The Story of David

Several aspects of the film startle you. Unlike usual Hollywood works on the Bible, this one indicates that population in the Holy Land was a lot less than today--only European director Pasolini's "Gospel According to St Mathew" came close to this fact. While the film is faithful to the text in most places (including art direction of David's first glimpse of Bathsheba), the film's veracity crumbles with the death of Absalom--whose death was linked to his long hair--shown in the film as merely being hit on the forehead by a low branch.

Continuity is s problem too. Joab's attempt to attack the Jebusite fort (later called Jerusalem) is depicted to gain David's favor. Soon we find he won David's favor, What happened in the interim is not shown.

Note: Michal and Abigail are played by two different actresses not one. A reader, Clayton Slaughter, of this review pointed out to me that the final film was the amalgamation of two films (one shot in Israel, the other in Spain) by two directors, which explains this oddity.

I prefer Bruce Beresford's "King David" with Richard Gere that has received more brickbats than bouquets. It had fine performances, good direction, and intelligent camera-work--although it took artistic license with the the story.

one of the first of the tv "bible" movies, the story of david is one of the finest of its genre.

the cast, along with the direction and story line, make it a must see.

subsequent movies like "king david" pale in comparison.

if movies of this kind suit your taste, then make this on part of your collection.

This TV movie about King David may seem long,but it really shows in a vivid way David's transition from a mere shepherd boy to a great political figure and biblical icon.I liked the way the cast mentioned there faith in Yahweh.Keith Michell's portrayal of King David seemed realistic,especially in the scene where he was condemning Joab's murder of Abner.If we compare this film with the 1997 TV film of David by Lux Vide, both have great depictions of David's life. Anthony Quayle did a impressive performance as Saul.Too bad this film is only available on VHS. Let's hope that soon it can be restored or available on DVD.My hat goes of to Alex Segal and Lowell Rich for there project.

This depiction of the life of King David is really live and down in heart.I liked the way God's hebrew name,Yahweh, was used through out the picture even though it would of been better if it would of been pronounced in English "Jehovah" like in "Solomon and Sheba(1959)", "The Story of Ruth", & "Sodom and Gomorrah". Anthony Quayle's performance of a jealous Saul was superb and Jane Seymour was totally sexy and breathtaking as King David's neighbor and future wife Bathsheba.Michaelangelo's representation of David was an original idea. My hat goes off to the producers and to Keith Michell.Anybody who wants to see this movie should also see "King David(1985)"

This is a very accurate portrayal of David from teen years to his death. I could follow along in the Bible with the movie. I like how they use God's name in Hebrew Yahweh throughout. It was filmed in Israel so the setting was real.