Pontius Pilate (Italian: Ponzio Pilato, French: Ponce Pilate) is an Italian drama film from 1962, directed by Gian Paolo Callegari and Irving Rapper, written by Oreste Biancoli, starring Jean Marais and Jeanne Crain.
The film is known under the titles: Ponce Pilate (France), Poncio Pilatos (Spain), Pontius Pilate (UK / US), Pontius Pilatus – Statthalter des Grauens (Germany).
John Drew Barrymore plays the characters of both Judas Iscariot and Jesus of Nazareth.
The scenario is based mainly on the Gospel of John. The following biblical passages are quoted in the film: Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2; Luke 23:1; John 18:33; 18:37; John 18:38; 19:9-11; Matthew 27:24; Deuteronomy 21:6-7; John 19:19-21; 19:22.
This film takes a perspective on events surrounding the Passion of Jesus Christ by focusing on Pontius Pilate, the Procurator of Judea who condemned Him to death. Pilate is a man for whom nothing seems to go as planned.
The film was produced in Italy and released there on 15 February 1962.
Contents
Plot
Pontius Pilate, on trial by Emperor Caligula for abuse of power, recounts the events that led to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Cast
Jean Marais: Pontius Pilate
Jeanne Crain: Claudia Procula
Basil Rathbone: Caiaphas
Letícia Román: Sarah
John Drew Barrymore: Judas, Jesus
Massimo Serato: Nicodemus
Riccardo Garrone: Galba
Livio Lorenzon: Barabbas
Gianni Garko: Jonathan
Roger Tréville: Aaron El Mesin
Carlo Giustini: Decio
Dante DiPaolo: Simone
Paul Muller: Mehlik
Alfredo Varelli: Joseph of Arimathea
Manuela Ballard: Ester (as Manoela Ballard)
Raffaella Carrà: Jessica