David and Bathsheba
King David enters into an adulterous affair with the beautiful Bathsheba, which has tragic consequences for his family and Israel.
Critics Sentiment
David enters Holy of Holies and touches the Ark
Drought strikes Israel and David's newborn child dies
The film's biggest shift occurs from the devastating consequences of David's sins to his powerful redemption sequence, rising 2.7 points from the drought and child's death to David touching the Ark.
The sentiment arc follows David's moral journey from initial strength through his fall into sin and ultimate redemption. While critics appreciated the human portrayal of David's weaknesses and Gregory Peck's performance, many found the pacing slow and the romance unconvincing. The film recovers significantly in its final act with David's repentance sequence being widely praised as the emotional and dramatic highlight.
Full cast
Gregory Peck
King David
Susan Hayward
Bathsheba
Kieron Moore
Uriah
Raymond Massey
Nathan
James Robertson Justice
Abishai
Jayne Meadows
Michal
John Sutton
Ira
Dennis Hoey
Joab
Francis X. Bushman
King Saul (uncredited)
George Zucco
Egyptian Ambassador (uncredited)
William Severn
Shepherd Boy (uncredited)
Gwen Verdon
Specialty Dancer (uncredited)
Leo B. Pessin
David as a boy (uncredited)
John Burton
Priest (uncredited)
Crew
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