A Story of David should not be confused with The Story of David.
A Story of David | |
Director: | Bob McNaught |
Producer: | William Goetz George Pitcher Irving Starr |
Starring: | Jeff Chandler Basil Sydney Peter Arne |
Studio: | Scoto Mardeb ABC Television |
Country: | United Kingdom Israel |
A Story of David is a 1961 British-Israeli drama film directed by Bob McNaught and starring Jeff Chandler, Basil Sydney and Peter Arne.[1] It depicts the life of the Biblical King David and his conflicted relationship with King Saul.
It was one of the first films made for television.[2]
Saul becomes jealous of the popularity of his protege and son-in-law David and tries to kill him. David goes into hiding.
The film was a co-production between ABC-TV and William Goetz. It was shot in Israel and London. It was intended that the film be released as two one-hour episodes for TV in the US and as a feature in other countries.[3] Part one was to be called David the Outlaw; part two David the Hunted.[4]
"It's a simple story," said Chandler "only half a dozen people in it. There'll be no chariot race."[5] Filming took place in Israel in August and September 1960; Israel troops guarded them near the Jordan border. The unit then shifted to Elstree studios in London. Filming had completed by October.[6]
During filming Chandler met David Ben Gurion.
ABC could not find a sponsor for the program. It eventually screened on ABC as a Sunday night movie in 1962.[7] The film drew record high ratings and prompted ABC to commission a series Great Bible Stories.[8]