From his birth in Bethlehem to his death and eventual resurrection, the life of Jesus Christ (Max von Sydow) is given the all-star treatment in this epic retelling. Major aspects of Christ's life are touched upon, including the execution of all the newborn males in Egypt by King Herod (Claude Rains); Christ's baptism by John the Baptist (Charlton Heston); and the betrayal by Judas after the Last Supper that eventually leads to Christ's crucifixion and miraculous return.