Director David Lean (1908)

The American epic religious film, The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), recounts the Biblical tale of Jesus from his birth in Nazareth to his Ascension. It was produced and directed by George Stevens. A group of wise men (Magi) travel from Asia to Jerusalem after seeing a bright star, hoping to find the prophesied newborn king. King Herod is alerted of their arrival and is told about a Messiah mentioned in prophecies. Remembering that Bethlehem is the predicted birthplace, Herod sends the Magi there to confirm the child’s existence but secretly sends guards to keep an eye on them. In Bethlehem, they find Mary and ...

The British romantic drama film, The Passionate Friends (1949), was directed by David Lean. It follows the story of Mary on holiday in Switzerland while waiting for her husband Howard (Claude Rains) to join her from his business. It had been nine years since their last vacation, but also nine years since she last spoke to Steven, the man she loves and who happens to be staying in the neighboring room without her knowledge. The film then delves into flashbacks of their past relationship. Despite her love for Steven, Mary declines his proposal, believing that a marriage built on love would feel suffocating. Steven argues ...