The Silver Chalice is a biblical epic that follows Basil, a Greek artisan from Antioch, who is commissioned to create a silver chalice to house the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper. As Basil embarks on his journey, he encounters various challenges, including a magician named Simon who seeks to position himself as the new Messiah. The film explores themes of faith, redemption, and the early Christian church’s struggles.
Genre: Drama, Historical, Biblical Epic
Director: Victor Saville
Victor Saville was an English film director, producer, and screenwriter born on September 25, 1895, in Birmingham, England. He began his career in the British film industry during the silent era and transitioned successfully into talkies. Saville directed and produced numerous films across various genres, including musicals, dramas, and thrillers. Some of his notable works include “The Citadel” (1938) and “Goodbye, Mr. Chips” (1939). He passed away on May 8, 1979, in London.
Star Cast:
- Paul Newman as Basil
- Virginia Mayo as Helena
- Pier Angeli as Deborra
- Jack Palance as Simon the Magician
- Walter Hampden as Joseph of Arimathea
- Joseph Wiseman as Mijamin
- Alexander Scourby as Luke
- Lorne Greene as Peter
- David J. Stewart as Adam
- Herbert Rudley as Linus
- Jacques Aubuchon as Nero
- E.G. Marshall as Ignatius
- Michael Pate as Aaron Ben Joseph
- Natalie Wood as young Helena
- Peter Raynolds as young Basil
- Mort Marshall as Benjie
- Booth Colman as Hiram
- Terence de Marney as Sosthene
- Robert Middleton as Idbash
- Ian Wolfe as Theron
- Lawrence Dobkin as Ephraim
- Philip Tonge as Ohad
- Albert Dekker as Kester
- Beryl Machin as Eulalia
- Strother Martin as Father
Upon its release, The Silver Chalice received mixed to negative reviews. Critics praised the film’s visual style and musical score but criticized its pacing and performances. Paul Newman’s portrayal of Basil, in his film debut, was met with particular scrutiny. Newman himself was dissatisfied with his performance and the film as a whole, famously taking out an advertisement in a trade publication years later, urging people not to watch it. Despite the criticism, the film garnered attention for its unique set designs and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Art Direction.
Fun Facts:
- The Silver Chalice marked the film debut of Paul Newman, who would go on to become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors.
- The film’s set design was notably abstract and stylized, deviating from the realistic sets typical of biblical epics of the time.
- Composer Franz Waxman’s musical score for the film was nominated for an Academy Award.
- Despite its initial reception, the film has gained a cult following over the years, with some appreciating its unique artistic choices.
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