Pontius Pilate (film)

Pontius Pilate
1962 US Theatrical Poster
Directed by	Gian Paolo Callegari Irving Rapper
Produced by	Glomer Film, Lux Compagnie Cinématographique de France
Written by	Oreste Biancoli Gian Paolo Callegari Gino De Santis
Starring	Jean Marais Jeanne Crain
Music by	Angelo Francesco Lavagnino
Release date	15 February 1962 (Italy); 22 June 1962 (France); 1967 (USA)
Running time	100 minutes; 93 minutes (Spain); 103 minutes (West Germany)
Country	Italy, France
Language	Italian

Pontius Pilate (Italian: Ponzio Pilato, French: Ponce Pilate) is an Italian drama film from 1962, directed by Gian Paolo Callegari and Irving Rapper, written by Oreste Biancoli, starring Jean Marais and Jeanne Crain.

The film was known under the titles: "Ponce Pilate" (France), "Poncio Pilatos" (Spain), "Pontius Pilate" (UK / USA), "Pontius Pilatus – Statthalter des Grauens" (Germany).

John Drew Barrymore played the characters of both Judas Iscariot and Jesus of Nazareth.

The scenario was based mainly on the Gospel of John. The following biblical passages are quoted in the film: Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2; Luke 23:1; John 18:33; 18:37; John 18:38; 19:9-11; Matthew 27:24; Deuteronomy 21:6-7; John 19:19-21; 19:22.

This film takes a perspective on events surrounding the Passion of Jesus Christ by focusing on Pontius Pilate, the Procurator of Judea who condemned Him to death. Pilate is a man for whom nothing seems to go as planned.

The film was produced in Italy. Realised on 15 February 1962.