David and Bathsheba

Released Aug 10, 1951

1h 56m

History

Drama

List

60%

10 Reviews

Tomatometer

33%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

King David and the beautiful Bathsheba's adulterous love risks David his throne, country and even the wrath of God. Told in occasional flashback, the film sees him conquer Goliath and lead his armies to victory before the prophet Nathan brings the word of Jehovah and His judgment, which sees David atone for his sins.

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Steve D

One of its stars worst films.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/22/24

Full Review

Lanfranco C

Historical and instructive, but the movie style is outdated.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

11/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

David went from epic youth by the grace of his beliefs in this movies depiction of King David to his reckless behaviors as a man with all his selfish and wicked ways. To finally understand that it was never about him as king. But about him as the model king focused on serving his people first before all other worldly things. The movie as a whole, began with David's selfish ways and how it impacted those around him per the ‘law.' His conundrum became bigger than himself and Bathsheba. So big that their behaviors were amplified by those around them to he idea that laws are designed for all people including their King! My thoughts and opinions.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The Bible isn't extremely specific on the details of the story of David and Bathsheba and I think this movie explores some believable possibilities on what might have happened. Despite the unnecessary and lengthly flashback, the redemption scene is the highlight of this movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

Full Review

s r

Interesting take on the Bible story. It had a big picture feel that I enjoyed.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Early production in the mid 20th century collection of biblical tales, David & Bathsheba was the last pre-widescreen film before the era of super epics began with The Robe (first Cinemascope film). David & Bathsheba recounts the story of King David's torrid romance with Bathsheba, wife of one of his soldiers. Gregory Peck brings his intense demeanor to this iconic role. Susan Hayward, titian haired beauty, is the lovely Bathsheba, who sins with the king, knowing full well the consequences might be dire. Alfred Newman has accompanied the film with an excellent score, concluding with a moving choral version of the 23rd Psalm (The Lord is my shepherd...). The only real action sequence is the confrontation with Goliath, shown as a flashback. The rest is old fashioned melodrama, not that that is a bad thing.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

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Henry King

Director

Gregory Peck

King David

Susan Hayward

Bathsheba

Raymond Massey

Nathan

Kieron Moore

Uriah

James Robertson Justice

Abishai

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

David and Bathsheba can best be described as Samson and Delilah with taste.

Aug 5, 2019

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

This is a big picture in every respect.

Mar 26, 2009

Full Review

New York Times

A reverential and sometimes majestic treatment of chronicles that have lived three millenia...In concerning itself with an ageless romance, "David and Bathsheba" admirably achieves its goal.

Jan 28, 2006

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Fine production values can’t completely cover the inadequacies in the draggy script.

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 4, 2023

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

Its a biblical melodrama that becomes as dull as a pastor's sermon at Sunday mass. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 5/10

Mar 28, 2023

Full Review

Nell Dodson Russell

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

David and Bathsheba misses true film greatness by a margin, mostly because Hayward can't keep pace with Peck and because director Henry King got carried away on occasion, with the sweep of It all.

Jan 14, 2022

Full Review

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Synopsis

King David and the beautiful Bathsheba's adulterous love risks David his throne, country and even the wrath of God. Told in occasional flashback, the film sees him conquer Goliath and lead his armies to victory before the prophet Nathan brings the word of Jehovah and His judgment, which sees David atone for his sins.

Director: Henry King
Screenwriter: Philip Dunne
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: Twentieth Century Fox
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 10, 1951, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 22, 2013
Runtime: 1h 56m

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