David and Bathsheba

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

83%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 6

30%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 413
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Movie Info

David and Bathsheba is a respectable, slightly stodgy cinematic adaptation of the Old Testament story. King David (Gregory Peck), much beloved by his subjects and a war hero of long standing, falls victim to the sins of the flesh when he falls in love with Bathsheba (Susan Hayward), the wife of Uriah (Kieron Moore), one of David's most trusted soldiers. His downfall begins when David orders Uriah into a suicidal battle, knowing that this will clear the way for his relationship with Bathsheba. His infatuation leads him to neglect his kingdom and his people, and invokes the wrath of God. Only after his land has been devastated by God's hand does David offer atonement. The film's lavish production values compensate ever so slightly for the long-winded script. David and Bathsheba was the last major "flat-screen" Biblical epic; it was filmed in 1951 B.C. -- Before Cinemascope.

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Cast

Gregory Peck
as King David
Susan Hayward
as Bathsheba
Raymond Massey
as Nathan
Jayne Meadows
as Michal
Kieron Moore
as Uriah
James Robertson Justice
as Abishai
John Sutton
as Ira
Dennis Hoey
as Joab
Walter Talun
as Goliath
Paula Morgan
as Adulteress
Francis X. Bushman
as King Saul
Teddy Infur
as Jonathan
Leo B. Pessin
as David as boy
Gwen Verdon
as Specialty Dancer
Gilbert Barnett
as Absalom
John Burton
as Priest
Lumsden Hare
as Old Shepherd
George Zucco
as Egyptian Ambassador
Allan Stone
as Amnon
Paul Newlan
as Samuel
Holmes Herbert
as Jesse
Robert Stephenson
as Executioner
Harry Carter
as Executioner
Richard Michelson
as Jesse's 1st Son
Dick Winters
as Jesse's 2nd Son
Johnny Duncan
as Jesse's 3rd Son
James Craven
as Court Announcer
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Critic Reviews for David and Bathsheba

All Critics (6) | Top Critics (3)

  • David and Bathsheba can best be described as Samson and Delilah with taste.

    Aug 5, 2019 | Full Review…

    Bob Thomas

    Associated Press
    Top Critic

  • This is a big picture in every respect.

    Mar 26, 2009 | Full Review…

    Variety Staff

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • A reverential and sometimes majestic treatment of chronicles that have lived three millenia...In concerning itself with an ageless romance, "David and Bathsheba" admirably achieves its goal.

    Jan 28, 2006 | Full Review…
    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • Entertaining less as a Bibilical epic than as an epic exercise in extreme camp.

    Mar 5, 2014 | Full Review…

    Richard Luck

    Film4

  • Typical lavish Hollywood Biblical treatment, but awash with juice, thanks to the force supplied by the three leads.

    Mar 5, 2014 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
    TV Guide

  • Stale, earnest, and dignified (like most of Henry King films), this Biblical saga primarily served as star vehicle for Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward.

    Apr 12, 2012 | Rating: C | Full Review…

    Emanuel Levy

    EmanuelLevy.Com
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Audience Reviews for David and Bathsheba

  • Sep 05, 2010
    A classic story performed by classic actors, Peck and Hayward do a good job in this movie, even though there are many boring scenes, the story and acting are good.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
  • Apr 10, 2008
    The holes in Holy Scripture are left up to interpretation. What were the character's motivations for their crimes? How did the events of the Bible play out? The interpretation in this movie is by far interesting. A take that I did not consider. It's a good piece of art that does not conflict with the Bible. It even quotes the Psalms several times. I enjoyed it. Plus, Gregory Peck is muy caliente!
    Dannielle A Super Reviewer
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