For many of us, Easter Weekend is not only a time of religious celebration, but also an excuse for an extra day or two off from work. What better way to spend the time than watching some movies! So here is an expanded and updated list of appropriate Easter and Passover films which you're likely to find showing on TV, or which you can purchase by clicking on the "Buy it!" link. (These links have just been updated as of April 10, 2006.) Titles are linked to the Internet Movie Database.
Easter Movies
Of course, Easter Parade (1948) is the movie most people think of when the subject of Easter movies comes up. Not exactly a religious experience, but the combination of Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, and Irving Berlin's music is almost as good. Buy it!
The undisputed Biblical epic champ of all time, Ben-Hur (1959) manages to be religious and full of action at the same time. Buy it!
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) has Max Von Sydow starring in the life of Christ. Buy it!
Since Holiday Inn (1942) has scenes dealing with almost every major holiday, it fits on almost every holiday movie list! The "Easter Parade" scene is one of the most famous. Buy it!
The Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) didn't quite make a successful transition to film, but the music is good. Buy it!
Jesus of Nazareth (1977) is a TV mini-series directed by Franco Zeffirelli that many feel is the most faithful re-telling of the story. Buy it!
King of Kings (1961) was made by the director of Rebel Without a Cause and is narrated by Orson Welles. It seems more reverent today than it did at the time it was made. The original 1927 version by Cecil B. DeMille is a lavish spectacle that is considered one of the great silent film epics. Buy it!
The Robe (1953) is notable for performances by Jean Simmons (prepping for Spartacus), Richard Burton, and Victor Mature, but it is probably best known for helping to introduce CinemaScope. Buy it!
The Sign of the Cross (1932) stars Fredric March and Claudette Colbert, with Charles Laughton as Emperor Nero. Another DeMille spectacle, depicting his version of Roman debauchery. Buy it!
Finally, Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) may appear to be scrilegious, but it's actually quite respectful of Jesus and His message; it's all the other religious and quasi-religious types who get skewered by this one, and it's really very funny, assuming you like the Pythons in the first place, of course. Buy it!
Passover Movies
While there aren't many Passover movies as such (in English, anyway), there are plenty of superb films chronicling or commenting upon the Jewish experience. Many of them contain Passover scenes or related content.
Of course, the most famous Passover scene in the movies would have to be in The Ten Commandments (1956), when Charlton Heston as Moses brings down the plagues upon Egypt, then gives the Pharoah's army a bath while Yul Brynner watches helplessly from his chariot and wonders why he ever listened to Anne Baxter. Buy it!
Exodus (1960) is often shown around this time of year, and continues to be relevant, given the situation in the Middle East. Buy it!
Don't miss Fiddler on the Roof (1971) for its superb music and lead performances. Buy it!
Gentleman's Agreement (1947) might be a little subtle for today's audiences, but was a courageous statement at the time, with a strong performance by Gregory Peck. Buy it!
The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) is a wonderful adaptation of the stage play, starring Millie Perkins as Anne. Buy it!
Other classic movie checklists that you'll enjoy.
Happy Easter, Good Pesach, and Have a pleasant Spring!
