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A Story of David
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Wikipedia article
'A Story of David' is a 1961 British-Israeli drama film directed by Bob McNaught and starring Jeff Chandler, Basil Sydney and Peter Arne.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090114065058/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/51884 BFI.org] 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.Two-Part Show Is One Worth Look
Smith, Cecil. Los Angeles Times 21 Nov 1963: C14.
Plot
Saul becomes jealous of the popularity of his protege David and tries to kill him. David goes into hiding.
Cast
* Jeff Chandler - David
* Basil Sydney - King Saul
* Peter Arne - Doeg
* David Knight - Jonathan
* Barbara Shelley - Abigail
* Donald Pleasence - Nabal
* Richard O'Sullivan - Abiathar
* Robert Brown - Jashobeam
* David Davies - Abner
* Angela Browne - Michal
* John Van Eyssen - Joab
* Martin Wyldeck - Hezro
* Charles Carson - Ahimilech
* Zena Marshall - Naomi
* Alec Mango - Kudruh
* Peter Madden - Chief Herder
Production
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.Renewal at Allied for Jeff Chandler: 'Plunderers' Pleases Studio; Star Urges Subsidy for Films
Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 4 October 1960: A9. Part one was to be called 'David the Outlaw'; part two 'David the Hunted'.TV King David Is a Diplomat, Too
Chicago Daily Tribune21 Aug 1960: sw18
"It's a simple story," said Chandler "only half a dozen people in it. There'll be no chariot race."I GET FRUSTRATED: JEFF CHANDLER
Jennings, Betty. Picture Show; London (Aug 13, 1960): 7. 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.THE STORY OF DAVID: Being filmed on location in Israel
The Sphere; London Vol. 242, Iss. 3146, (Sep 17, 1960): 416-417.
During filming Chandler met David Ben Gurion.
Release
ABC could not find a sponsor for the program. It eventually screened on ABC as a Sunday night movie in 1962.Biblical Special, 'David' to Screen
Smith, Cecil. Los Angeles Times 16 Nov 1962: D18. The film drew record high ratings and prompted ABC to commission a series 'Great Bible Stories'.NEWS OF TV AND RADIO: Perennial Best Seller Will Be Source Of New A.B.C. Series Other Items
By RICHARD F. SHEPARD. New York Times 30 June 1963: 75.
References
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