David and Bathsheba (1951)

44% of users liked it
(353 ratings)

David and Bathsheba is a respectable, slightly stodgy cinematic adaptation of the Old Testament story. King David (Gregory Peck), much beloved by his subjects and a war hero of long standing, falls victim to the sins of the flesh when he falls in love with Bathsheba (Susan Hayward), the wife of… More David and Bathsheba is a respectable, slightly stodgy cinematic adaptation of the Old Testament story. King David (Gregory Peck), much beloved by his subjects and a war hero of long standing, falls victim to the sins of the flesh when he falls in love with Bathsheba (Susan Hayward), the wife of Uriah (Kieron Moore), one of David's most trusted soldiers. His downfall begins when David orders Uriah into a suicidal battle, knowing that this will clear the way for his relationship with Bathsheba. His infatuation leads him to neglect his kingdom and his people, and invokes the wrath of God. Only after his land has been devastated by God's hand does David offer atonement. The film's lavish production values compensate ever so slightly for the long-winded script. David and Bathsheba was the last major "flat-screen" Biblical epic; it was filmed in 1951 B.C. -- Before Cinemascope. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 56 min.
Directed By: Henry King
Written By: Philip Dunne
Genres: Drama, Faith & Spirituality, Romance, Classics

In Theaters: Aug 10, 1951 Wide
On DVD: Feb 7, 2007

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Stale, earnest, and dignified (like most of Henry King films), this Biblical saga primarily served as star vehicle for Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A classic story performed by classic actors, Peck and Hayward do a good job in this movie, even though there are many boring scenes, the story and acting are good.
Dannielle A

The holes in Holy Scripture are left up to interpretation. What were the character's motivations for their crimes? How did the events of the Bible play out? The interpretation in this movie is by far interesting. A take that I did not consider. It's a good piece of art that… More
The holes in Holy Scripture are left up to interpretation. What were the character's motivations for their crimes? How did the events of the Bible play out? The interpretation in this movie is by far interesting. A take that I did not consider. It's a good piece of art that does not conflict with the Bible. It even quotes the Psalms several times. I enjoyed it. Plus, Gregory Peck is muy caliente!