classicalsteve If you turned to a channel broadcasting "Godspell", and you had never seen it before, it might take you a few minutes to understand what is going on. This is exactly how I was introduced to Godspell back in the 1980's. At first glance, "Godspell" might appear like some crazy sequel to "Hair", involving young actors in hippie-like garb dancing and singing around New York. The original was a university thesis project in which the Gospel parables and some of the narrative story of Jesus of Nazareth are presented in a style conducive to New York improv theater. The original was predominantly improv-like acting with a few songs. Eventually, Stephen Schwartz entered the picture and added songs creating a musical, and it became an off-Broadway hit musical 1971-72. This film adaption was produced shortly thereafter in 1973 with some song changes.Unlike its counterpart "Jesus Christ Superstar" with which it has been endlessly compared, "Godspell" is less about the story and controversy of the life of Jesus of Nazareth and more a demonstration of select parables with a little bit of Jesus' narrative story at the beginning and the end. The original concept and subsequent plays and musicals were the brainchild of John-Michael Tebelak designed to speak to the crowd of college-age youth of the 1960's and early 70's about aspects of the gospels. "Godspell" is a "hip" alternative to the rather stuffy sermons orated by many-an Evangelical pastor since the 19th century, using vaudeville-like and silent-film pantomime and improvisation to demonstrate many of the parables.The film begins with a voice singing "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord", and the characters who will become "the disciples" leave their respective places of work in New York (somewhat similar to the accounts in the Bible) and follow the voice. Interesting to note, in this interpretation there are males, females, African-Americans, even a Latino or two among the disciples, unlike other presentations in which these characters are often played by Whites of European descent. They come to a fountain in Central Park where the original singer, representing John the Baptist (David Haskell) in the River Jordan, is the "caller". They splash around in elation, now all singing "Prepare Ye...", which represents the baptisms. In the distance, a lone figure in curly hair appears in the distance. After the disciples run off, he comes over, receives John's baptism, and then dons suspenders and a shirt with a Superman-like "S" on the front. It becomes obvious this character represents Jesus (Victor Garber).The characters then demonstrate the different parables. Only in a few scenes are parts of the life of Jesus acted out, such as Jesus' Baptism, the overturning of the moneychangers' tables, the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Interestingly, the events depicted in "Godspell" as if happening in Central Park by hippies are corroborated by scholars as being most likely historically true. Most of the songs are quite memorable, with the stand-out being "By My Side" (the only one not by Schwartz) which leads into the final sequence of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. The most memorable sequence is probably the Cruifixion in which Haskell who played the Baptist at the beginning now plays Judas Iscariot. Jesus and the disciples sing the Finale: "God I'm Bleeding". The film ends with "Long Live God" counterpointed with "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord".A very remarkable film and experience. While the rhetoric is certainly derived as a faith-inspiring experience rather than historical controversy, such as in "Jesus Christ Superstar", I find the whole concept and execution of "Godspell" surprisingly moving. It never comes off preachy. It presents the story and parables as a series of vignettes which quickly make their points before moving onto the next one. Each character representing each of the disciples has their own eccentricity. One of which always makes me simultaneously happy and sad is a young woman with a little puppet. Jesus says good bye to both during the Last Supper sequence. If you're seeking a faithful rendition of one of the Gospel Accounts, this won't be for you, but if you're open to a different take on the New Testament, you'll feel inspired by the end.

mark.waltz It is ironic that one of the financial capitols of the world would be used metaphorically to draw out the last days of Jesus with an ensemble of outcasts and freaks, world-weary in early 70's Manhttan, and brought together by the blast of an ancient trumpet to the song "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!" When Jesus does appear, it is ironically in Central Park's notorious Ramble, facing the Angel which graces Bethesda Terrace's fountain.Everybody who watches this movie is going to look at it in a different way, and for me, it is like Jesus coming to modern times for a day, gathering up young followers craving something to believe in, showing them how he suffered and died, all to remove the sins of the world. Unlike the same era's "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Godspell" is told without pretension, and thus remains an easy-going look at a subject that sometimes becomes taboo because of the political correctness atmosphere which has taken over freedom of speech and the simple joys which was the bulk of the message of Jesus in his real time on earth.David Haskell seems to be playing an amalgamation of both John the Baptist and Judas, seen baptizing young Victor Garber, clad in Superman T-Shirt with suspenders and frizzy afro. This Jesus is like a late-day flower child, filled with love, yet overcome with anger only briefly when his message is not taken seriously. Jesus takes his followers all over Manhattan and to the delightful songs of Stephen Schwartz, tells them what is expected of them. The message is simple: Love your neighbor as yourself, don't worship God AND money, and when wrongs are done to you, turn the other cheek and forgive.A recent Broadway revival failed in the critic's eyes because of its overly simple manner, but any version of "Godspell" is going to have to thrive on its innocence, rather than the pretentious revivals that have been done of "Jesus Christ Superstar". This revival did still have a fairly lengthy run in spite of the reviews, showing that there is still a vast atmosphere of innocence, while the simultaneously running "JCSS" didn't have similar success as far as a lengthy run was concerned.One of the best moments has the cast literally going across town in a matter of seconds from being at Grant's Tomb down to the World Trade Center and back to Central Park. Haskell and Garber have a great moment where they dance on a skyscraper in Times Square that seems like something out of the 1940's. A new song, "Beautiful City", is as potent to me as both versions of "New York, New York" in what makes New York City exciting. This film not only doesn't hide the sinful side of Manhattan's obsession with fiancé, but also pays tribute to the joy that comes out of its creative and sometimes hidden spiritual side as well.Of the remainder of the cast, only Lynne Thigpen has any familiarity, the rest being delightfully obscure yet talented young performers who never became headliners even on the Broadway stage. For that, this film is unique in its presentation, and is a very worthy record of what the original Broadway production tried to reveal to its audience in its very spiritual message. The film does become a downer towards the end, but there is a sense of irony as the shot of the crucified Jesus is replaced by Park Avenue crowds just before the credits roll.

johnstonjames for anyone that knows and loves 'Godspell', they know it to be truly inspirational and a joy. to others it's just a bunch of Christian gibberish with a bunch of corny pop tunes. even though i really love this film musical i can understand the latter somewhat. even for Christian gospel, 'Godspell' is pretty watered-down and inordinately wholesome and harmless. usually that approach seems cornball to me most of the time, but not here. especially when associated with a certain amount of piety. a truly pious person shouldn't ask for too much controversy or decadence in entertainment.'Godspell' is also a nice and friendly way to approach the gospel and teachings of Jesus without being too intimidating or scary. Gibson's 'Passion' teaches novices that sacrifice is a bloody, violent, horror show straight out of 'Texas Chainsaw'. Pasolini's 'Matthew' is way too dry and cerebral and feels like a lecture at some commie kingdom hall. even the musical 'Superstar' can feel a little too somber at times. 'Godspell' is one of those experiences, like 'Technicolor Dreamcoat', that makes the gospel seem friendly and fun, and inspiring in a positive way. let people discover the scary side to Christianity once they become more initiated and stable with it. i mean you don't want to creep anyone out when they're right out of the gate.the music by Stephen Schwartz is lyrical and lilting and of his usual top-notch accomplished quality. not to mention just plain cute and fun.the ensemble cast led by 'Annie' star Vic Garber is funny and lively with lots and lots of creative and inspired injection. their creative enthusiasm effortlessly sustains a full length work like this.the photography of New York city remains some of the most beautiful cityscape panoramas in film. even by the standards of today.i can't imagine anyone, especially Christians, being offended by any of this. i can understand if you're not a Christian and can't stand gooey wholesomeness like this, but if you are a Christian and you get uptight with this, then you probably should lighten up a little and join the human race.a wonderful experience for all that are interested in the gospel. i couldn't recommend this more. just great.

BIOSphereopts Frankly, this movie is silly.Like others have mentioned, I too was confused at how "John the Baptist" morphed into Judas. It is dated, however that part can be fun. Also, seeing the Twin Towers...well, that is another subject (possibly the most powerful part of the film for today).Outside of that...it is a guilty pleasure. Kinda like the Godzilla (hmmm...God..zilla/God...spell) movies that your afraid to admit you watch despite their silliness.If you watch this movie, do it for the camp and the music, not the "message".