Queen Esther's 13th Day (1979)

In high hopes that this movie may some day again be televised and/ or released on DVD, this posting is dedicated to that cause.

Universal TV's production The Thirteenth Day: The Story of Esther originally aired in the U.S. on ABC Television in 1979, starring Shakespearean actress Olivia Hussey in the lead role with Tony Musante as King Ahasuerus (left). Hussey is also famous for her work with Director Franco Zeffirelli portraying the Virgin Mary in ITC/ Radiotelevisione Italiana and NBC TV's mini-series Jesus of Nazareth (1977) and portraying Juliet in Dino de Laurentiis and Paramount Pictures' production of Romeo and Juliet (1968). As a side note of interest, Hussey's man "Romeo" from Romeo and Juliet, Leonard Whiting, went on to portray Biblical hero Jacob in Loraglade/ Allied Artists' independent film Rachel's Man (1976). [Click photo to enlarge it.]

Pioneering authorities on Biblical epics, authors Richard Campbell and Michael Pitts, describe the movie as follows:

"Aired as a one-hour special on ABC-TV, this drama told the Old Testament story of a young queen who had to defend both herself and her people after a power-mad advisor convinces her husband that she must die. The story had Jewish girl Esther marrying King Ahasuerus, whose minister Haman tried to kill him. The plot was thwarted by a Jew. To get revenge, Haman convinces the king that the Jews are a threat to his throne, although neither man knows that beautiful young Esther is also Jewish. Since the king's order to kill her people cannot be reversed, the queen has to find a way to save her people and at the same time reveal to the king the true nature of the treacherous Haman. A well-done television drama, the program's familiar plot line had been used before for the features Queen Esther [1948] and Esther and the King [1960]."

See also the Internet Movie Database's listing for the movie at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0330983/.

[Actor Ted Wass (right) portrayed Simon.]

THE KING OF KINGS (1927) Film Review

The Startling Conversion of a Sinner!

One of many intriguing acts filmed by Cecil B. DeMille in his 1927 classic, THE KING OF KINGS, begins when Mary of Magdala makes a vivid entrance aboard her chariot pulled by a team of exotic zebras! The seductive temptress exits her chauffeured, zebra-drawn ride to confront the One who has been disrupting her business in the world's oldest profession. Mary's meeting does not turn out as intended, however. At this divine appointment, she suddenly finds herself in the very presence of God Himself veiled in human flesh named Jesus Christ. Her Maker who has known her all her life -- who created her within her mother's womb -- now looks upon her, disappointed in what she has become. When the Magdalene looks into the eyes of Christ and the face of God, an extraordinary transformation proceeds. His countenance locks onto her soul. The piercing stare of Jesus cuts through her fragile facade like x-ray vision, seeing into the deepest recesses of her heart and into the very essence of her being. Mary's soul is laid bare, and the shame of her wickedness is exposed. She realizes that without a Savior she is lost and undone. Although condemnation may be expected, forgiveness and rehabilitation are offered. Witness then the awesome power of God's merciful love as it overcomes Mary with a never-before-experienced sense of hope and peace. "Be thou clean!" her Deliverer and Exorcist demands. Next, a shocking spectacle unfolds. The impressive special effects employed in this scene supply a riveting sequence of ghostly and ghastly demons being cast out of Mary. One evil spirit after another is identified and expelled: Lust! Greed! Pride! Gluttony! Indolence! Envy! Anger! (Although, the Biblical reference cited in Luke 8:2 does concur that seven demons were cast out, the actual sins associated with them are not revealed but are left to DeMille's creative license, suggesting them to be the famous Seven Deadly Sins.) The remarkable deliverance and exorcism of Mary Magdalene is one of the most amazing re-enactments ever recorded on film. Immediately, modesty and renewed purity overwhelm Mary, causing her to cover her body as she repents from her former life of rebellion. Though her sins were as staining as scarlet, the sin-destroying blood of Christ washes them all away whiter than snow. She is now a follower of Christ. Mary of Magdala encountered God!

The King of Kings (1927)

e Click here to buy your own VHS video copy (Special Narrated Version) from Amazon.com. e

© Copyright, R.N. Butler: January 12/19/22, Anno Domini 2007 ©
(Written Jan. 22 & Feb. 9,13, & 19, A.D. 2004).
~{Shorter version published by The New York Times on 2-20-05.}~

Jesus Christ is Lord!