Behold a Pale Horse (1964)

86% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(451 ratings)

By 1964, it was possible for a major studio to make a film touching upon the Spanish Civil War without having to answer to some senate investigating committee or other. Based on Emeric Pressburger's novel A Mouse on Sunday, Behold a Pale Horse stars Gregory Peck as a war veteran who continues waging… More By 1964, it was possible for a major studio to make a film touching upon the Spanish Civil War without having to answer to some senate investigating committee or other. Based on Emeric Pressburger's novel A Mouse on Sunday, Behold a Pale Horse stars Gregory Peck as a war veteran who continues waging a one-man offensive years after hostilities have officially ceased. Exiled to France, Peck is lured back to Spain by vengeful police captain Anthony Quinn. Priest Omar Sharif advises Peck that he's being tricked, but Peck is determined to return to Spain to bid farewell to his dying mother Mildred Dunnock. Halfway through, the film bogs down into ponderous preachifying and moralizing, but overall the film is worth a glance. In 1966, Behold a Pale Horse was scheduled to be telecast on a major American network, but was cancelled at the last minute, reportedly at the behest of the Spanish government. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 58 min.
Directed By: Fred Zinnemann
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Aug 14, 1964 Wide
On DVD: Feb 22, 2005

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Omar Sharif shows a warm, sensitive side in this film, playing the role of a young priest torn between obligations of personal morality and the official laws of government.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
The drama is too diffuse for excitement.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The film's best asset is the stirring performance by Gregory Peck as an aging revolutionary.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Peck is very good, Quinn is superb, and everyone involved with this powerful movie should take a bow.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...elevated by some expectedly great acting.
, Film4
Behold a Pale Horse may be flawed, but is well worth taking a look at.