Godspell

The film opens with youthful city dwellers from various walks of life dropping their activities to follow John the Baptist (David Haskell from the original New York production). They sing ("Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord") as he leads them into a fountain where they are (metaphorically) baptized. There they meet Jesus (Victor Garber). Frizzy hair and mime makeup aside, the handsome young Garber (Titanic, Annie) is convincing in his film debut. Once baptized, they follow him around various scenic New York locations, singing and acting out passages from the Scriptures.

The largely unknown cast is talented and charismatic, but the film is only fitfully engaging on an emotional level because only Jesus, John, and Judas (Haskell again) emerge as distinct characters. Stephen Schwartz's pleasing pop-rock score, however, helps to smooth over the rough spots, and Robin Lamont's hit version of "Day by Day" remains a highlight. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Product Description
THE LONG-RUNNING '70S STAGE MUSICAL, BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW, COMES TO DVD IN THIS EXHILARATING BIG-SCREEN ADAPTATION. INCLUDES THE HIT SONG DAY BY DAY. SPECIAL FEATURES: SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH, SPANISH, PORTUGUESE, CHINESE, KOREAN AND THAI, TALENT FILES AND MUCH MORE.

The energetic, gifted ensemble have a wide range of talents, and though this film did not propel any of them to stardom, some have had good careers (mostly with TV work) since this film was released in 1973, especially Victor Garber, who is so marvelous as Jesus, with his lovely, sweet tenor voice and angular movements, Lynne Thigpen, the effervescent bundle of joy who sings "O Bless the Lord My Soul", and the very funny Jerry Sroka.
As a group, they are all equally strong in their vocal, dance, and comedic skills, and are a large part of why this film works so well.
The Last Supper scene is a great piece of staging, and I especially like the added touch of blessing the bread and wine in Hebrew, and the subtle, though gripping handling of the darker portions towards the end keeps this an excellent family film, as even very young children will enjoy the slapstick humor and clever costumes.
This film is one of the best stage to screen adaptations, and is a jubilant celebration of life and God's love.


I LOVE this film! Please give it a chance; you'll be glad.   September 19, 2002
MelloCello (Upland, CA USA)
30 out of 30 found this review helpful

I'm a child of the 60s/70s, you'd think I would have seen this film before 2002! I didn't think I could get past the idea of Jesus with a big afro and clown makeup. As it was, I was on my second viewing of this film before it really hit me. So if you think you don't care for it after the first viewing, try again.

Once you get into the fun, innocent, tie-dyed feel of the early 1970s (or at least when it doesn't jar you so much) you can begin to see Godspell for the brilliant production that it is. The musical score is fabulous and I have heard most of it used in church over the years. The scenes of NYC are both breathtaking and poignant, considering the events of Sept. 11, 2001. And how did they get the streets empty during the daytime?

The cast absolutely shines here. Young, energetic and all very talented. John/Judas is the strongest of the supporting cast members. Some people had a problem with the same actor (David Haskell) portraying both parts, but I see it as an important reminder that no one is all good or all bad; that we all have both John and Judas within us. Each cast member is showcased in one or more of the parables, and they all express their emotions vividly and handle the comedy, along with their musical numbers, expertly. Besides the 70s feel, there is also a strong vaudevillian component (they are clowns, after all) so be prepared.

And then there's Jesus. I can't say enough good things about Victor Garber's AMAZING performance! The young Mr. Garber (later of such films as "Titanic" and "Annie") is almost painfully thin and pale, which adds to the other-worldly quality of Jesus. Yet he comes across as unfailingly human: loving, caring and joyous, but also at times angry, awkward and doubtful as events unfold, a charasmatic leader for his motley band of disciples.

As happy and carefree as is the first 3/4 of this movie, so is the last quarter depressing and tragic. The inevitable advance toward the crucifixion is heartbreaking as Jesus sits at the last supper with his disciples and then moves to each one with a personal and emotional goodbye. The song, "On the Willows," with its beautiful harmonies will make the tears brim in your eyes. If you can get through this and the subsequent crucifixion without crying, with Jesus dying while his followers writhe and scream below, you must be made of stone. Finally Jesus is gently taken down and laid across the shoulders of the disciples and borne through the empty cityscape.

While there is no resurrection scene, it is certainly implied which was enough for me. The film ends on a hopeful and joyous note, with the disciples singing softly at first and then breaking into "Prepare Ye" and "Day By Day" with mounting happiness and enthusiasm as they move down the street.

Do yourself a favor and also buy the soundtrack recording on CD; you'll want to be able to listen to the music over and over even when you can't be watching the movie. Victor Garber's clear and beautiful tenor voice conveys all of the same emotions as the visuals, from silly and fun to tragic and painful. You can hear the last breath leave him as he softly sings, "Oh, God, I'm dead." Actually, you pick up more subtle emotional nuances from every cast member as you listen. It's best with headphones!! There is an old saying that goes, "God respects you when you work, but He loves you when you sing!" God must love Victor Garber and company very much for this incredible film. Bravo to all involved in bringing this production to the screen and thank you, thank you, Thank You!!


The Best Religious Musical Ever!   February 25, 2000
Ryan (USA)
26 out of 29 found this review helpful

I am in a production of "Godspell" myself at my high school as John the Baptist. The movie was the perfect way to really see how David Haskell performed it. Not only that, but the power of the final scene made realize just exactly what I'd undertaken. The music, the characters, and the scenery made this a very moving show. The only bad comment that I would have to make is that the sound quality on some of the songs deteriorates, which made me a little edgy. However, I cannot believe that someone could call it a mockery of the New Testament. I consider it one of the best. Suddenly we can see Jesus, in a modern-day situation, and relate to him. The songs add more brilliant color to the movie, with songs varying from jubilant (Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord), to sad (By My Side, On The Willows). I would say that even if you aren't a religious person, the music and the acting is worth watching.


What a Wonderful Movie   April 19, 2000
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I first saw this film in 1976, and I tried for years to get a tape of it. To me, Godspell was far superior to Jesus Christ Superstar in content and message--and as entertainment, too. The superb cast was inspiring and joyful, moving and poignant. I remember being extremely impressed with Victor Garber and David Haskell the first time I saw the film, and I still marvel at their performances today, particularly Haskell's. It once "bothered" me that the characters of John the Baptist and Judas were played by the same person, but now I see the reasoning behind that: we are all capable of good and evil. Our good deeds can be easily eclipsed by the ill which we also do. At any rate, those of you who love good modern theatre, who are willing to be inspired, and who enjoy stirring music and performances will love the film version of Godspell.


Outstanding!   August 21, 2001
Lisa (Raleigh, NC USA)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Several years ago I was involved in two back-to-back productions of Godspell. It is and always will be one of my favorite shows, both to watch and work in. I hadn't realized the movie had been released to video until a few nights ago, when I saw it at the local video store. So I rented it, fell in love, and next went out and bought the DVD.

I bought the DVD rather than the tape, because I like the availability of Wide screen edition. I don't yet own a DVD player, so I had to go over to mom's house to watch it. :-) Anyway, I think the movie is terrific. It's upbeat, happy, colorful, and timeless. The characters are lovable and realistic, and they tell the story of the Gospel without becoming preachy.

Especially adorable is Jeffrey Mylett (1949-1986) in one of his regretfully rare film appearances. I did not really understand what it means for an actor to have "presence" until I watched his performance. No matter how small his part is in the scene, your eye is drawn to him. The camera doesn't love this man, it downright WORSHIPS him.

The only negative things I can say about this film are that I HATE that they excluded the song "We Beseech Thee". It's one of the best numbers in the show, performed onstage by Jeffrey Mylett. By leaving it out, the filmmakers missed out on a great opportunity to showcase the musical talents of possibly the best actor in the troupe. And it ticked me off, too. :-(

The other negative thing is related to the first, in a way. "Beautiful City." Blecchh. The troupe valiantly does the best they can with a real bow-wow of a number. How the producers could think this would be a better choice than "We Beseech Thee," I will never know. It's tedious, repetitive, forgettable, and sticks out like a sore thumb. It looks like it was thrown in at the last minute. This feeling is increased by the "choreography" of the scene; everyone walking and skipping down the street... and I mean for the WHOLE SONG. I suspect that the producers were hoping to generate another hit single with this piece, as it seems to have more of a pop sound than the folk of the rest of the numbers.

I've watched the film about 6 times now, and I always bawl during "On the Willows," one of the most beautiful songs ever written. And the tears flow again during the refrain of "Prepare Ye" at the end. Not too many films can do that to me.

In general I can't give this film a high enough rating.