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Godspell (1973)
Released By: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment   Rating: G   In Theaters: N/A
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Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Genre: Musical
MPAA Rating: G
Director: David Greene
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Lynne Thigpen, Victor Garber, David Haskell, Jerry Sroka
Published ID: 890360
UPC: 043396224193,
Plot: Directors David Greene and John-Michael Tebelak collaborate with composer Stephen Schwartz to bring his wildly successful Broadway musical, {+Godspell}, to the big screen. Told almost entirely in song, Godspell presents the gospel of St. Matthew updated to New York City of the late '60s/early '70s, featuring Jesus Christ as a wandering minstrel dressed like a circus clown. By blowing on an instrument that reaches only the ears of a select few around the bustling city, John the Baptist (David Haskell) summons nine simpatico hippies to a fountain in Central Park, where they revel in the waters of their baptism. When Christ (Victor Garber) joins the group, the free-flowing fraternal love solidifies into a desire to spread the word of God around the city. Outfitting themselves in a nearby junkyard that bursts with color, the lively group makes its way around a sparsely populated fairy-tale version of the city, re-enacting Biblical parables with great enthusiasm and flamboyance. Opting for a lighter yet more devout approach than its thematically similar Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell features an equivalent number of hummable hit songs, notably Prepare Ye (The Way of the Lord), By My Side, and Day by Day. ~ Derek Armstrong, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
prepare ye the way of the lord ...
Added 9/27/2009

wow!!! back in high school our choir sang the entire medley from this brilliant masterpiece. colorful, encased the in the trappings, good and other, of the 1970s, this piece INSPIRES the viewer / listener to find their spirit and become alive with the passion and love (for, from, by, and with) our higher power. if you can sit through this video without bouncing around, standing up and dancing with you kids (or grandkidz), then something is afoul! this is by far one of THE most magical energetic pieces of my lifetime. i give it an A+ and i highly recommend it. it you abhor anything christian or spiritual or 70's, you might not like it - even then, i'd recommend you check it out from your local public library.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Godspell Review
Added 7/18/2009

I first saw the Godspell movie in a high school religion class in the 70's. As a kid who was raised on musicals and a recent convert to Christianity (I am Jewish), I was originally very inspired by this movie. The movie contains classic theatrics, wonderfully crafted music and inspriring performances. The characters are all fun and can be related to.

I own the original score/record album, and had enjoyed the music for many years. I thought I would fun to pick up the video so that my 10 year daughter, who is now very involved in the theater could enjoy it.

Watching this movie after 30 years was a delightful trip down memory lane. I depicts the Gospel of Matthew in modern and relevant terms (relevant to life in the 70's) that were enacted in a 70's form and fashion. The combination of these factors make this movie very interesting and educational. Dancing scenes on the roof of the Twin Trade Towers are especially inspiring. Sad too.

Some of the scenes depicting the parables are a bit dry and hard to follow. If redone, this is where a good director could do a better job of bringing out the story. Otherwise, this is a great investment for your video library (no DVD available).

Overall, this is a great movie for the family, I recommend very highly!

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Godspell DVD
Added 6/29/2009

Godspell is one of the most incredible musicals ever written. It is a terrific review of the life and teachings of Jesus, but in a '60s setting! That can lead for some to be dismissive, but wasn't Jesus a radical in his day, too? Take some time to feel the emotion of His life.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
A FUN, JOYFUL TRIP THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW! (Minor Spoilers)
Added 6/15/2009

"Godspell" is one of the more unique interpretations of the Gospels. Set in modern-day (ca. 1973) New York City, with characters dressed in costumes that resemble the characters of "Hair" more than the Bible. However, looks can be deceiving, and the movie is a fun, joyous musical journey that stays closer to the the Biblical personages than the more well-known "Jesus Christ Superstar."
Victor Garber, stars of such films and shows as "Titanic," "Legally Blonde" and "Alias," makes his film debut as Jesus, and it is a great performance. The supporting cast is magnificent, and the story does a good job of condensing the 28 chapters of Matthew into 103 minutes in fun and emotional ways. The songs are very upbeat, and have a quality to them that the viewer can't help but sing along to.
Of course, as in the Gospels, the story must come to an emotional climax, and the scenes of Jesus' torment and crucifixion are handled well, and you can't help but cry for Jesus as he dies on the cross. But while the Resurrection is not seen onscreen, the uplifting songs at the very end hint of things to come. Overall, this is a great musical film that people of all ages can enjoy, though small children may find the scenes at the end a bit too much for them.
Movie/DVD Grade: A-

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Great Music
Added 5/8/2009

Terrific movie with excellent music. My brothers and sisters and I grew up with this album, we knew all the words to every song. I had the song "All good gifts" sung at my wedding. I had no idea it was Victor Garber who played Jesus, he was great as were all the actors. Anyone in their 40's will appreciate this movie. Very happy with this purchase.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
prepare ye the way of the lord ...
Added 9/27/2009

wow!!! back in high school our choir sang the entire medley from this brilliant masterpiece. colorful, encased the in the trappings, good and other, of the 1970s, this piece INSPIRES the viewer / listener to find their spirit and become alive with the passion and love (for, from, by, and with) our higher power. if you can sit through this video without bouncing around, standing up and dancing with you kids (or grandkidz), then something is afoul! this is by far one of THE most magical energetic pieces of my lifetime. i give it an A+ and i highly recommend it. it you abhor anything christian or spiritual or 70's, you might not like it - even then, i'd recommend you check it out from your local public library.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Godspell Review
Added 7/18/2009

I first saw the Godspell movie in a high school religion class in the 70's. As a kid who was raised on musicals and a recent convert to Christianity (I am Jewish), I was originally very inspired by this movie. The movie contains classic theatrics, wonderfully crafted music and inspriring performances. The characters are all fun and can be related to.

I own the original score/record album, and had enjoyed the music for many years. I thought I would fun to pick up the video so that my 10 year daughter, who is now very involved in the theater could enjoy it.

Watching this movie after 30 years was a delightful trip down memory lane. I depicts the Gospel of Matthew in modern and relevant terms (relevant to life in the 70's) that were enacted in a 70's form and fashion. The combination of these factors make this movie very interesting and educational. Dancing scenes on the roof of the Twin Trade Towers are especially inspiring. Sad too.

Some of the scenes depicting the parables are a bit dry and hard to follow. If redone, this is where a good director could do a better job of bringing out the story. Otherwise, this is a great investment for your video library (no DVD available).

Overall, this is a great movie for the family, I recommend very highly!

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Godspell DVD
Added 6/29/2009

Godspell is one of the most incredible musicals ever written. It is a terrific review of the life and teachings of Jesus, but in a '60s setting! That can lead for some to be dismissive, but wasn't Jesus a radical in his day, too? Take some time to feel the emotion of His life.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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