From the Manger to the Cross

1912

1h 30m

Drama

List

88%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

50%

Audience Score

50+ Ratings

Jesus' life, from his birth in a manger to his death by crucifixion.

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SF Chronicle Staff

San Francisco Chronicle

Throughout the five parts of the exhibition there is not the slightest effect of acting or straining for theatric effects. All is as simple as the great story of the Bible itself, yet remarkable in its realism.

Jun 3, 2021

Full Review

Republic Staff

Arizona Republic

The present pictures that are running at the Lamara, From the Manger to the Cross are more wonderful in fact than [the Passion Play of Oberammergau].

Jun 3, 2021

Full Review

Inquirer Staff

Philadelphia Inquirer

The picture, presented by the Kalem Company, is a wonderful delineation of the New Testament story of the Man of Galilee. Throughout the entire five thousand feet of film, divided into five reels, a deep study is given of human emotions.

Jun 3, 2021

Full Review

Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

What it offers about the life of Jesus has some strength in the costumes and settings, but its narrative often stumbles in common places by showing biblical events with conventional stereotypes and an idealized approach. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 6/10

Mar 28, 2024

Full Review

Rev. W.H. Jackson

Moving Picture World

As this is the world's greatest theme, it only follows that this is the greatest picture, and the Kalem Company must receive due commendation for...this wonderful film which places the highest and best uses of the moving picture in its most exalted place.

Jun 3, 2021

Full Review

W. Stephen Bush

Moving Picture World

It is indeed a cinematographic gospel. Because of this sublime work it will be easier than it was before to "go forth and teach all nations."

Jun 3, 2021

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Audience Member

For 1912, this was a pretty impressive accomplishment. As silent films go, it still holds up.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/17/18

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david l

With way too many intertitles, troublesome pacing, way too short running time and awful approach and execution which is bland and very by-the-numbers, From the Manger to the Cross has some good technical aspects, but it is not remembered today for all the good reasons because it fails to bring its subject matter to life and fails to bring energy and sophistication into the project. It is a very problematic film which is definitely not good and a huge disappointment.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

In this century old silent epic, the life of Jesus Christ is depicted from birth to death, with some images of the figure looking very important intercut with title cards directly quoting the Bible. It is ok I guess, if certainly to see such an early screen adaptation of Jesus...but it is kind of dull. It is neat that they shot it in actual locations though.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Excessively narrative, loses the essence.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

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Sidney Olcott

Director

R. Henderson Bland

Jesus - the Man

Percy Dyer

Jesus as a Youth

Gene Gauntier

Mary

Alice Hollister

Mary Magdalene

J.P. McGowan

Wise Man

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Synopsis

Jesus' life, from his birth in a manger to his death by crucifixion.

Director: Sidney Olcott
Screenwriter: Gene Gauntier
Production Co: Kalem Company
Genre: Drama
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 28, 2016
Runtime: 1h 30m

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