A Story of David
| Company type | Co-production |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film and television production |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom, Israel |
| Products | Drama film, television episodes |
A Story of David, also recognized as David the Outlaw, is a 1961 drama film co-produced by British and Israeli companies, directed by Bob McNaught. The cast features Jeff Chandler, Basil Sydney, and Peter Arne. The narrative centers on the Biblical figure King David and his complex interactions with King Saul.
This production was among the pioneering projects created expressly for television audiences.
Plot
King Saul becomes envious of his protégé and son-in-law, David, prompting David to flee and live in concealment. Saul's efforts to eliminate David fail as David escapes and assembles a band of followers. Despite Saul’s persistent attempts to capture him, David refrains from engaging in combat against the king out of reverence for his authority. Instead, he relies on Jonathan, Saul’s son and his steadfast supporter, to help him evade capture across various regions.
Cast
- Jeff Chandler as David
- Basil Sydney portraying King Saul
- Peter Arne in the role of Doeg
- David Knight as Jonathan
- Barbara Shelley playing Abigail
- Donald Pleasence as Nabal
- Richard O'Sullivan in the role of Abiathar
- Robert Brown as Jashobeam
- David Davies portraying Abner
- Angela Browne as Michal
- John Van Eyssen playing Joab
- Martin Wyldeck as Hezro
- Charles Carson in the role of Ahimilech
- Zena Marshall portraying Naomi
- Alec Mango as Kudruh
- Peter Madden playing Chief Herder
Production
This film was a joint venture between ABC-TV and producer William Goetz, with shooting locations including Israel and Elstree Studios in London. It was created to serve a dual purpose: broadcast as two one-hour television episodes within the United States and released internationally as a feature-length film. The two segments were titled David the Outlaw and David the Hunted.
Jeff Chandler characterized the project as a straightforward narrative focusing on a limited ensemble cast, prioritizing character development over grand visual spectacle. Filming took place in Israel from August through September 1960, conducted under military security near the Jordanian border before relocating to London for completion; production concluded by October.
During this period, Chandler had an encounter with Israeli Prime Minister David Ben Gurion.
Release
ABC initially faced challenges securing sponsorship but ultimately broadcast the program as a Sunday night movie in 1962. The film garnered exceptionally high ratings, prompting ABC to commission the television series Great Bible Stories.
Reception
According to The Monthly Film Bulletin, A Story of David merges the straightforwardness typical of Sunday School narratives with aspects reminiscent of classic Westerns. The film was commended for its clear delineation between protagonists and antagonists, along with its use of well-known character types. The review suggested that incorporating additional action sequences and outdoor scenes might have increased its appeal and possibly sparked a new trend in Biblical Western films.
External links
- A Story of David on Letterboxd