A Story of David
1962 British film
- 18 November 1962 (1962-11-18) (US TV)
Israel
A Story of David is a 1961 British-Israeli drama film directed by Bob McNaught and starring Jeff Chandler, Basil Sydney and Peter Arne.[1] It depicts the life of the Biblical King David and his conflicted relationship with King Saul.
It was one of the first films made for television.[2]
Plot
Saul becomes jealous of the popularity of his protege and son-in-law David and tries to kill him. David goes into hiding.
Cast
- Jeff Chandler - David
- Basil Sydney - King Saul
- Peter Arne - Doeg
- David Knight - Jonathan
- Barbara Shelley - Abigail
- Donald Pleasence - Nabal
- Richard O'Sullivan - Abiathar
- Robert Brown - Jashobeam
- David Davies - Abner
- Angela Browne - Michal
- John Van Eyssen - Joab
- Martin Wyldeck - Hezro
- Charles Carson - Ahimilech
- Zena Marshall - Naomi
- Alec Mango - Kudruh
- Peter Madden - Chief Herder
Production
The film was a co-production between ABC-TV and William Goetz. It was shot in Israel and London.[3] It was intended that the film be released as two one-hour episodes for TV in the US and as a feature in other countries.[3] Part one was to be called David the Outlaw; part two David the Hunted.[4]
"It's a simple story," said Chandler "only half a dozen people in it. There'll be no chariot race."[5] Filming took place in Israel in August and September 1960; Israel troops guarded them near the Jordan border. The unit then shifted to Elstree studios in London. Filming had completed by October.[6]
During filming Chandler met David Ben Gurion.
Release
ABC could not find a sponsor for the program. It eventually screened on ABC as a Sunday night movie in 1962.[7] The film drew record high ratings and prompted ABC to commission a series Great Bible Stories.[8]
References
- ^ BFI.org
- ^ Two-Part Show Is One Worth Look. Smith, Cecil. Los Angeles Times 21 Nov 1963: C14.
- ^ a b Renewal at Allied for Jeff Chandler: 'Plunderers' Pleases Studio; Star Urges Subsidy for Films Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 4 October 1960: A9.
- ^ TV King David Is a Diplomat, Too Chicago Daily Tribune21 Aug 1960: sw18
- ^ I GET FRUSTRATED: JEFF CHANDLER Jennings, Betty. Picture Show; London (Aug 13, 1960): 7.
- ^ THE STORY OF DAVID: Being filmed on location in Israel The Sphere; London Vol. 242, Iss. 3146, (Sep 17, 1960): 416-417.
- ^ Biblical Special, 'David' to Screen Smith, Cecil. Los Angeles Times 16 Nov 1962: D18.
- ^ NEWS OF TV AND RADIO: Perennial Best Seller Will Be Source Of New A.B.C. Series Other Items By RICHARD F. SHEPARD. New York Times 30 June 1963: 75.
External links
- A Story of David at IMDb
- A Story of David at Letterbox DVD
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