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BBC's Bold Jesus TV Gamble
11 Feb
Summary
- Jesus's life drama aired on Sunday children's hour.
- Production preparation took over a year.
- Experts from Christian backgrounds were consulted.

Seventy years ago, a significant television project undertaken by the BBC sought to dramatize the life of Jesus. This ambitious endeavor was uniquely scheduled for the Sunday children's hour, a departure from typical drama slots.
The production, titled 'Jesus of Nazareth,' demanded extensive planning. In December 1954, Freda Lingstrom, Head of Children's Programmes, stressed that a series of this importance needed at least a year for preparation.
Joy Harington was appointed as the writer and producer for 'Jesus of Nazareth.' She was supported by Robert Walton, a religious advisor, and a diverse group of experts. A conference held in July 1955 brought together BBC staff and specialists from various educational and Christian fields.
Surviving paperwork in the BBC Written Archives indicates the considerable attention focused on this prestige production. The detailed pre-production process highlighted the unique challenges and significance of bringing Jesus's life story to television.




