Warning: Most
Hollywood movies will require scriptural correction. What
you may want to do is have Alexander Scourby read the passages
in Scripture that relate to the specific movie. Also, be
sure to preview the film prior to showing it to your children
so you will know if you will need to fast forward through any
inappropriate parts.
Genesis
An old nomad shepherd tells the story of creation [listen to Alexander
Scourby read Genesis 1-2], the creation of man and woman and their
fall [listen to Alexander Scourby read Genesis 3-6]. The story
continues with Cain's murder of Abel and God's judgment [listen
to Alexander Scourby read Genesis 4]. Noah, a just and upright
man, is called by God to build the Ark, the flood and its clearing
the way for a new mankind, the pact of the eternal Covenant between
God and all living beings, are told through the clear and simple
words of an old nomad shepherd. [listen to Alexander Scourby
read Genesis 5-10] 1 hr 33 min -- Scriptural correction will
be required.
Ur (of Sumaria)/Egypt
Abraham (1994, Turner Pictures Worldwide) Vittorio
Gassman is Terach, Richard Harris plays Abraham, Barbara Hershey
is Sarah, Carolina Rosi is Hagar, and Maximilian Schell plays
pharaoh -- Scriptural correction will be
required
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read Genesis
12-25; 1 Chronicles 1:34-27; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Hebrews 7:1,2,4,
9-10; Hebrews 11:8-10, 13-16; Matthew 1:1; John 8:56; Galatians
3:8; Romans 4:1-12, James 2:21-23; Matthew 8:11; Romans 4:11-25;
Luke 1:73; Acts 4:22-23; Galatians 4:22-31; 1 Peter 3:6,7; Luke
16:19-25]
Sodom and Gomorrah (1963) with Stewart Granger. The story
of Lot and his family (148 minutes, color) -- Scriptural
correction will be required
[listen to Alexander Scourby read Genesis 13; Genesis 14; Genesis
18-19; Deuteronomy 29:23; Lamentations 4:6; Jeremiah 49:18; Matthew
11:23,24; 2 Peter 2:26; Isaiah 3:9; Jeremiah 23:14; Jude 7; Deuteronomy
32:32; Isaiah 1:9,10; Ezekial 16:46-63]
Sodom and Gomorrah Biblical Mysteries series. Fascinating
look at the Dead Sea and what may be buried in its depths. Nasa
satellite photogrphy is utilized. VERY interesting. color/48
minutes
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read Genesis
13; Genesis 14; Genesis 18-19; Deuteronomy 29:23; Lamentations
4:6; Jeremiah 49:18; Matthew 11:23,24; 2 Peter 2:26; Isaiah 3:9;
Jeremiah 23:14; Jude 7; Deuteronomy 32:32; Isaiah 1:9,10; Ezekial
16:46-63]
Persia
Esther
Following the conquest of Babylon, the King of Persia gives a
banquet for his people at which he requests the presence of his
wife, Vashti, As she refuses the King's demand, Ahasuerus disowns
Vashti and goes in search of her replacement. In his harem, he
meets the young girl Esther who immeditely captivates him with
her charm and beauty. Unaware of her Jewish heritage, King Ahasuerus
falls in love with Esther. Esther than reveals to Ahasuerus that
she is Jerish and asks him to show her people mercy, because of
a planned genocide of the Jews by the King's right-hand man, Haman.
In doing so, she saves the lives of many innocent people and paves
the way for their return to Jerusalem. Starring F. Murray Abraham
and Jurgen Prochnow. 1 hr 31 min -- Scriptural correction
will be required.
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read the
book of Esther]
Egypt
Pyramid (1988, Unicorn Projects) by David Macaulay --- Animated & live action segments video regarding the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). Will explore history, archaeology, mythology and religion of ancient Egypt. Different than the book. It has been said that one can see through the animated female dancer's top. However, I still have yet to witness same.
Cleopatra (1963, 20th Century Fox) Rex Harrison plays Julius Caesar, Richard Burton as Marc Antony, Elizabeth Taylor is Cleopatra and Roddy McDowall is Caesar Augustus (Octavian) --- Even though this movie is not that great, it will help children place Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra. Moreover, it will help to undo modern historians' revisionism as Cleopatra was the descendant of Ptolomy, one of Alexander the Great's generals that split up Alexander's empire in order to rule it after his death. Good scene showing "The Turtle", a Roman military tactic. (Have you ever noticed that Cleopatra travels under an arch that was not erected until about 300 years after her death? Or look closely and see a jet crossing the sky in the background.)
Caesar & Cleopatra (1955) Vivien Leigh as Cleopatra and Claude Rains as Julius Caesar. Interesting take. Color/129 minutes
Joseph (1994, Turner Pictures Worldwide) Ben
Kingsley plays Potiphar, Paul Mercurio is Joseph, Martin Landau
is Jacob and Lesley Ann Warren portrays Potiphar's wife --- Preview
the movie prior to allowing your family to watch. The film
gives a good flavor of what life in the ancient world was like
--- Scriptural correction will be required
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read Genesis
30, Genesis 37-50; Hebrews 11:22]
Moses (1996, Turner Pictures Worldwide) Ben
Kingsley plays Moses, David Suchet is Aaron, and Christopher Lee
is Ramses --- Gives a good flavor of what life
in the ancient world was like --- Scriptural correction will be
required
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read the
book of Exodus, the book of Numbers, the book of Deuteronomy;
Hebrews 11:23-28; Hebrews 3:2-5]
The Egyptian (1954) with Jean Simmons as Merit, Victor Mature as Horemheb, Gene Tierney as Baketamon, the Pharoah's sister, Michael Wilding as Akhnaton, the Pharoah, 139 minutes, color --- about 18th century Egyptian dynasty
The Exodus Revealed This remarkable archaeological
journey documents physical evidence for the Exodus. Evidence
includes 3800 year old Hebrew settlements, old records, underwater
photography of pharaoh's chariots, and more. Fascinating
and incredible. Color/60 minutes
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read the
book of Exodus, the book of Numbers, the book of Deuteronomy;
Hebrews 11:23-28; Hebrews 3:2-5]
Israel
The Ten Commandments (1956, Paramount Pictures) Charlton
Heston is Moses, Yul Brynner is Pharaoh Ramses, Anne Baxter plays
Nefretiri, Edward G. Robinson is Dathan, Yvonne De Carlo plays
Sephora, Debra Paget is Lilia, and Vincent Price is Baka --- This
is the remake of a 1923 film of the same name. Based on J. H.
Ingraham's Pillar of Fire, A. E. Southon On Eagle's
Wing and Dorothy Clarke Wilson Prince of Egypt. This
is the movie most folk are familiar with and again Scriptural
correction will be required. (Can you spot ... Moses on top of
the large rock with a watch on? ... the stick in the hands of
Moses moves as he talks to the Hebrews for the first time?) -- Scriptural
correction will be required
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read the
book of Exodus, the book of Numbers, the book of Deuteronomy;
Hebrews 11:23-28; Hebrews 3:2-5]
Jacob (1994, Turner Pictures Worldwide) Matthew
Modine is Jacob, Lara Flynn Boyle is Rachel and Sean Bean plays
Esau --- Gives a good flavor of what life in the ancient
world was like --- Scriptural correction will be required
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read Genesis
28-36]
Samson and Delilah
Samson is a simple shepherd with the strength of a titan and the
destiny to fight the Philistines. When his betrayal by Delilah
leaves him in slavery, Samson's epic revenge vanquishes his Philistine
foes. Starring Eric Thal, Dennis Hopper and Elizabeth Hurley.
Viewer discretion advised (some sexual content -- we fast forward
through this bit). 3 hr 20 min --- Scriptural correction will
be required.
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read Judges
13-16; Hebrews 11:32]
Samson and Delilah (1949) directed by Cecil B. DeMille
with Victor Mature, Hedy Lemarr (this is the actress that developed
a missle guidance system for the US Navy during WW2), George Sanders,
Angela Landsbury, color, 131 minutes ---Scriptural correction
will be required --- The glorious epic style of Cecil B. DeMille
is exemplified in this story of the Bible’s legendary strongman
and the woman who betrays him. Victor Mature is the classic Samson,
muscular and fearless, and Hedy Lamarr is Delilah, the irresistible
lady with the scissors. The action is captivating and of magnificent
proportions, and the enormous cast and the splendor of the production
add to the spectacle. 2 hr 8 min
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read Judges
13-16; Hebrews 11:32]
David
Here is an adventure that will touch your heart. It is one of
the greatest sagas in all human history-the story of Israel’s
greatest king. He became a nationally known hero while still a
teenager in his battle with the giant Goliath. Thereupon his life
was caught up in the whirlwind of his people’s life and destiny.
Never far from danger, political intrigue, the jealousy of opponents,
and the problems caused by his own surging passions, David nevertheless
emerged as a "man after God’s own heart." 3 hr
5 min --- Scriptural correction will be required
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read 1 Samuel
16-30; 2 Samuel 1-24; 1 Chronicles 15; 1 Chronicles 25; 1 Kings
1-2; Matthew 22:41-45; the book of Psalms]
David and Bathsheba (1951) with Gregory Peck as King David,
Susan Heyward as Bathsheba, Raymond Massey as the Prophet Nathan,
116 minutes, color --- Scriptural correction will be required.
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read 1 Samuel
16-30; 2 Samuel 1-24; 1 Chronicles 15; 1 Chronicles 25; 1 Kings
1-2; Matthew 22:41-45; the book of Psalms]
The Story of
David
This TV mini-series is an excellent introduction to and overview
of David’s life. It comes with a study guide for a flexible,
multi-session breakdown of this 3-hour and 11-minute epic program.
Use for a class or personal enrichment and enjoyment. Presents
David in all his humanity and dignity-a fellow and flawed human
being who rose to greatness and had a heart for God. Includes
Biblical Reference and Study Guide. 3 hr 11 min --- Scriptural
correction will be required.
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read 1 Samuel
16-30; 2 Samuel 1-24; 1 Chronicles 15; 1 Chronicles 25; 1 Kings
1-2; Matthew 22:41-45; the book of Psalms]
The Story of
Ruth
Ruth, a young Moabite woman, marries Mahlon the Judean, who believes
in a merciful God. When he dies, she leaves her own culture to
be with her mother-in-law, Naomi. They journey to Judea where
Ruth faces hostility as a stranger. She wins the hearts of two
powerful men, Boaz and Tob, who vie for her affections, but Ruth’s
first loyalties are to Naomi and her faith. 2 hr 12 min
(1960) --- Scriptural correction will be required.
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read the
book of Ruth]
Solomon and Sheba (1959) with Yul Brenner as Solomon,
Gina Lollobrigida as Sheba, George Sanders as Adonijah, 139 minutes,
color --- Scriptural correction will be required.
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read 2 Samuel
12:24; 1 Chronicles 3; 1 Chronicles 22; 1 Kings 1-12; the book
of Ecclesiastes; writer of Psalm 72]
Solomon
Defeating his older brother, Solomon is crowned King of Israel
and rules the land with love, peace and respect. While visiting
the city, Solomon meets the beautiful Queen of Sheba and falls
in love at first sight. When the time comes for her to return
to her homeland, Solomon is unable to convince her to stay. Bereft
of her beauty and companionship, he falls into a deep depression,
departing from his once idyllic world of peace and luxury while
his kingdom threatens to collapse. Starring Ben Cross, Vivica
A. Fox, and Max von Sydow. 2 hr 52 min --- Scriptural correction
will be required.
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read 2 Samuel
12:24; 1 Chronicles 3; 1 Chronicles 22; 1 Kings 1-12; the book
of Ecclesiastes; writer of Psalm 72]
Jeremiah
Tells the story of the prophet who abandons his family and the
woman he loves, in order to relay God's message in Jerusalem.
Althouh he is persecuted and branded as a traitor for warning
others of the destruction of the Holy City, he continues fearlessly
with his mission. When his prophecy is fulfilled, he experiences
first-hand Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians. Starring
Patrick Dempsey. 1 hr 31 min --- Scriptural correction will be
required
[for background research, listen to Alexander Scourby read the
books of Jeremiah and Lamentations]
Greece
Jason and the Argonauts (1963, Columbia Pictures) This movie, based on Greek mythology, is also known as Jason and the Golden Fleece. Jason travels to Colchis to find the Golden Fleece. His sailing crew are the finest men in Greece (includes Hercules). For the time, state of the art special effects for battles with the harpies, Taos, hydra, skeleton army, etc.
Alexander the Great (1956, United Artists) Richard Burton as Alexander andFredric March as Philip of Macedonia --- This movie is not all that great, but still gives an idea of the general history of this timeframe. Based on a true story.
Helen of Troy (1955) with Richard Burton (color)
Rome
Roman City (1994, Unicorn Projects) by David Macaulay --- Animated and live action segments exploring how Roman Empire linked western Europe and North Africa visiting historical sites. Explores construction of buildings and how they were used. Different than the book.
Spartacus (1960, Universal Pictures) A Stanley Kubric Film with Kirk Douglas as Spartacus, Jean Simmons plays Varinia, Sir Laurence Olivier is Marcus Licinius Crfassus, Tony Curtis plays Antoninus, Charles Laughton is Lentulus Gracchus, and Peter Ustinov is Lentulus Batiatus, "restored version" 198 minutes and PG-13 due to violence and sexual innuendos, most likely --- Roman gladiator revolt that actually occurred. Beware: some of the video versions have things in them that were originally cut out as it was too violent (one can always fast forward). Based on the book Spartacus by Howard Fast. (Can you spot ... a truck during a battle scene driving along the hills? .... slaves wearing wristwatches?). Preview the film first so you know where to fast forward through objectionable parts.
Julius Caesar (1953, MGM) with Marlon Brando as Mark Antony, James Mason as Brutus, John Gielgud as Cassius, Greer Garson as Calpurnia, and Deborah Kerr as Portia --- Hollywood's version of the Shakespearean play (B&W, 2 hours, 2 minutes)
Masada, (1981) Peter O'Toole plays Cornelius Flavius Silva while Peter Strauss plays Eleazar Ben Yair --- Silva, Roman Palestine commander, is unable to reach a compromise with Jewish zealots and ends up besieging the Masada fortress. Be careful when selecting this movie! Tell the clerks you want Hayes Censored version of this movie. If they are unsure, preview the movie prior to allowing your children to view it. The television version of this movie did not contain nudity; however, some of the versions on the market do contain nudity. If you still want to have this movie, take it to an individual that films recitals, marriages, etc., and have him cut out that part of the movie. It will be well worth the effort.
King of Kings
Jeffrey Hunter stars in this beautifully filmed life of Christ.
Panoramic scenes of battles between Roman legions and Judean rebels
contrast with the serene faith of Jesus. Includes scenes of Christ’s
Sermon on the Mount, His selection of the apostles, His Passion,
Crucifixion and Ascension. The life of Christ with simplicity,
taste and reverence. 2 hr 50 min -- Scriptural correction will
be required
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) with Max von Sydow as Jesus, Pat Boone as theYoung Man at the Tomb, José Ferrer as Herod Antipas, Van Heflin as Bar Amand, Charlton Heston as John the Baptist, Martin Landau as Caiaphas, Angela Lansbury as Claudia, Roddy McDowall as Matthew, Sidney Poitier as Simon of Cyrene, Claude Rains as King Herod, John Wayne as The Centurion, Shelley Winters as Woman of No Name, Ed Wynn as Old Aram and more --- Scriptural correction will be required
Barabbas (1962) is the story about the criminal
that was set free so that Christ would be crucified with Anthony
Quinn as Barabbas --- Scriptural correction will be required (144
minutes)
The Silver Chalice (1954) with Virginia Mayo as Helena,
Jack Palance as Simon The Magician, Paul Newman as Basil, Alexander
Scourby as Saint Luke, Lorne Greene as Saint Peter, E.G. Marshall
as Ignatius, Natalie Wood as Helena, as a child -- based on the
novel by Thomas B. Costain --- Scriptural correction will be required
The Robe with
Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, 1953, Color, approx
135 min., Twentieth Century Fox ... Marcellus Gallio, a Roman
centurion, carries out Pilate’s crucifixion order. He wins
Christ’s robe in a dice game. Then, thinking he’s been
bewitched by the robe, he leaves it with his Christian slave,
Demetrius. Haunted by his own guilt, he sets out to find Demetrius
and the robe. On his journey, he finds faith in Christ, with the
help of the woman he loves. Also starring Richard Burton
(2 hr 15 min)
Demetrius and the Gladiators with
Victor Mature, Susan Hayward, Anne Bancroft, Debra Paget, 1954,
Color, approx 102 minutes, Twentieth Century Fox
Constantine and the Cross (1962) with Cornel Wilde (120 minutes)
Quo Vadis (1951) with Robert Taylor as Marcus Vinicius, Deborah Kerr as Lygia, Peter Ustinov as Nero -- 171 minutes, color --- Scriptural correction will be required --- Robert Taylor stars as a heroic military commander under the mad Emperor Nero who falls in love with a beautiful Christian woman (Deborah Kerr). Amidst many visual splendors and a cast of thousands, the film focuses on the struggle between the early Christians and Nero, and the spiritual journey of Taylor’s character that brings him in direct conflict with Nero’s might. 2 hr 50 min
Ben Hur (1959, MGM) Charlton Heston plays Judah Ben-Hur — Film takes place in the beginning of the 1st century. Rich Jerusalem citizen, Judah Ben-Hur, meets his old boyhood chum, Messala, who arrives as commanding officer of the Roman legions to Jerusalem. (Can you spot ... a trumpeter wearing a watch in the chariot scene? a modern bolt holding the spikes to the chariot hub? Heston, when visiting the hurt Messala, places his head covering on the table but when he returns not only the headcovering but the table are gone? the Holstein calf in the stable was a breed unknown in this area until 1922?). Based on the book Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace © 1880. Lew Wallace is interesting. He helped to hang Lincoln's assassins. As a humanist, his goal was to go to the Holy Land and "prove" Christ was a hoax. Obviously, he changed his mind and wrote the book Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ — Scriptural correction will be required
The Sign of the Cross (1932) with Charles Laughton and Claudette
Colbert. Christians seek religious freedom under the constant
threat of slaughter from Emperor Nero
Androcles and the Lion (1952) with Jean Simmons and Victor
Mature. Retelling of the Christian and the lion fable. Set in
imperialist Rome (100 minutes)
Trial and Testimony
of the Early Church
This set is absolutely
BRILLIANT! Our family takes two weeks off from homeschooling
to go through Trial and Testimony of the Early Church each
year. Make SURE this is in your church library ! Covers the first three centuries of
Christianity. Explains how the very existence of the church
was threatened by powerful opponents who wanted to destroy it.
Trial and Testimony takes you to the very locations that
impacted the Church using dramatic re-creations so you can understand
the difficulties the early believers experienced. Highlights cover:
Foundations -- How it all began and what happened to the
twelve apostles, Spread -- How did the Christians take their message
to the world, Accusations -- The trumped up charges Christians
faced, Persecutions -- Rome, the mightiest empire in history outlawed
and persecuted Christians. What happened? Why?, Testimony -- Witness
heroes of the faith that stood for the Truth without compromise,
Transition: Constantine legalized the Church. Was this helpful
or did it harm Christianity? Brilliant program! The complete package includes: Six
half-hour video programs, Full color companion book, Leader's
guide, Reproducible student worksheets, Program scripts (3 hr)
NOTE: We combine Trial and Testimony of the Early
Church with Tales from the Madhouse (see below).
Tales from the Madhouse
Set inside the crumbling walls of a dilapidated Victorian sanatorium,
eight mysterious characters reveal their secret stories to the
visiting camera. The eight are linked by one unifying and crucial
event in their lives: each of them has had an encounter with Jesus
of Nazareth in some way - an experience that has left an indelible
mark. Here we meet contemporary versions of old and familiar
characters found in the Gospels: Barabbas, a fellow prisoner of
Jesus who was spared crucifixion; Judas Iscariot, who betrayed
Jesus; a servant girl, who meets Jesus the night before his death;
the duty bound centurion; the rich, young ruler now grown old;
the widow of Nain, who found her son that was raised still had
to die someday; and the thief crucified alongside Jesus. Each
character brushed with Jesus in some way but missed their moment.
They touched the light then lingered in the shadows. They were
offered freedom but made friends with their chains. Now they are
haunted by the memory of what was and what might have been. This
series will capture, hold and fascinate the audience, then linger
on in their minds long after the credits have rolled. It is sure
to evoke a whole new perception and response from believers and
skeptics alike as the power and passion of the Easter story unfolds
in this dramatic presentation performed by a top cast including
Joss Ackland, Tony Robinson, Helen Baxendale, James Cosmo, Peter
France, Eileen Atkins and Jonathan Pryce. Includes FREE 96-page
companion guide! 1 hr 52 min -- We use this set in conjunction with Trial and
Testimony of the Early Church. In this way, your students
will understand that the individuals in the set, like Pilate's
Wife, will find her contemporaries in today's world. Wonderful
set. This should be in every church library!
Fall of the Roman Empire (1964, Rank Organization) Sophia Loren as Lucilla, Alec Guinness is Marcus Aurelius, James Mason plays Timonides, Christopher Plummer is Commodus, Omar Sharif is Sohamus and Mel Ferrer plays Cleander --- The last time I saw this movie was when I was a little girl. Hopefully, (if I remember rightly) it will give a flavor of what life in Britain was like when Rome was forced to remove her troops from the provinces.
Attila (2000 USA Home Entertainment) with Powers Boothe, Simmone Jade Mackinnon, Tim Curry, Reg Rogers and Gerard Butler as Attila -- This movie gives in interesting insight into the life of the scourge of the west. You will need to fast forward through the Roman bath scene.
Enigma of the Dead Sea Scrolls: The Cave, the Contents, the Controversy This film chronicles the fascinating story behind the Dead Sea Scrolls. Absolutely fascinating way to learn about how these scrolls put the scholarly world in an upheavel ! color/58 minutes
Request: Any recommendations for Ancient movies? If so, e-mail us your ideas by here