instead the case of Judas Iscarioth (played by John Drew Barrymore), and here is a new interesting aspect of the case. He does not betray Jesus, but when the high priests ask him to give them the opportunity to come to terms with Jesus privately, he complies without having any idea of any evil intentions against Jesus. This actually seems plausible. The finale is dramatic enough with earthquake and everything, the whole film is something of a melodrama and enough well made to be tolerable as an addition to the bulk of great Jesus films, but John Drew Barrymore as Judas is the figure you will remember here.

A confusing work.

[dbdumonteil · 29 January 2002]

The director had great ambitions;he wanted to mix politics with religion but the results show too much confusion,and the fact that Jesus and Judas are played by the same actor (!) doesn't help.Actually Jesus appears lately in the production ;the first half is marred by too many subplots :the aqueduct,the young girl who tries to seduce Pilate,the Sanhedrin,Nicodemus,gladiators devoured by ouch! crocodiles,Barabbas who sometimes seems at the Sanhedrin's beck and call,and of course the Temple.Irving Rapper has certainly De Millesque ambitions but he 's no match for the "ten commandments" man.He should have stuck to melodrama ("Now voyager",1942).

Pilate is played by great actor Jean Marais,but the production is overwhelming and he can't really display his brilliant skills.In fact,the movie is a flashback (Why?The screen play did not ask for that at all).

The second part is more run of the mill Passion stuff even if the camera focuses on Pilate,showing the crucifixion from a distance.To "enliven" things a bit,it seems that Good Friday events are turned into a disaster movie,complete with destruction of Pilate's palace and his wife's death.

Rapper ,like Wyler before him in "Ben Hur" ,never shows the Christ's face,except for a shot of his eyes.As for Barabbas,you'll always be better off with Richard Fleischer's eponymous movie(1962)