Top-rated
Sun, Nov 12, 2000
Sacrificing none of the dramatic sweep, power and passion found in the original stories, this four-hour saga starts In the Beginning...with the "story of creation" and Abraham's call to find the Promised Lland. It then unfolds into the epic quest of a people as dramatized in the stories of Isaac, Rebeccah, Esau and Jacob. Witness the remarkable rise to power of Joseph, despite having been sold into slavery by his envious brothers; Moses and the burning bush, and the origin of Passover; the magnificent parting of the Red Sea, through which the Hebrews escape the Pharoah's army; the storm of locusts as foretold by Moses; plus the amazing blood-red winds, hailstorms and twisters of God's wrath--all culminating with Moses's deliverance of the Ten Commandments and the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt. Throughout the interwoven stories are authentic passions, jealousies, betrayals, power, human failings and, of course, love. Behind it all is the quest for the Promised Land embodied by magnificent characters all impressively portrayed by an international cast including: Oscar winner Martin Landau (Ed Wood) as Abraham, Emmy nominee Jacqueline Bisset (Joan of Arc) as Sarah, Golden Globe nominee Billy Campbell (Gods and Generals) as Moses, Oscar nominee Alan Bates (Arabian Nights) as Jethro, Golden Globe nominee Geraldine Chaplin (A Christmas Carol) as Yocheved, and Ed Cibrian (The Cave) as Joseph, Christopher Lee (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) as Rameses I, and Emmy winner Diana Rigg (Samson and Delilah) as Rebeccah. As the story concludes with Moses handing the staff of Abraham to Aaron as they gaze upon their new land, there is a sense that a new chapter in the life of these people is just beginning. Indeed, In the Beginning ends where it began--with hope, faith and promise. A genuine inspiration for all who watch.