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When I was in high school, one book that was required reading in English literature was Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native. I found the book enthralling and the main character of Eustacia Vye bewitching and unforgettable, a person who simply could not find happiness in life no matter how hard she connived to achieve it. I always wondered why a film had not been made of the book, then Hallmark Hall of Fame finally gave it the first-class treatment, with excellent production values, sumptuous costumes and photography, an intelligent script, fine musical score, and brilliant actors. Catherine Zeta Jones (at the time not the big star she is today) is a magnificent Eustacia, willfull, emotional, sad, depressed, flirtatious, deluded, manipulative, and tragic. She was the exact Eustacia I pictured in the novel. Hardy's theme of nature's indifference to humanity's suffering is indeed bleak, but can provide a stunning and moving experience. One leaves with admiration for Eustacia's tenacity in seeking that elusive thing we all seek, a world in which we feel we truly belong and can lead meaningful and fulfilled lives. Her feeling of being an outsider in Egdon Heath is a feeling which is universal. If you enjoyed the book, I predict you will be well pleased with this film. (Also, Joan Plowright stands at as Mrs. Yeobright.)

There certainly has been a plethora of films about Jesus over the years, from deMille's silent "King of Kings" up to the present day TV mini-series. I feel that this version is clearly the winner. The film is never sensational or vulgar, as are so many biblical "epics," but is extremely moving in its dignified manner. The screenplay is intelligent, the photography gorgeous, and the acting, by an unusual cast not known for its stellar draw, is uncommonly good. Nicholas Ray's direction is first-rate, and the soaring Miklos Rozsa score is unforgettable. Jeffrey Hunter was unfairly ridiculed when the film was first released, and I believe gives a highly underrated performance as Christ. Even the minor players are superb, with the late Brigid Bazlen a frighteningly disturbed Salome. Compared to "King of Kings," George Stevens' "The Greatest Story Ever Told" is embarassingly bad. All in all, a highly worthwhile film experience, told without the glitz and excesses native to so many of those of its ilk.