The Bible in the Beginning... (1966)
Synopsis:
This epic adaptation brings to life the opening chapters of the Book of Genesis through a series of memorable vignettes. The story begins with Adam and Eve enjoying paradise in the Garden of Eden before their fateful choice to taste the forbidden fruit leads to their expulsion. The narrative continues with the tragic tale of Cain's murder of his brother Abel, then follows Noah as he constructs a massive ark to save the world's animals from a devastating flood. The film concludes with Abraham's profound covenant with God. Directed by John Huston, this sweeping historical drama features an impressive ensemble cast including Michael Parks, Richard Harris, George C. Scott, and Ava Gardner, offering families a cinematic journey through some of the Bible's most foundational stories.
Where To Watch: The Bible in the Beginning...
Parental Feedback
The Bible in the Beginning… (1966) presents a reverent, episodic retelling of early Genesis stories with a deliberate, contemplative pace that reflects the gravity of its biblical source material. Parents should expect a serious, dramatic tone throughout, with minimal humor and a focus on foundational religious narratives including creation, the fall of man, fratricide, the great flood, and covenant-making. The nearly three-hour runtime demands patience, and the film's approach is more educational and spiritual than action-driven, though it includes moments of both beauty and darkness inherent to these ancient stories.
Why Kids Should Watch The Bible in the Beginning… (1966)
The Bible in the Beginning… (1966) offers several meaningful opportunities for family viewing and discussion.
The film brings to life foundational stories from the Book of Genesis in a visually accessible way, helping children understand narratives they may have heard in religious settings. Seeing Adam and Eve, Noah's ark, and Abraham's journey depicted on screen can make these ancient accounts more tangible and memorable.
The production features distinguished performances from acclaimed actors including George C. Scott as Abraham, Peter O'Toole as The Three Angels, and John Huston as Noah, lending gravitas and emotional depth to these iconic biblical figures. These portrayals can help children connect with the human dimensions of these stories.
The film's episodic structure covering the first twenty-two chapters of Genesis provides a comprehensive introduction to multiple interconnected stories, offering educational value for families seeking to explore religious heritage and foundational Western narratives together.
The G rating indicates content deemed suitable for general audiences, allowing parents to share this spiritual and historical epic with children of various ages without concerns about inappropriate material.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The Bible in the Beginning… (1966)
Parents should consider several factors before viewing The Bible in the Beginning… (1966) with younger children.
The nearly three-hour runtime may prove challenging for children with shorter attention spans, particularly given the film's deliberate pacing and serious tone. The contemplative approach, while respectful, may not hold the interest of viewers accustomed to faster-paced entertainment.
The biblical narratives depicted include inherently dark and potentially disturbing content, such as Cain murdering his brother Abel and the worldwide destruction of the flood. These intense themes, while presented within their religious context, may be emotionally difficult for sensitive or younger viewers to process.
The film's episodic vignette structure and lack of a single continuous narrative thread may feel disjointed to children expecting a traditional story arc, potentially leading to confusion about how the different segments connect or relate to one another.
Verdict: Parent Approved
The Bible in the Beginning… (1966) earns approval for families seeking a reverent, educational introduction to Genesis stories, though parents should consider their children's maturity level and attention span before viewing.
What Parents Should Know About The Bible in the Beginning… (1966)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the film depicts Abraham's faith and covenant with God, as well as Noah's obedience in building the ark, offering examples of devotion and perseverance within a religious framework. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, the film includes the expulsion from Eden, the murder of Abel by Cain, and the catastrophic flood, all of which carry significant emotional weight and may require parental guidance to process. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the narrative clearly depicts consequences such as Adam and Eve being driven from the Garden of Eden after eating the forbidden fruit, demonstrating the results of disobedience. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The film focuses more on individual faith journeys and divine relationships than on interpersonal social skills, though Noah's family works together to build the ark and preserve animal life. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the film emphasizes themes of faith, obedience to divine will, the consequences of human choices, and God's covenant relationship with humanity as central to these Genesis narratives. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate The Bible in the Beginning… (1966) as a respectful, educational treatment of foundational biblical stories that can serve as a springboard for family discussions about faith and religious heritage. Many value the film's serious approach and quality production, noting that it treats the source material with appropriate reverence while making ancient narratives visually accessible. However, parents consistently advise considering children's age, maturity, and attention span before viewing, as the lengthy runtime and deliberate pacing can challenge younger viewers. The film's depiction of violence and divine judgment prompts recommendations for parental guidance and post-viewing conversation to help children process the more intense moments within their appropriate religious and historical context.
Official The Bible in the Beginning... Trailer
Why Kids Love The Bible in the Beginning...
Noah takes on the ultimate rescue mission when he builds a massive ark to save animals from a world-ending flood. Kids watch as pairs of creatures—from towering giraffes to tiny birds—march aboard the giant wooden vessel, turning the screen into a parade of animal friends. The race against rising waters creates nail-biting suspense as Noah works to get everyone safely inside.
Abraham emerges as a brave hero making bold choices and facing impossible tests of courage. His journey across deserts and encounters with mysterious angels bring adventure to every scene. When he must help someone in need, the stakes feel enormous and the tension keeps viewers glued to the screen.
The Garden of Eden bursts with color as Adam and Eve explore a world filled with wonder and discovery. Their playful frolicking among lush plants and curious creatures makes the paradise feel like the ultimate playground. The moment they're driven out transforms into a dramatic escape sequence that changes everything.
Cain's confrontation with his brother Abel delivers an epic battle of wills that shocks with its intensity. Family bonds are tested in powerful ways throughout these ancient stories, showing how characters must save the day even when facing overwhelming odds. Each vignette builds to exciting climaxes that leave kids breathless.