The silent factor doesn't hurt THE KING OF KINGS. As seen on TCM with an appropriate background score and all of the two-strip Technicolor scenes intact, it's stunning visually and impressive from beginning to end. Of course, some of the acting belongs strictly to the silent period but overall the performances are right on target.
H.B. WARNER is touching as Jesus, but Joseph SCHILDKRAUT is the standout in the cast, portraying Judas with great skill and conviction. ERNEST TORRENCE as Peter is effective too. DOROTHY CUMMING as Mary does a sympathetic job and VICTOR VARCONI makes an impressive Pontious Pilate. JACQUELINE LOGAN makes a vivid impression as Mary Magdelene. Child actor MICHAEL D. MOORE is excellent as Mark.
The sets and costumes are opulent, as one expects in a De Mille epic, and the story is told at an even pace that belies the fact that it's extremely lengthy for a silent film of this period. TCM showed the full version.
While the director took liberties with Biblical text to create a vivid cinematic work, it faithfully follows all of the main threads of the greatest story ever told. The film is enhanced by the silent factor since it does allow the viewer to use his imagination when it comes to the voice of Jesus.
Summing up: Must rank among the great silent films--well worth viewing.
Trivia note: Interesting to spot WILLIAM BOYD (Hopalong Cassidy) as Simon of Cyrene who helps Jesus carry the cross. He's very effective.
H.B. WARNER is touching as Jesus, but Joseph SCHILDKRAUT is the standout in the cast, portraying Judas with great skill and conviction. ERNEST TORRENCE as Peter is effective too. DOROTHY CUMMING as Mary does a sympathetic job and VICTOR VARCONI makes an impressive Pontious Pilate. JACQUELINE LOGAN makes a vivid impression as Mary Magdelene. Child actor MICHAEL D. MOORE is excellent as Mark.
The sets and costumes are opulent, as one expects in a De Mille epic, and the story is told at an even pace that belies the fact that it's extremely lengthy for a silent film of this period. TCM showed the full version.
While the director took liberties with Biblical text to create a vivid cinematic work, it faithfully follows all of the main threads of the greatest story ever told. The film is enhanced by the silent factor since it does allow the viewer to use his imagination when it comes to the voice of Jesus.
Summing up: Must rank among the great silent films--well worth viewing.
Trivia note: Interesting to spot WILLIAM BOYD (Hopalong Cassidy) as Simon of Cyrene who helps Jesus carry the cross. He's very effective.