It was one of the first films made for television.[3]
Plot
Saul becomes jealous of the popularity of his protege and son-in-law David. David goes into hiding. In a fit of rage, Saul tries to kill David with a spear, but David manages to escape and gathers a group of followers. Saul becomes increasingly obsessed and relentlessly hunts David to kill him, but David refuses to fight Saul, out of respect for him as king. Therefore, David keeps moving from one territory to another to avoid Saul's attacks, while Jonathan, Saul's firstborn son and David's best friend, assists him in his escape.
The film was a co-production between ABC-TV and William Goetz. It was shot in Israel and London.[4] It was intended that the film be released as two one-hour episodes for TV in the US and as a feature in other countries.[4] Part one was to be called David the Outlaw; part two David the Hunted.[5]
"It's a simple story," said Chandler "only half a dozen people in it. There'll be no chariot race."[6] Filming took place in Israel in August and September 1960; Israel troops guarded them near the Jordan border. The unit then shifted to Elstree studios in London. Filming had completed by October.[7]
ABC could not find a sponsor for the program. It eventually screened on ABC as a Sunday night movie in 1962.[8] The film drew record high ratings and prompted ABC to commission a series Great Bible Stories.[9]
Reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "A Story of David has the simple charm of Sunday School story ... Unexpectedly, the narrative has more than a touch of the traditional Western, with the uncomplicatedly honest outlaw gathering his forces together against unikely odds In order to rout the badman's reign of violence. And, as in a minor Ford Western, with its gallery of comfortingly familiar faces, Bob McNaught devotes much of his film to bold strokes sketching in the uncomplicated warmth and humanity of the goodies ... to set against the sneering treachery of the baddies. A little more action, and more boldness in the use of exteriors might have sparked soff an attractive trend in Biblical Westerns."[10]
References
^"A Story of David". British Film Institute Collections Search. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
^Two-Part Show Is One Worth Look. Smith, Cecil. Los Angeles Times 21 Nov 1963: C14.
^ abRenewal at Allied for Jeff Chandler: 'Plunderers' Pleases Studio; Star Urges Subsidy for Films
Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 4 October 1960: A9.
^TV King David Is a Diplomat, Too
Chicago Daily Tribune21 Aug 1960: sw18
^I GET FRUSTRATED: JEFF CHANDLER
Jennings, Betty. Picture Show; London (Aug 13, 1960): 7.
^THE STORY OF DAVID: Being filmed on location in Israel
The Sphere; London Vol. 242, Iss. 3146, (Sep 17, 1960): 416-417.
^Biblical Special, 'David' to Screen
Smith, Cecil. Los Angeles Times 16 Nov 1962: D18.
^NEWS OF TV AND RADIO: Perennial Best Seller Will Be Source Of New A.B.C. Series Other Items
By RICHARD F. SHEPARD. New York Times 30 June 1963: 75.
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