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Miklos Rosza’s beautiful score is moving and unforgettable and one of the picture’s greatest strengths. I absolutely love his main title theme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PabhBbNQOd0

I wonder if the composer(”Ben-Hur” and “El Cid” also) was himself a believer.

The movie itself isn’t perfect but then again no movie about the life of Christ ever is. As has been said, this is the most obvious case of the original book being better than any film version possibly could be. Still, I think the Bronston-Ray KOK is one of the better attempts at it. Interesting also that it was the only Bronston production he made in conjunction with MGM. Some of the “Ben-Hur” sheen seems to have been held over for it and that’s a plus in my book.

Really like the Sermon on the Mount scene:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvjTbfxa-pw

I think it has a big following because it was the first big budget film about Christ in the sound era that actually showed his face and showed him walking and talking. Also, director Nicholas Ray has a cult following. However, I think THE ROBE does a better job of explaining redemption though belief in Christ. I also prefer THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD over KING OF KINGS. My favorite 'life of Christ' films are JESUS OF NAZARETH and THE GOSPEL OF JOHN. You can't beat JESUS OF NAZARETH in the crucifixion scene in which Laurence Olivier as Nicodemus follows the crucifixion while quoting from Isaiah.

Most movies about Christ (including KING OF KINGS) depict the life of a great and good man who is unfortunately put to death. I think most fail to explain the purpose of Christ's suffering. PASSION OF THE CHRIST also succeeds in this as well.