King of Kings (1961 film)

King of Kings is a 1961 American epic religious drama film directed by Nicholas Ray and produced by Samuel Bronston. It is a dramatization of the life of Jesus Christ from his birth to his resurrection.

The film features Jeffrey Hunter as Jesus, Siobhan McKenna as Mary, Robert Ryan as John the Baptist, Hurd Hatfield as Pontius Pilate, Ron Randell as Lucius, Viveca Lindfors as Herodias, Rita Gam as Herod's wife, and Harry Guardino as Barabbas. The narration is provided by Orson Welles.

King of Kings was notable for its large scale production, filmed in Spain, and its use of a then-modern, humanistic approach to depicting Jesus, avoiding excessive displays of divine power. It aimed for historical accuracy, though it took liberties with some biblical accounts for dramatic purposes.

The film was a box office success, though it received mixed reviews from critics upon its initial release. Some praised its visual grandeur and reverent tone, while others criticized its pacing, acting performances, and perceived historical inaccuracies. Despite the mixed critical reception, King of Kings has remained a popular Easter season film and is considered a significant entry in the genre of biblical epics. It is also known for its extensive use of location shooting and its attempt to portray the political and social context of Roman-occupied Judea.