A Biblical tale of tragedy and romantic obsession -

More than 3000 years ago King David of Bethlehem ruled over the united tribes of Israel. The 1951 David and Bathsheba starring Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward, takes on the historical era and the problems King David encountered, including morality, religious tensions and romantic obsession. This was a brave step by Fox's Darryl F. Zanuck who not only backed Philip Dunne's script about opposing religious sides, but also placed Peck in a shirt bearing the Jewish star throughout most of the film.

Susan Hayward

© 20th Century Fox  

King David (Peck) enjoys a lavish castle, respect from his people, and favor with God. But the man who splayed Goliath with a stone doesn't have the thing he really wants - someone else's wife. While atop his terrace one evening, David spies the lovely Bathsheba (Hayward) below disrobing for her bath.

He's instantly smitten and the fact that she's already married to one of his warriors, doesn't stop David from having his assistant Abishai (James Robertson Justice), and summon her to his chamber.

From the very first visit, neither of them can deny their sexual attraction to each other. With only a brief few words about how wrong it is, they plunge into a full affair. It's supposed to be secret, but how can it be when the two are seen everywhere together?

One scene stands out. As David, Bathsheba and David's entourage are coming back into the parish; the villagers are stoning a pretty young woman for committing adultery. The ordeal frightens Bathsheba who fears she will end up the same way. David tells her even though they are not married; she's more a wife to him then all his other wives.

Gregory Peck

  © 20th Century Fox  

While David is drowning in his desire, (Raymond Massey), a prophet of God, brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. When it teeters and almost falls, he tells no one to touch it or he or she will die. One man doesn't listen, tries to stop it and dies on the spot.

Nathan also questions if David is right with God. David tries to convince himself he is, but things worsen when Bathsheba announces she's pregnant. After many restless nights, David makes a profound decision and orders that Bathsheba's husband, Uriah (Kieron Moore), be killed in battle.

Jayne Meadows

  © 20th Century Fox    

Deed done, the two marry, but still they do not find happiness. Their baby is born dead; David now feels he is unfit in God's eyes to be a leader, a feeling expressed by Nathan as well. Michal (Jayne Meadows), one of David's wives and the daughter of Saul, David's predecessor, is so jealous, she does something irrational.

David and Bathsheba does a decent job of presenting a Biblical story in an interesting light, enhanced by good performances. Peck and Hayward make such an attractive couple; it's easy to root for them. STILL, this is a religious film with a devout theme of good over evil. The fact that David went overboard with trying to conceal his transgressions, sadly makes him an unredeemable character. This makes the drama even more engaging.

Director: Henry King

Writer: Philip Dunne

Cast: Gregory Peck, Susan Hayward, Raymond Massey, Kieron Moore, James Robertson Justice, Jayne Meadows, George Zucco, Francis X. Bushman, Gwen Verdon

Rating: Unrated

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Run Time: 116 minutes

Studio: 20th Century Fox