Jesus Christ Superstar (1973 Film): Behind the Scenes Footage

[@tikaalik]

The humbleness and stoicism in the interviews is such a stark contrast to anything today.

[@elizabethkates670]

Ted Neeley is so chill. I could listen to him talk and sing all day. This is great to watch.

[@ivycutler1907]

Plus he is a cutie as well as his voice is beautiful 🌹

[@fredericklmeade2947]

@@ivycutler1907, very hot guy! Yum.😋 So was Glenn Carter in the 2000 film production. And he was about 35 or 36 when that was made. Wish more guys like them wore loin cloths.

[@marblox9300]

Ted Neely looks like the quintessential "Jesus". The 1973 version will never be topped.

[@CraZyJSpades]

Honestly, when I think of Christ, it is Teds' image I cant help but picture. What did it for me was the transition to his white robe just before the final number. 😭

[@marblox9300]

@@CraZyJSpades Yes, he sure does look like what most of us picture as Jesus.

[@MsDana-mo9fp]

Ted has played the role of Jesus for almost 50 years!

[@graziacavasino8884]

He embodies the Western, specifically American, vision of Jesus Christ, which is ethnically incorrect. When I saw the first scenes from the film for the first time, I was disappointed with him being a blond young man with clear eyes, but then, of course, I was hooked for a lifetime by his performance - and I come to the film very often because it's a masterpiece from every point of view.

[@132allie]

Jesus was born as a Jew from a Jewish mother. He most likely would have had dark hair and brown eyes and short hair, as long hair on males was frowned upon. He was also working with Joseph as a carpenter right up to the time he started preaching, so he was most likely muscular, not a frail looking man. There is no physical description of Jesus in the Bible, but we can assume that he looked very similar to the people in his geographical area.

[@suzyukla]

thank you so much for this! the girl in the front with the dark black hair is Teds real life wife..hes still married to her :)

[@jimbond578]

Who cares. This is so much bigger than such petty nonsense.

[@ShadrakJohn]

11:47 Her?

[@CLulk]

Interesting fact.

[@kemarchese1]

Very interesting fact and I thank you for it.

[@suedalshaug3804]

Leeyan is a lovely Lady. I saw the 20th Anniversary Tour on New Years night 1994 with Ted ,Carl.and Leeyan . ❤

[@DebraStacey-zi1gn]

Ted is the most wonderful performer and such a beautiful man, inside and out. I’ve loved him since seeing this film at ten years old, and was so excited to play a dancer the next year in school when we were “performing “ JCS. I danced down the aisle of our school hall in a bikini and a net curtain 🤔

[@donglenphillip8887]

I saw this in 1973- half a century ago, Judas stole the show. His emotional connection to the character and his tonal range was mind-blowing.

[@raulishnikovdancer2346]

Yes, undoubtaly, Is ironic to think nowadays in the way the industry is over compensating stereotypes, maybe Jesus would be the black guy, and Judas, I don't know what it would be, maybe an AI character to avoid ofending somebody.

[@fredericklmeade2947]

@@raulishnikovdancer2346, well, a Black guy would be a helluvalot closer than this. Sheesh!

[@raulishnikovdancer2346]

@@fredericklmeade2947 I think the whole JesusChrist Super Star productions have such a diverse singers from many ethnics nobody gets ofended. There's a black Judas, a balding one, a long haired Judas, a fat Herod a mature Herode, etc. but all casts sing awesome, some are better than others in individual gustos. The only characther I didn't like was the 2000 Jesus. But I loved the Judas and the priests, a Magdalena was very cute. But I think we are all fond to the cast of the original movie.

[@ffjsb]

@@fredericklmeade2947 Jesus was a Jew, not an African. But arguing about Jesus' skin color is a bit asinine when you start to consider his real purpose....

[@fredericklmeade2947]

@@ffjsb, I never said Jesus was African. It was a metaphor to point out how ludicrously White this portrayal of Jesus is.

[@Maca494]

Ted just being the cutest. he is like "nah, all good. im from texas so this heat? just fine" haahhahah i cant thank you for posting this, it's so nice to see it

[@soilofk]

Wow!! Ted is a sweetheart. I met him backstage in Toronto in the 90's when he and Carl Anderson played in the show. I still have their autographs! Both are great people.

[@jenniferlaynemusic]

Thank you for sharing this gem!

[@jantakac7706]

Best movie ever!!!

[@redshibaman]

I could watch footage like this over and over again. But...., I so much miss Carl and Yvonne in it. Where were they?

[@ciziaamicucci6460]

Grandissimo Ted

[@ApostolicPreaching4J]

I remember as a teenager my friend won a T-shirt, on KHJ Radio show, and they asked what celebrity you would like on the shirt, and she said TED Neeley, and they said who is Ted Neeley, and we said WHAT, are you KIDDING ME!!! WHO IS TED NEELEY and she told them, but she never received the T-shirt in the mail. I'm 62 years old and I still listen to all the music of JCS! Its Legendary.

[@Cablecol]

I'm almost 62 and saw this iconic film with my mom and sis at the local movie theatre in Fresno CA. I was hooked at 11 years young❤.

[@beaed9296]

Thanks for this. Would love to see more. This was my time when this was made. I remember going to see it in the cinema and I still have the original vinyl album. 👏👏

[@starlitblond]

Absolutely amazing! I've been a HUGE fan of the movie and album for decades! It's awesome to FINALLY see a behind the scenes clip. 🎬 And I must say though, Ted Neeley made the BEST Jesus ever! 😊

[@jasonruka1665]

😊

[@bestlife1700]

Éso mismo pienso yo de la actualización de Ted Neelley. No ha habido ningún otro actor que lo supere. Y de igual he sido fan por décadas de ésa película 🎥.. 😍✝️🥲

[@fernandocarreterodiaz807]

Recuerdo como me marco la película cuando tenía 12 años ... aumento mi fe y esperanza

[@goat8477]

I saw the movie as a teen. And again in San Diego in 2010 or so. With Ted Neeley! His voice still a force of nature :-) This old gal will not forget these moments.

[@raulishnikovdancer2346]

I just saw a video made in 2024 and TED is singing way better than he was around 2010. His voice doesn't sound cracked and old as then. but clear and powerful as when he was young and is reaching that high D as in his younger days.

[@martinezdirce9225]

Wowwww amazing raw material!!! I wish they had more ♥️♥️♥️

[@robertbrown-qf8xy]

Fantastic behind the scenes look at the filming of this legendary musical. Ted is a class act! I had the honor to meet him some years ago and he is such a great artist, and human being.

[@daviddephy188]

Treasure! This footage is an absolute treasure. Priceless.

[@lesleynicholls5677]

Got hooked on this in 1982. I too still have the movie soundtrack album. Saw it at the Empire in Liverpool three days ago and it was brilliant but this is the real version and the best.

[@p.b.-letspickacardandsee8576]

We saw it too on the opening night (25/10/23) at the LIVERPOOL Empire Theatre 🎭 👏🏾🎉 Sound! 👍🏾😀 👼🏾

[@hanschristianbrando5588]

I guess you had to be there. Little did Ted Neeley realize that he'd be playing this part for decades afterward. He really does work in mysterious ways!

[@fredericklmeade2947]

Though steady work is a blessing, the same part over and over again is an actor’s hell. It’s like being consigned to the actor’s version of “Groundhog Day.”

[@Yevdokiya]

​@@fredericklmeade2947 If it were hell, no actor/singer/performer would ever agree to perform the same role 8 days a week for months or even years on end, like they do on Broadway or in touring shows, concerts, circuses, whatever. Yet it's a way of life for many, many working performers. I agree that it can get monotonous. I was an opera singer in Germany in we might perform the same show 20+ times and sometimes multiple times a week, so I've had a mini taste of what that's like and it was definitely a challenge. I can't even imagine 8 shows a week. Ted Neeley is a truly extreme case, performing the same show day in and day out for literal DECADES, that's just insane. But no one forced him to do it. I'm sure he could have moved on to other things if he'd really wanted to, but I think he has said he truly loves doing the show and it has become a kind of spiritual practice and way of life for him. I got to see him AND Carl Anderson on tour with the show as a kid in the 90s, I had no idea how lucky I was. But let me tell you, I still knew it was amazing!

[@Shodan616]

Thanks for this!

[@blueleaf1717]

how crazy is it that ted neeley wouldve been just 29 years old at this time

[@lindagyftopoulos577]

In fact Ted was 33 years old, the same age at which Christ was crucified. Ted has said that in an interview

[@fredericklmeade2947]

@@lindagyftopoulos577, believed to have been. We have, at best, mere approximations as to when Jesus was born and died. Likely, about 3 BCE to about 30 CE, but there is no way to know exactly when or how long.

[@crisqwer3395]

I was 6 first Time l watched It and 12 when l've got the music. Ted Neealy the Best Jesuscrist performer ever and so amazing singer.This BS is a jewl l loved It but many things to ask and and most of It about wheter? 😮 Every thing else so great❤

[@trevordickson8617]

Thanks for this. Wonderful to see after loving the film since it first came out. Could have been on the DVD or the Blu-Ray.

[@raulishnikovdancer2346]

And Ted keeps singing in 2024. I watched a video a couple of months ago and he is singing and lokking way better than in the videos from 5 or 10 years back. If God would exist he would love Ted.

[@howardtennenhouse7849]

A big thrill for me was to take my daughters to see a live performance.Ted Neeley was just like he was when interviewed here.He seemed very interested in Israel as I was there before with Lauren and Ellie.Very cool footage.

[@JamieElvisGass]

Just awesome in every way.

[@ickysan]

This is incredible, truly.❤

[@mitramitramitramitra]

Ted Neley is so sweet!

[@Cablecol]

Neeley*

[@timmoporter3742]

This film is the only one I've watched...refuse to watch the remakes. The same with Rocky Horror...the original is the definitive movie.

[@MariEriksenNess-fm7ze]

I have never seen this movie before, but i heard a lot about it. I can't wait to see it. Mari.

[@raulishnikovdancer2346]

Mari, you don't know the jewel you are missing. Is an impressive piece of art, whether you are christian or not. The music the landscape the story, the characther were so well chosen. I hope you have watch it by now or to watch it soon. And tell us your impressions. Be sure you watch the 1973 movie, there's other movies made in 2000 but although some characther were very good, nothing compares to the 1973.

[@flametree74]

I'd love to see more behind the scenes footage..

[@leec6707]

Ted is beautiful.

[@fredericklmeade2947]

I’m surprised that Norman Jewison’s location scouts didn’t advise that he set everything up the night before starting at dusk and film during the early morning hours. Also, go in the months of October and November when it is cooler and well before the rainy season hits. If he’d started on 1 October he could have wrapped by December.

[@handsomeX]

The logistics of shooting movies in other countries was a huge undertaking back then. Especially in a remote location in the desert of the middle east. This may have been the only time that a big cast and crew were able to all come together and shoot a film like this. Also, there are certain government clearances that have to be made when filming in foreign countries.

[@lilibombin6667]

Fascinating .

[@susanwarner8902]

😮wow it was really good 👍

[@formerfundienowfree4235]

RIP Norman Jewison fellow Canadian

[@fatimablush2676]

Needs a bit more editing of the blank parts in the video. Love it.

[@Cablecol]

120 degree heat??!! Wow... those dancers kicked ass, especially in the Simon Zealotes (Larry Marshall rocks) choreography. The reporter sounds slightly like Howard Cosell.

[@fredericklmeade2947]

It is indeed hot, but VERY dry, so it doesn’t feel like the kind of heat with high humidity that people who live in temperate climates, e.g., the Midatlantic, Midwest, and Southern U.S., think of. However, because it is so dry you can dehydrate very quickly. Everything and anything dries out very quickly. A wet cloth can be dry within ten minutes if there is a bit of a breeze and 30 minutes without any. (Yes, I’ve been there, including locations where they filmed.) Illness and death are real risks without protecting yourself from the sun (There is reason Bedhouins where a lot of loose-fitting clothing.), avoiding diuretics and frequently drinking water.

[@marblox9300]

This is very interesting.

[@AlexGNop]

Liquor on the crafty table 😂

[@goat8477]

It was the 70s... Fewer viewer sensitivities, less manipulation, editing or censorship I guess. I wish we could be this innocent today :,-(

[@tiredduck1]

Probably not the best choice for 100 degree heat but who am I to judge? 😊

[@emilionassarantonio7868]

Excelente película musical..saludos

[@BoundaryElephant]

Well, who wouldn't "like" this. Ha! Thanks.

[@mungojerry]

Ted Nelly is the best representation of Jesus in cinema Ever

[@TitanicHorseRacingLover]

Imagine having to do that scene over and over.

[@TitanicHorseRacingLover]

Love this ❤

[@MiNinaBravo]

Ted ❤❤❤

[@MarkMiller-gt5tu]

I would ❤💕😘 love to have known what it would have been like to have had one of the Roman soldiers for my dad.❤🎉😊

[@TOMReefer]

Great Stuff! I was 13 years old 🙏🏻 Ted was so young! 😂

[@dianamckibben8441]

At the age of 10, I had a huge crush on Jesus, Judas, Annas, and Caiaphas. My 6 year old sister crushed on Pilate.

[@jenrosa9844]

I remember being 5 years old and terrified because I thought I was going to help because I was in love with Jesus Christ lol

[@lespaul1755]

Sounds like you crushed on everyone except Herod

[@dianamckibben8441]

@lespaul1755 yeah, he was a no.

[@jcsfan1973]

♥i love this.....

[@Astridellie]

to all I love all of your songs like what’s the buzz and I don’t know how to love him

[@ernestomendozatheremin]

Denise was and still a beauty❤

[@PorelmundoViajando]

Qué interesante poder ver el ambiente en que se rodó ❤

[@shaider355]

And the old of this is gone

[@Good-Dog70]

Please!! Does any one know who the blonde from 11:50 to 11:55 is? I have been in love with her since I was a little boy in the 70s.

[@brandue4523]

Ted seems like a warm person. It's kinda like you're talking to Jesus himself.

[@malcolmmclindon9582]

RIP Norman Jewison.

[@katerinahoffmannova7309]

Love Ted ❤

[@janmajer4662]

Fun fact: at 4:48 Ted isn't actually fully paying attention to the interviewer - he saw one of the sexy sweaty hippie dancers walk by

[@Pashasmom1]

Why was a husky pup in the desert?

[@Evggiz]

👏👏👏

[@jasonruka1665]

Christ you know I love you… did you see I waved??

[@mitramitramitramitra]

Ахаах, они с шаббатом столкнулись !))

[@pinograssi7212]

Ha condizionato la mia vita questo film. Poi ho scoperto anche Steve balsamo in Gesù. Consiglio di vederlo

[@Essbee-th2dz]

Steve Balsamo

[@graziacavasino8884]

Naaaa, nessuno può reggere il confronto con Neely, a parte ovviamente Ian Gillan.

[@rogerw-interested]

a bunch of C roll film, but interesting views

[@bestlife1700]

Ted Nelly hizo una gran interpretación de Jesús. Quizá jamás lo sepa pero esa voz que hizo en todas las canciones de la película 🎥. Jamás NADIE lo ha superado. A la fecha de hoy domingo 20 de octubre 2024. Es único. Todos los chicos que actuaron en la película cantan increíble. Judas, Maria Magdalena son insuperables. Una gran película 🎥 la vi cuando tenía 12 años en 1973. Tuve el privilegio de ir al cine a ver ésa película más de 15 veces en ése tiempo. Llevé a mi mamá a la cuál le pareció un Sodoma y Gomorra por cómo vestían. 😅😂 Le dije mamá es la época actual y los jóvenes así ven a Jesús ✝️ era época de hippies 😅 mis hermanos mayores así vistieron también. . ❤ Mi mamita ya no está ✝️🥲 pero sabía que me encantaba y me aprendí todas las canciones. 😊 amo ésa película 🎥. Tengo actualmente 60 años. 2024 Y me sigue gustando ésa versión. Respeto las versiones actuales. Pero , NADIE ha dado el éxito que tuvo ésa película 🎥 del 1973. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@DBEENE123]

@11:55 wow!

[@mariannemerkx3185]

Ted Neely is the real Jesus . Love him

[@sydhamelin1265]

When I die, if Jesus does this kind of "take the form that makes sense", he'll be Ted Neeley to me.

[@JeffersonCumberbatch]

The fire water not good.

[@nolikeygsomnipresence270]

Ted is Jesus. He'll be back. So he's the Terminator too.

[@CLulk]

Bible has incredible scientific accuracy like round Earth and jet streams and the hydrologic cycle and much more!

[@graziacavasino8884]

So?

[@StumptownBoy]

Who is that stunning girl at 7:22?

[@bigchieftheman-fi1zf]

I didn't like the movie or the play judas was a black man and jesus doesn't rise from the grave and they didn't show the power of god

[@punkbjork]

i understand how you might feel but that isn't the point. this show actually sympathizes with judas and humanizes him, as well as portrays jesus and the entire story from his perspective, which is why christ's divinity is left deliberately ambiguous; judas died before he knew that christ had risen, and the point was that he doubted his divinity, and that maybe we, who don't know the story, would too if we were in his position. the story is about christ's humanity, either way, not his divinity; he is depicted as a mortal man with human flaws, not a god.

[@bigchieftheman-fi1zf]

The​@@punkbjork the play still sucks and so does the movie

[@punkbjork]

@@bigchieftheman-fi1zf then why r u here? lol

[@bigchieftheman-fi1zf]

​​@@punkbjork giving my opinion what it is to you?

[@punkbjork]

@@bigchieftheman-fi1zf why did u come here tho?