The Messiah

Rossellini takes numerous liberties with the original source material, rearranging and omitting events at will, presenting everything in a highly undramatic fashion. The film begins in the time of the Old Testament, allowing Rossellini to present the story of Jesus in its ancient, historic context.

Cast

Pier Maria Rossi

Jesus

Mita Ungaro

Virgin Mary

Carlos de Carvalho

John the Baptist

Fausto Di Bella

Saul

Vernon Dobtcheff

Samuel

Antonella Fasano

Maria Magdalena

Jean Martin

Pontius Pilate

Toni Ucci

Herodes Antipas

Vittorio Caprioli

Herod the Great

Tina Aumont

Adulteress

Flora Carabella

Herodias

Yatsugi Khelil

Joseph