[6] Joanne Dru was selected to play the role of Mary Magdalene, winning out over several other actresses, including Rita Hayworth, Jennifer Jones, and Susan Hayward.

[1] Variety gave the film a positive review, calling the picture "a handsomely mounted independent production, that abounds in dignity, restraint and distinction."

They also gave good marks to Ray June's camera-work, Thomas Neff's editing, Daniele Amfitheatrof's music, as well as the production elements of Friedrich.

[10] The Tyler-Courier-Times-Telegraph also gave the film a good review, calling it a "remarkable blending of the straight Gospel with the history of the era in which Jesus lived, as set forth by the foremost historians of the day.

"[5] The Los Angeles Times also gave the film a good review, declaring it was a "forcefully told story...rich in inspirational and human values".