Those familiar with the Old Testament stories of Jacob and Esau and Jacob's son, Joseph, and his exile in Egypt at the hands of his jealous brothers, will find nothing new and exciting in the 1974 historical drama The Story of Jacob and Joseph. It is a very straightforward retelling of the story that takes place in Canaan, the arid plot of land between the Mediterranean and Dead Seas. It is also a very realistic, unflinching, portrayal of life in biblical times, that depicts a full range of human emotions and behaviors including greed, jealousy, anger, lust, passion, betrayal, and forgiveness.

As the story begins, Isaac (son of Abraham) and Rebekah (Colleen Dewhurst) are blessed with the birth of twin sons, Jacob and Esau. Isaac favors Esau (Julian Glover), the first born and expert hunter, while Rebekah favors Jacob (Keith Michell). In a weak moment, Jacob tricks Esau into selling him his birthright for a bowl of stew and later poses as the firstborn in order to receive his father's blessing; driving a seemingly insurmountable wedge between the brothers.

Jacob then flees to the home of Rebekah's brother, Laban, (Herschel Bernardi), where he is smitten with his youngest daughter, Rachel. After working for 7 years to earn Rachel's hand in marriage, Jacob is deceived into marrying Laban's older daughter, Leah. He labors an additional 7 years to finally to marry Rachel, who eventually gives birth to a son, Joseph (Tony Lo Bianca).

Joseph, the favorite of 12 sons (the origins of the 12 tribes of Israel)  does not help matters, by sharing dreams in which the brothers bow down to him in servitude. In a fit of jealousy, Joseph's brothers sell him to Egyptian slaves. After many years in exile, Joseph, using his talent for interpreting dreams, becomes the keeper of the Pharaoh's storehouse, eventually re-uniting with his brothers, in a very moving act of forgiveness, when he sells them grain in the midst of a famine.

Of course, this if the Reader's Digest, condensed version of the multi-faceted plot. Director, Michael Cacoyannis (Zorba The Greek) does a credible job of packing a great deal of biblical history into a 2 hour movie, that is divided into 2 parts, Jacob & Esau and The Story of  Joseph. Actor Alan Bates provides inobtrusive narration for both stories, primarily setting the stage for each story.

The acting is universally good. Keith Michell is quite convincing as Jacob, while Tony Lo Bianca delivers a strong performance as Joseph. Although she receives top billing, Colleen Dewhurst, a very hot commodity as an actress at the time, only appears in about the first 10-15 minutes of the film. Although the second half, the story of Joseph is a bit more adventuresome, the first half dealing with the story of Jacob and Esau is a bit slow and plodding, at times.

While I would not rate The Story of Jacob and Joseph among the top tier of biblical dramas like The Ten Commandments, and David and Bathsheba, it is a faithful adaptation of the Old Testament stories, brought to life. It is worthwhile viewing for those interested in Jewish heritage, the origins of the House of David, and the lineage of Jesus Christ, whom Christians around he world, worship as their Lord and Savior.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older