FIRST TIME REACTION "Jesus Christ Superstar" (Part 3)

[@ghostpuppet31]

These singers really set the bar very high in general, not just for musicals. JCS is an all time classic.

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

I can't imagine anyone but Ted in the original movie. Others can do the singing, but his presence is so perfect for the role. And to top it all, I understand he is a very humble and nice person to work with. This movie has such inspired writing (from the stage opera) as well as the great work of the director and minimalistic approach to a story that usually had a gigantic cast and budget. Bringing it back to the people and the story was genius.

[@Maca494]

the way Ted Neely sings Getsemani is just..perfection. Yes, many may reach the note but they dont give the feeling and frustration, they only reach the note.

[@lisasmithline1386]

Gesthemane.

[@Maca494]

@@lisasmithline1386 english/spanish. same mountain

[@hoon_sol]

@@lisasmithline1386: Try again.

[@nobleconsejera5278]

Has escuchado la versión de Camilo Sexto?

[@henrikl1394]

Sorry, Ian Gillan has the better voice for Getsemani. But Neely is good.

[@RJ-oy7cq]

Yvonne Elliman...she's amazing here--the emotion and vulnerabilty here.

[@TenCapQuesada]

At 16:15 everyone poses in the positions in which they are depicted in Leonardo Da Vinci's painting "The Last Supper".

[@johno1765]

The Garden scene is probably the climax of the movie when Jesus accepts his fate to suffer at the hands of his detractors. The musical and this movie was an attempt to modernize the gospels and to highlight Jesus' humanity which had, up until then, been almost completely overshadowed by his divinity. So here we have a man full of fears, questions, and doubts. But in this moment, he overcomes them all with a super-human faith that his humiliation and death will not be in vain.

[@MattJoplin]

Buddy, thank you for this Journey. This film adaptation of this incredible musical still stuns 50 years later. But to answer your question about the tanks and jet fighters their role is 2 fold, not only representing the might and power of Rome descending upon l Judea but also the difference between a few hundreds soldiers and an entire Roman legion knocking on your door

[@laurab68707]

This is a fantastic Rock Opera. I love it. I was only 17 when this came out. So amazing. The music and singing is top tier. Ted Neeley played a fabulous Jesus. They all played and sang amazingly.

[@christinemoore4478]

I’ve been a huge fan of this movie for years . I’ve met Ted several times. Really nice guy. Can we give a shout out how amazing Carl Anderson is as Judas ? RIP

[@terrymochinski2032]

I'm 66 yrs. old and saw this movie in '73 with my best friend every week during that summer when it came out. I love watching it now with your young fresh 'soulful' eyes in 2024. It was a trippy movie back then for us too. The beginning with the bus and the tanks and mixing ancient and current items. The clothing and music and dancing was normal for us though. Thank you for your reaction. Ted Neeley married one of the dancers in the Zealot dance scene. Her name is Leeyan Granger. They have 2 adult children. Can't believe Ted is 80. Thanks again.

[@noncomposmentiscat]

Interesting fact: Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan sang the Jesus role on the album. His voice is incredible

[@kiillabytez]

Maybe, but this part was Ted's through and through. Ian just doesn't fit the role no matter how good his voice is.

[@danhalstead705]

You're right that the movie shows us the more human side of Jesus, which is easy to lose sight of with all the hype around him being Son of God. But the whole reason the sacrifice was so powerful is precisely because he was a human like any of us. And Ted Nealy captures that perfectly. And yes, a scene was dropped there... as soon as Jesus says "Take me now, before I change my mind" the Sun comes up, a cock crows, and then Judas kisses him on the cheek. The soldiers arrive and the apostles try to put up a fight but Jesus immediately sings to put their swords down, can't they see it's over. Then it cuts to a flock of sheep running away from their shepherd and then to the final scene you saw. Really enjoying your reaction btw. Can tell it's hitting you hard and making you think in places, which is just what it did to me. Thanks for posting it.

[@goonbelly5841]

The tune of the song "I Don't Know How to Love Him" is actually pulled from Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor, composed in 1844.

[@lindabell6638]

After 60 years of doing this role, he hasn't lost his fabulous voice. I've heard Ian, and he does come close. To me, Ted is the best. I cry at the end every time!!

[@lisasmithline1386]

1971 isn't 60 years ago.

[@lindabell6638]

@@lisasmithline1386 Yes, the movie just celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, meant to say 50 before. Thank you for the correction!!

[@Heyerkat]

Ted and Ian are magnificent in the part but for me the best JC was Steve Balsamo. Chosen by Andrew Lloyd Webber himself to play the part of Jesus in a more grittier West End revival in 1996. Unfortunately no video version was made but check out Steve Balsamo Gethsemane Ahoy. Recording of Steve performing in a concert in Ahoy Rotterdam 2004. Steve became a West End Legend after his performance. Millions are known to watch this version every Easter. And it has millions of views on KZbin. If you love JCS then you can’t miss watching this performance.

[@Heyerkat]

Ted and Ian are magnificent in the part but for me the best JC was Steve Balsamo. Chosen by Andrew Lloyd Webber himself to play the part of Jesus in a more grittier West End revival in 1996. Unfortunately no video version was made but check out Steve Balsamo Gethsemane Ahoy. Recording of Steve performing in a concert in Ahoy Rotterdam 2004. Steve became a West End Legend after his performance. Millions are known to watch this version every Easter. And it has millions of views on KZbin. If you love JCS then you can’t miss watching this performance.

[@KayHerbert-z2v]

I remember watching this film in the cinema when it first came out. Now obviously I know the story of Jesus but i still sobbed at the crucification 🥹🥹

[@falcon215]

Every generation has a take on the story. I've listened to the Broadway soundtrack a million times. Yvonne Elliman's solo spot always gives me chills. She was born for that part.

[@danhalstead705]

The intercut scenes between songs often have a lot of symbolism. The tanks represent the forces of history/fate moving against Judas now. Whenever you see sheep later they represent the people, running first one way and then another. Also one of my favorite lines from the whole show is Judas at the Last Supper saying, "You want me to do it. What if I just stayed here and ruined your ambition?" It's so powerful because it's so true.

[@peteharper2687]

Yvonne Elliman's voice still sends shivers up my spine all this time later.

[@michellemaxon7953]

I have this movie on DVD. I have watched it repeatedly for many, many years. Love it.

[@duketgg]

This movie was filmed during and after the Six-Day War. That's why there are tanks and planes in sight.

[@craigreid7178]

Ted Nealy has said that this role changed his life and he has been portraying it ever since on stage etc.

[@bonniemartell9750]

Just like Jonathan has been forever changed by portraying our Messiah!

[@J_Gamble]

I agree with what you say about Hawaiian Yvonne Elliman's amazing voice. Btw, she had a music career following this, including a couple big hits: "If I Cant Have You," 1977, from disco movie Saturday Night Fever; "Hello Stranger," 1977 remake of the 1963 Barbara Lewis song

[@fernandof.2225]

The tanks represent the nightmares Judas was having before the deal with Caifas.

[@hoomanganjavi4314]

In my humble opinion, no version of Gethsemane even comes close to this one. The delivery, the intensity, the pain, the grit, the veins popping, the classic rock vocalisations... it's simply perfect. I mean, when he belts out, "nail me to your cross...", it's pure heavy metal.

[@michaelhoffmann8047]

Nice job. I worked at a theater when the movie was released. They filmed in Jerusalem. I saw the play 25 years later. It was equally stunning.. After the production, Ted and several other cast members met interested fans in the lobby. He spent time talking to each person. You may be interested in watching the 25th Anniversary edition where most of the major performers and Norman Jewison meet and answer questions. You'll enjoy it. Thanks

[@robinstarkey6071]

L33, I can see you feel this in your heart. GOD bless you, bud

[@ltlbitoevytng]

There are a couple of bocs about the making of the movie. Filmed on location in Israel, among actual historical sites from the proper archealogical time frames. The part of Caiaphus, played by Bob Bingham was from the Broadway stage version. The part of Pilate was played by Barry Dennen, who starred in the original British production. I have loved this movie for 51 years, I was 17 when I first saw it in the theaters. You are spot on in your reactions. And the album and CD, "Abby Road" that fell oit of your window was right after you said "Oh mu God" and then "Sorry Lord". Weird, yes? Finally, those were real tanks and jets because Israel was warring with Egypt at the time.

[@flubblert]

The Pontius Pilate segment is a scream. You better get your Kleenex ready... the finale is awe-inspiring. Btw, "I don't know how to love him" was a showstopper and a top 10 hit at the time. Yvonne Elliman sings it here and sang it on Broadway. Helen Reddy also had a cover of it. They were all over television singing it at the time. It was a huge hit song. The modern-day touches ... Planes, tanks, etc. are symbolisms they used to connect with 1970s audiences. Don't freak out over them. Remember we were in the midst of a hot War, Vietnam at the time. Young men were being drafted into combat and never coming back. That kind of symbolism and reflections of that bloody War appears all over our art from the 60s and 70s. Trust me, it made perfect sense to us. Context is everything. I was 18 when this movie came out and my number was almost up. As luck would have it, the draft ended that year. Looking forward to the finale.

[@MsPharrington]

Saw this in second grade when I was seven years old with my parents when we lived in Hawaii and I loved every minute of it. Once you get past the costuming and just think of what they’re singing and saying, it is one powerful movie glad you enjoyed it.

[@johng.8517]

I'm glad KZbin is allowing this to stay posted. This is what the Easter season is all about. We all have to realize this life is short. The odds of an afterlife are greater than zero so live your life as if there is a heaven and strive to do good so you make it there when the time comes.

[@kiillabytez]

I believe the point of the tanks and the jets is to show that a "war is coming between the people and the church." or something like that.

[@im-gi2pg]

One of my favorite songs in the world! “I don’t know how to love him” Yvonne Elliman rocks! Beautiful!!!

[@marezesim8119]

I don't know how to love him and Superstar where played a lot on am radio in the 70's when this was first came out

[@margijohnson3900]

Gethsemane - amazing!

[@L33Reacts]

Yeah that was a show stopper right there. I'll have to check the album version out once I finish the movie:)

[@TheRatsCast]

I grew up with this movie, but during the 25th anniversary of the play, Ted Neely had his own traveling company performed the play. I was able to see it during this time and was totally, absolutely blown away. Ted's performance was so amazing, he had a reverence about his. It was almost like being in the presence of Christ himself. I don't want to hooey anyone with my words, but I was on this amazing high for days after. He embodies his spirit.

[@mrsrevan1]

I loved this rock opera the first time that I saw it. I now own a copy. The garden scene is my favorite to this day. You need to see it in it's complete form.

[@reneezie]

Great reaction to an awesome musical

[@stevedahlberg8680]

"Dominated by Jesus" lol. This really was a cutting-edge movie at the time. And the music is so incredible. Have you noticed that they're using a lot of prog rock stuff like 5's and 7's? And yet it is still so catchy and accessible. That's why I love bands like Rush so much because they take something progressive but make it accessible and interesting.

[@anne-marievandruenen600]

you should listen to Ayreon then :) "the day that the world breaks down"

[@attwxlv5966]

11:35 made the hair on the back of my neck stand up when the album fell over as they were singing "damned for all time"

[@Heyerkat]

Ted and Ian are magnificent in the part but for me the best JC was Steve Balsamo. Chosen by Andrew Lloyd Webber himself to play the part of Jesus in a more grittier West End revival in 1996. Unfortunately no video version was made but check out Steve Balsamo Gethsemane Ahoy. Recording of Steve performing in a concert in Ahoy Rotterdam 2004. Steve became a West End Legend after his performance. Millions are known to watch this version every Easter. And it has millions of views on KZbin. If you love JCS then you can’t miss watching this performance.

[@carlorizzo5308]

Best song and moment of the movie at the 22 minute mark‼️

[@vanyadolly]

These are some of the best songs and scenes in the musical for sure between Damned for All Time and Gethsemane. Such powerful performances from Karl and Ted, and I love how they're interpreted Judas's betrayal as complicated and conflicted, and don't shy away from Jesus experiencing doubt before his death. And all of that juxtaposed with the apostles "what's that in the bread? It's gone to my head" 😂

[@shilohauraable]

The original Judas on Broadway was the great Ben Vareen! He was magnificent as was Jeff Fenholt as Jesus. And Yvonne Ellman played Mary Magdalena both on Broadway and in this movie. Great cast. The audio of that original Broadway soundtrack is on KZbin. As far as Jesus praying to himself, the Bible says that He laid aside His glory and became a little lower than the angels to do salvation's work. So all He did was the Father working through Him, even though He could've said 'Forget It' and picked His glory back up. So He was truly man & truly God on earth and prayed to His Father often to keep that connection. Thank goodness He didn't back out! ❤ And their names are changed to English like Spanish Juan is John in English. Yashua is Jesus. John, Peter all had actual Hebrew names except Luke who was a Greek physician. Not sure if his name was different in Greek. Not sure about Mark either. 🤔

[@kerrylynch449]

The scene when they are sit down for the last supper is a still of the last supper painting.

[@carlorizzo5308]

When Jesus goes to hand him his sweater I absolutely lose it. I cry just about every time..... Cuz Jesus knows that Judas was the chosen one to betray him and he tries to just ease the pain a little bit

[@garybradford8332]

I had the Broadway album before the movie came out and was still blown away when I saw it. Ted Neely gives a brilliant performance and is the perfect blond, blue eyed image of how the christian church envisioned him. I read that Jewish men 2000 years ago were actually clean shaven and wore their hair short so as not to look like the "barbarian" Greeks that tried to influence Judaism with their Hellenistic beliefs. The exception was Jewish men would stop shaving and cutting their hair while in mourning but that only lasted a few weeks. I think the world would be quite shocked at his appearance if he did return.

[@EverendeverGroup]

I think JCS says more about humanity than it does about theology. I saw this live in Detroit with all of the main people, including Neely, Johnson and Elliman in 1976. It changed my life.

[@EverendeverGroup]

Anderson, not Johnson.

[@thomassmith-s4i]

Molokai (pronounced Mo-low-kah-ee). Founded by the Catholic missionary Father Damian in the late 1800's to care for lepers - it's still a leper colony, but conditions now are modern, sanitary, and leprosy is basically no loner contagious, and it's almost wiped out. And you talked over the most remarkable performance (Gethsemane) in movie musical history.

[@dekk640]

Gethsemani is one of two absolute killer songs, I have loved this from the original album recording with Ian Gillan ( Deep Purple ) as Jesus, Ted Neely did a great job even though Judas steals the show.

[@catcookie6726]

I’m so glad you’re reacting to this. I saw this back in the 70s in the movie theater as a kid.

[@daveheesen9174]

my Sunday school teacher played the album in her class and used it to help point out different points of view a little different from what our church believes ...made an impression on the 12 year old me...63 now and still know most of the words to most of the songs...

[@marezesim8119]

LOVE the zooming in on the art work that Gethsemani song is the most powerful

[@AudioVile]

In the original, rather than "leave me alone," Jesus shouts, "Heal YOURSELVES!!!!" The original lyric, in this case, has FAR more impact. On we go... I agree with your comment about the betrayal scene. I wasn't thrilled with the modern-day weaponry, but that's just me. I get the symbolism, but.... nah. They did a great job with the last supper! I have a very 'heretical' view of the Apostles, and the film captured it well, I think. I have always interpreted them as sort of 'lemmings.' Blind followers. Not much in the way of individual thought or purpose... but more like caught up in the 'crowd mentality.' I hope that doesn't offend folks. I LOVED it when Judas ran away through the flock of sheep. THAT symbolism was spot on! When Christ says to God... "You're far too keen on where and how... but not so hot on why..." THAT was, in my opinion, one of the most profound examples of "doubting faith" I ever heard. The bedrock foundation of the Christian religion (and others) is faith. Yet, even Jesus lacked it. Heavy stuff. I am really enjoying this voyage through this powerful musical journey! You're doing great! Keep in mind this is an interpretation of events... not a 'documentary.' Some parts might be in line with your (or my, or anyone else's) personal interpretation. That's one of the beautiful things about this masterpiece. It's ONE way of looking at this impactful time. Can't wait for the conclusion!

[@jonathanwyman9402]

There were a LOT of lyric changes and additions, first for the Broadway show and then for the movie. I am not a fan of ANY of them, although I like the added song "Could We Start Again, Please". (I don't think it is needed, but I like it. It also comes at a good time in the live show, which takes an intermission between "Damned For All Time" and The Last Supper" and therefore needs a break between King Herod and the last scene with Pilate.)

[@lifesavid]

This movie is the essence of my childhood. If you didn’t live in the seventies you wouldn’t understand.!!

[@sandymeintzer900]

I took my kids to see this, it was one of his last performance(ted neely)I pretty much watch this yearly and I'm enjoying this with you discovering it

[@LawrenceCox-bv9zt]

The original rock opera with Ian Gillan, etc., was wonderful but, the cast (Ted Neely in particular) and idea and approach in the movie moved me beyond my own expectations. To me, it offered up the intent of Jesus, the humanity of those around him, his intent and how it is relates to the present, the past and the future. I'm not a Christian per se, but I am influenced by what I thought the Christ represents. Great reaction, Lee. Thank you.

[@SWLinPHX]

The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, but the New Testament was all written in Greek.

[@АндрюхаРокнрольщик]

Спасибо,братан) Ждём продолжения!

[@AguedaG]

En el colegio me dijeron que la mezcla de tiempos antiguos y modernos era un modo de simbolizar la atemporalidad del mensaje de Jesús. Los aviones eran auténticos aviones militares del Ejército israelí. Para los pilotos fue una buena anécdota participar en Jesucristo Superstar entre dos patrullas. El césped de La Última Cena fue sembrado adrede el año anterior al rodaje. Me extraña que no hayas reaccionado a la escena del Domingo de Ramos, es muy buena también. Gracias por tus reacciones a ests gran película.

[@louise_rose]

Is this the one where Jesus meets the Lepers, right after the temple clearing scene? (and in a stroke of genius, they use the same tune once again, but with a different feel and different lyrics, bringing out the impossible expectations mounting around the man from Nazareth)

[@louise_rose]

Yes, that's the scene (though like many others have pointed out, these songs are musically even more powerful on the original album, where the pain, despair and hope are truly laid bare in the music)

[@StoneShards]

It's efficient to accept at face value what you know to be true from past experience. The body loves efficiency--peak power!

[@telynns8490]

One thing you keep saying you are just seeing the musical clips from the movie. That's pretty much the whole movie. There is no dialogue, it is all music and singing. A rock opera. There are just two (I believe) songs in the movie that aren't on the album.

[@Cheryworld]

I don't know how to love him, was a major hit on the radio at the time. Ted sure can hit the high notes, I believe a G5 in Gethsemane

[@joannparker1977]

Thank you!!

[@marezesim8119]

the amount of the Christ story that is in Ben Hur is really well done.. you may want to watch that just for the theology

[@kathyastrom1315]

When I was a kid in the 1970s, this and Godspell were my alternate takes on the Bible, but they weren’t really that “alternate.” But, there were other works available at that time that also gave different perspectives on Jesus’s story. I really liked the novel I, Judas by Taylor Caldwell. In my college theology classes at my Jesuit university, I was introduced to the other classical-era theologies that shared the same sources as the Bible and stuff like Gnosticism and the other “heresies” in early Christianity. Fascinating stuff, even to a now-agnostic like me!

[@konradv7]

The First Communion, but also a seder.

[@Trip_Fontaine]

All the people in the New Testament had different names in Hebrew/Aramaic. The names we know them as are English versions of their names. Jesus's Hebrew name was "Yeshua." The English version of that name is really "Joshua." People speculate that early translators of the Bible decided to give him a different variation on the name because there was already another important Joshua in the Bible.

[@donnasavage6703]

The tanks represent the power of Rome..remember this was done during Vietnam

[@contacluj758]

Agnetha from ABBA played Mary Magdalene also. You should listen her version of "I Don't Know How To Love Him"

[@mitchellbatchelor1594]

Yvonne Elliman covered “I Don’t Know How To Love Him”. Several artists had hits from covering Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack.

[@flubblert]

Yvonne was the original cast member in that role on Broadway.

[@stephenpoirier4522]

I see Jon Anderson's Olias of Sunhillow behind you. Woot! Love that one.

[@Mehwei]

King Herod’s song must be in part 4 …best part of the whole show

[@slm_766]

Zero Mostel's son as Herod. The song is hilarious

[@bullseye8509]

Great reaction.

[@patricialittle2406]

Ted has been my one and only Jesus since I was 13 and saw Superstar for the first time. Judas's path was preordained and therefore I find him a sympathetic figure, could be because Carl plays him so well. My favourite feel good movie.

[@fillinman1]

Romans chapter 8: "For whom He did foreknow He also did predestinate...." the end of the verse is "...to be conformed to the image of His Son." But just like 'many are called but few are chosen' cuz few choose Him. Judas was by his own freewill choice a very bad guy. We all are placed in this world in the time and situation that best suits God's purposes. And surely those purposes relate largely to each of us developing or rejecting a relationship with our loving creator. Don't you think? Nobody is denied free will. Jesus was/is obviously he only Human to free will choose to love and obey God perfectly. Somehow. Could it be any other way?

[@RJ-oy7cq]

The Album falling over is a sign from above--lol!

[@L33Reacts]

Yeah no kidding lol and it was abbey road that fell. SO weird lol

[@octurn]

More proof Paul is dead!

[@slm_766]

🤣

[@dianedavies8291]

Loving this. ✌️♥️🎶

[@SolarTiger]

50th anniversary Broadway group touring the states now...I love the live plays of this classic...I grew up with the OG album w/ Deep Purple's Ian as Christ...they wanted to portray the torn apart man from the myth... Mary (Yvonne Elliman) is from that album (recorded October 1970)...because there is no "resurrection" per say on the album, it got some heat from clergy...

[@danielbyrne5402]

The tanks represent pressure, the priests turning around represent the priests ignoring judas untill anas and chiaphas said to capture him. Planes represent, to late to go back

[@AguedaG]

The island of Molokai.

[@markharris1125]

A production of this musical is currently touring the UK and I'm going to see it in Norwich two weeks from today - having already seen it in London twice, a couple of years ago. This will be the sixth or seventh time I'm seen the show, over the years. I'm not religious at all but the human side of the story really hits home. To have superb singers belting out these tunes just in front of you is a special experience. 'Damned For All Time' is just amazing, 'I Don't Know How To Love Him' can make me cry. Jesus's cry to God in 'Gethsemane' can leave you reeling. You haven't got there yet but the fifty lashes is just relentless, violent torture. I know this film has so many fans, but to be honest I've heard better singers on all the songs live on stage. Maybe it's just the physical experience of hearing it live, I don't know. Jesus doesn't have to be sung so highly-pitched! Plus there's not much room on stage so there's no space for Judas to do his silly running action. (Sorry Carl.) I don't know where you are but it looks like there's US tour going on as well, New York State in April, no doubt moving on. Looking forward to the last part, and while we wait here's my favourite recorded rendition of 'I Don't Know How To Love Him', by Melanie Chisholm. Lots of singers can hit the right notes but this is loaded with raw emotion (and a bit of Spice 😉): kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqiYeZeBbcSjbNk

[@boosuedon]

I think that the tanks chasing Judas represent in Judas' mind, the Roman legions coming to attack and crush the Jewish people. That thought sends him over the edge.

[@d.campbell3080]

You should watch "Godspell" (a twist on the word Gospel). It's taken from the Gospel of Matthew. And I agree with you, the scene where Jesus is questioning why he must die is very powerful; it always make me cry. Something about Ted Neely's voice in combination with all the art works depicting Jesus's death just reaches deep down in your soul. Plus, Yvonne Elliman had the perfect voice to sing about her love for Jesus. Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair are my two go to musicals. Oh, you should watch Hair too. Looking forward to your next video.

[@IvorPresents]

The Director just came from a deserved success, directing the award winning, Fiddler On the Roof. The film was not a success with the public, a shame, the movie is outstanding. Great musical.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

One of my favorites.

[@judithw.2213]

I saw JCS when I was 11. This was the first time I could feel the story about Jesus. I couldn't feel it when I saw the people around me saying there believe in Christianity and doing bad things the whole time. I love the film and I listen to it every year again. For me, there is only one artist who let me feel like Ted Neely singing 'I only want to say'. His name is Dan Vasc: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ60ZmeQbZeLb68si=omHiWD2bfwGYpd53

[@Robert-vv6tz]

Judithw, I too saw JCS when it came out and I was 18 yrs old. Just had to let you know I agree with you 100%. Dan Vasc is the only other person to affect me emotionally singing the song at Gethsemane. His performance is phenomenal! He could sing it on stage tomorrow.

[@ta2gypsy]

That Book was "modified" to meet the King's approval. eg; the real story of genocide of Natives that's taught in American History books.

[@dantallman5345]

Great set of reactions. Thx John for this request. I think JCSS follows the gospel of Mark in its portrayal of Jesus as a man, he became divine after death. Btw- there was an off-Broadway musical Godspell (1971) and a Godspell film (1973) based on the gospel of Matthew, but is set in New York City I think. There were maybe a couple songs that got some airtime and found their way into religious music.

[@robinbeerman4726]

I feel best version of Gethsemane.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

I think I've mentioned this before, but I just finished the book "ZEALOT: The Life and Times of Jesus Of Nazareth" by Reza Aslan... and it's an amazing look at the real history around Jesus at the time. The author does a great job of dispelling common misconceptions... and setting historical scenes based on the actual writings of the time. The Romans were complete bastards to live under... having wiped many a city off the map to keep their rule. People giving Pilate a break in modern mythology is belied by the fact that he sent a host to the slaughter on the cross. The author also goes through the messianic period and the Roman oppression which bred so many revolutionaries at the time... including Jesus. Really an amazing book. ... also a big fan of this film. A few things don't hold up... but overall, what a production, soundtrack, and idea. Cheers!

[@somthingbrutal]

i might be wrong but i think the Blood Money vid was slightly speeded up

[@julianbarber4708]

The aircraft in the scene with Judas are Fouga CM.170 Magisters, a 1950s French two-seat jet trainer. Isn't Google wonderful? 😆

[@bendyfanomg5449]

I have not read all the comments, however, if no one mentioned it, Tim Rice said he and Andrew lloyd Webber did a lot of drugs when they wrote this. Stands to reason it is like an acid trip/surreal!

[@lynnesears6254]

Many have viewed this as blasphemy but the powerful emotions it evokes can lead to God....lead us to actually go to the Bible and find out the truth. Here, as you observed, Jesus is portrayed as just a man trying to do what God told him to do---change that to Jesus who gave up His divinity to do what had to be done to make the sacrifice in atonement for the sin of all mankind---makes a big and life changing difference. You have a grasp of it, now as an adult you can dig deeper and get those answers you were looking for as a child.

[@nancymunroe3672]

Sweetheart, this was LONNNNGGGGG before Desert Storm!! This concept is just "a bunch of hippie types putting on their own version of the Easter Story!

[@musicman7416]

The tanks at the beginning of Damned for all time are meant to symbolize Judas paranoia and guilty conscious.

[@amandaally7623]

The tanks and planes you see randomly that seem out of place are very real. They shot this movie in Israel during a war that was very actively being fought where they were filming. The director decided to leave some of the footage in as it fit in with the point he was trying to make with the film.

[@amandaally7623]

The goats were real as well. There is a goat herder crossing the horizon in the last scene with the sunset. The director was great about using the landscape and structures already in place.

[@edwardlongshanks827]

No, it was not shot during a war. Filming started in Aug 1972 and the film was released in theatres in Aug 1973. The Six Day War occurred in 1967 and the 4th Arab-Israeli War, aka the Yom Kippur War, took place from 6 to 25 Oct 1973.

[@jean-pierreyot5871]

You really need to follow this up with Monty Python’s "Life of Brian" ! … gives you another perspective.

[@L33Reacts]

Love life of Brian. And the holy grail. Watched them a bunch as a kid :)

[@jean-pierreyot5871]

Glad to hear it. Watching you discover most of this stuff for the first time it’s easy to assume you have never come across anything else before. My apologies. I thoroughly enjoy your reactions and analyses, keep it up.

[@MadelynKontis]

You are seeing pretty much the whole movie. The musical is sung- through, so there's no dialogue.

[@telynns8490]

The tanks symbolize Judas being driven to do what he did.

[@L33Reacts]

Yeah I get it. Just random as hell lol I was just surprised.

[@slm_766]

@@L33Reacts When I first saw this film, on 'the big screen' in the 70s, I sort of chuckled at the tank scene . I reported what I saw there as Judas dancing with tanks. 🤷😄

[@pjeastwood9241]

Yeah, there was part missing. There's the scene where Judas betrays him and the actual arrest where Jesus throws some major snark at the apostles.