Oklahoma! (1955) — PICK
Although I can’t enthusiastically recommend it, as a devotional presentation, Mary of Nazareth is suitably uplifting and devout, at times oddly glossing the Gospel story, but never in any way discomfiting either to conventional piety or to contemporary sensibilities.
As in most recent retellings, Mary and Joseph’s early interaction is like that of any young couple. When her pregnancy becomes apparent, Mary’s parents are inevitably devastated, and Joseph is furious — though, in this version, Mary doesn’t try to persuade them otherwise, simply resigning herself to God’s will. Jesus and Mary’s relationship is warmly affectionate, full of smiles, embraces and fond looks.
Despite some disconcerting elements such as an opening act with Herodian forces — led by Herodias, here presented as a witch-like or demonic figure — hunting down young girls in a search of the prophesied mother of the Messiah, there’s nothing really wrong with the film. Many devout viewers will enjoy it; others (like me) will continue to hope for the Marian classic, particularly regarding the “Infancy Narratives,” that remains to be made.
New on Blu-ray, Oklahoma! is by my lights the best Rodgers & Hammerstein stage musical adaptation (not counting The Sound of Music, which was written for the screen). Many of the songs are worthy classics (a couple of omitted songs were less savory and aren’t missed, and a few lyrics have been sanitized).
Leads Gordon McRae and Shirley Jones (in her first role) bring ample charm as well as strong singing to the story’s depiction of frontier romance as a battle of the sexes, with plenty of fraternizing with the “enemy.”
In supporting roles, Charlotte Greenwood is perfection as irrepressible Aunt Eller, and Rod Steiger makes menacing Jud Fry more human (and thus creepier) than he’s often portrayed.
Caveat Spectator: Mary of Nazareth: Some violent imagery, including bloody images of the slaughter of the innocents; some sensuality and brief, non-explicit nudity. Oklahoma!: Stylized violence and menace; some suggestive humor. Both fine for teens and up.