Details

Release year: 1961

Storyline

Governor Pontius Pilate gave the populace a choice to spare either Barabbas, a criminal, or Jesus, condemned as a heretic, from crucifixion. The masses chose Barrabas, and he is haunted by the image of Jesus for the rest of his life.

Top credits

Directors

Richard Fleischer

Writers

Cast

Anthony Quinn — Barabbas
Silvana Mangano — Rachel
Arthur Kennedy — Pontius Pilate
Katy Jurado — Sara

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Did you know

• The solar eclipse that takes place during the crucifixion scene was the real thing, an event for which director Richard Fleischer delayed shooting in order to capture the ethereal nature of the phenomenon on 2/15/61.

• While on location in Italy Anthony Quinn met Jolanda Addolori, a costumer on the film. They began a romance, and she gave birth to two of his sons out of wedlock. In 1966, when she was pregnant with their third child, they married.

• Anthony Quinn was appearing on Broadway in "Becket" (as King Henry II) when he was approached to appear in this film. Producer Dino De Laurentiis had to buy up his Broadway contract to secure his release from the play--something Quinn was anxious for him to do, as he greatly disliked his co-star, Laurence Olivier. After Quinn had departed, Olivier continued in the play, but took over Quinn's part instead of continuing in the title role.