One of the finest Bible story adaptations ever made, this little- remembered movie tells the story of the last half of Genesis (it could almost be a companion piece to Huston's "The Bible") in two parts: Part One depicts the rivalry of Esau and Jacob--how Jacob cheated his brother Esau, fled to Haran and was himself cheated into marrying a woman he didn't love. Eventually Jacob has twelve sons by four women. In Part Two the sons have grown up. Ten of them are jealous of Joseph (whose "technicolor dream coat" here is rather ordinary) and sell him into slavery. In Egypt Joseph rises out of slavery by his wit and divine interpretation of dreams. During a famine he brings about reconciliation with his brothers.
"Jacob and Joseph" is top-notch. The acting is much better than the typical Bible film. The characters speak and act like real people, not cardboard cutouts. The writing tells the stories faithfully, without unnecessary additions, yet in a refreshing way that even after over three decades is enjoyable to watch. A must-see and must-keep.
"Jacob and Joseph" is top-notch. The acting is much better than the typical Bible film. The characters speak and act like real people, not cardboard cutouts. The writing tells the stories faithfully, without unnecessary additions, yet in a refreshing way that even after over three decades is enjoyable to watch. A must-see and must-keep.