From the Manger to the Cross

From the Manger to the Cross or Jesus of Nazareth is a 1912 American motion picture that was filmed on location in Palestine. It tells the story of Jesus life. Directed by Sidney Olcott who also appeared in the film, actress and screenwriter Gene Gauntier wrote the script and portrayed the Virgin Mary.

According to Turner Classic Movies, the film cost 35,000 to produce roughly between 1,600,000 and 3,300,000 adjusted to 2007 dollars and its profits eventually amounted to almostmillion roughly 46,000,000 to 95,000,000. TCM host Robert Osborne and the National Film Preservation Foundation consider this film to be the most important silent film to deal with the life of Christ. In 1998, the United States Library of Congress deemed the film culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant and selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry.In later years, Louis B. Mayer, head of MetroGoldwynMayer, would say this was the premiere film for his movie theater in Haverhill, Massachusetts and a major boost for him in the movie business. However, most sources place the release date of this film as 1912, long after the opening of Mayers theater. ........

Source: Wikipedia