A Story of David

A Story of David is a 1961 British-Israeli drama film directed by Bob McNaught and starring Jeff Chandler, Basil Sydney and Peter Arne. It depicts the life of the Biblical King David and his conflicted relationship with King Saul.

It was one of the first films made for television.

Plot
Saul becomes jealous of the popularity of his protege and son-in-law David and tries to kill him. David goes into hiding.

Cast

 * Jeff Chandler - David
 * Basil Sydney - King Saul
 * Peter Arne - Doeg
 * David Knight - Jonathan
 * Barbara Shelley - Abigail
 * Donald Pleasence - Nabal
 * Richard O'Sullivan - Abiathar
 * Robert Brown - Jashobeam
 * David Davies - Abner
 * Angela Browne - Michal
 * John Van Eyssen - Joab
 * Martin Wyldeck - Hezro
 * Charles Carson - Ahimilech
 * Zena Marshall - Naomi
 * Alec Mango - Kudruh
 * Peter Madden - Chief Herder

Production
The film was a co-production between ABC-TV and William Goetz. It was shot in Israel and London. It was intended that the film be released as two one-hour episodes for TV in the US and as a feature in other countries. Part one was to be called David the Outlaw; part two David the Hunted.

"It's a simple story," said Chandler "only half a dozen people in it. There'll be no chariot race." Filming took place in Israel in August and September 1960; Israel troops guarded them near the Jordan border. The unit then shifted to Elstree studios in London. Filming had completed by October.

During filming Chandler met David Ben Gurion.

Release
ABC could not find a sponsor for the program. It eventually screened on ABC as a Sunday night movie in 1962. The film drew record high ratings and prompted ABC to commission a series Great Bible Stories.