Saturday, April 11, 2009

Have a Meaningful Easter



If you want to experience a cinematic Easter, you can watch the DVD of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," if you have a copy or you can rent one at a nearby video store.

But if you want something else, I suggest tuning in to Turner Classic Movies on Sunday evening.

At 8 p.m. (Central), you can see the 1961 film, Nicholas Ray's "The King of Kings." Jeffrey Hunter plays Jesus. Siobhan McKenna plays Mary. Hurd Hatfield is Pontius Pilate. Rip Torn is Judas.



And, three hours later, you can catch Cecil B. DeMille's silent version from 1927.

Most of the cast members are probably unfamiliar to 21st century audiences. But in its day, DeMille's film was as popular with church groups and religious organizations as Gibson's was a few years ago.