The King of Kings (1927) | Directed by Cecil B. DeMille

"The King of Kings" (1927) is a silent religious epic film directed by Cecil B. DeMille. It portrays the last weeks of Jesus Christ's life, focusing on his teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. The film was widely praised for its grand scale and elaborate set design, as well as its reverent and dramatic portrayal of the biblical story. DeMille’s expertise in directing large-scale epics is on full display, and "The King of Kings" became one of the most significant religious films of the silent era.

The story follows the life of Jesus Christ, beginning with his ministry and culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection. The film introduces various biblical figures, including Mary Magdalene, Judas Iscariot, Peter, and the Roman officials, and depicts famous moments such as the Last Supper, the betrayal by Judas, and the miracle of healing the blind. The movie emphasizes Jesus' teachings and the transformative power of his message. The crucifixion scene is one of the highlights, presented with great attention to detail and reverence.

- H. B. Warner as Jesus Christ, portraying him with a calm and ethereal presence.
- Dorothy Cumming as Mary, the mother of Jesus.
- Jacqueline Logan as Mary Magdalene, who undergoes a transformation after meeting Jesus.
- Joseph Schildkraut as Judas Iscariot, whose betrayal is central to the plot.
- Ernest Torrence as Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples.

Cecil B. DeMille directed the film, known for his ability to create visually spectacular and emotionally engaging epic films. "The King of Kings" was part of a trilogy of biblical epics DeMille directed, including *The Ten Commandments* (1923) and *The Sign of the Cross* (1932).

The film is remembered not only for its religious significance but also for its technical achievements in the silent film era, including the use of Technicolor for the resurrection sequence. It has left a lasting legacy in religious cinema.