Is it me or at 3:57 (to anyone who has also seen the movie Tommy with the Who) when he ends it with 'BLIND FOOLS!' does he sound like Cousin Kevin from that movie?
Basically, it means that I love you and trust you so much, that I'll become a pebble in your shoe, and follow you wherever you go and where ever you leave me, I'll stay there. I'll be happy being just a small pebble as long as I'm with you, and end up where you want me to be.
By My Side is the most beautiful song on this soundtrack, in my opinion. I have it on repeat because of the symbolism and deeper meaning of the song. Well done Godspell..
I love this beautiful song and sang it in a community theater production of "Godspell" years ago- but, I never really "got " what it's supposed to mean! A pebble called "dare" in my shoe... And I can walk and carry it and talk with it about walking? And then when we've had enuf, I take it out and say "meet your new home"- Heaven, I assume, but what exactly is "dare" s'posed to represent? Hardship? Persecution? Why the name "DARE?" Any intelligent insights from viewers will be appreciated! PEACE!
What a wonderful surprise to find this film - it takes me back to high school years. Thanks for posting! I am so happy to see Victor Garber going on to bigger things, but saddened to learn of the untimely passing of David Haskell and Lynne Thigpen. Guess time moves on and there's nothing we can do.....
Oh Lord, I pray that by Your Holy Hand You will release my wife of 41 years from the bondage of alcoholism. In the name of Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
See Money is the Devils tool. Judas Got greedy and screwed jesus over for 30 pieces silver. But people, When we sin and not ask for forgiveness from God, we spit in his face and also deny what he did for us. Are you on his side ? Or are you the seed that fell on cement, or in the weeds. If you are on Gods side, and you understand his will and your purpose for you. You can serve God and be on his side. Money , greed, and envy are Satans , To love God and be obedient to him is on his side.
Alas alas for you layers and pharisees hypocrites to a man, sons of the dogs who murdered the prophits finishing off what your fathers began there's no time to scorn or to scoff it's getting very late, vengeance doesn't wait. the missing verse
this is a little random for this part of the movie (very interesting comments, by the way) but ever since seeing this i've wanted to paint my face like Jesus does to the disciples :)
If you're watching this video because you want to copy it for your own amateur production of Godspell, please don't. Create your own Godspell. Don't just copy the movie. Be creative. Godspell is open to multiple takes, and if your audience wanted to watch the movie, they'd watch the movie. Your goal should not be to copy the film. That isn't any sort of accomplishment. Be unique.
@Kevin90028 The great thing with godspell is that you really can create your own production and have it be unique! In my production we made it so that it was set inside a theatre, and it was a story inside a story.
@Kevin90028 Agreed. That's why this show is so often performed --- it's so customizable. If I were to direct this show, I'd set it in a high school, with the disciples starting out as high school cliches (jock, band geek, etc.) and then coming together as followers of Jesus.
Although I do like the idea of the Pharisees being represented by a giant robot made out of junk.
What if it's not about a choice, but about that fact that we all have the capacity for both in us and we live both ways out all the time? Saint and sinner.
we have the capacity of saint and sinner, then don't we have a choice to which we will concentrate our life more on? which do we feed more? there's no deniying that both are in us, but where do we put the energy?
By My Side was evidently the only original song kept from the original thesis and experimental status. All the others were replaced for the stage play.
Now...I really like "By My Side" to the point of listening to it almost everyday. The tune's really got this almost-poignant air about it.
What I feel is the weakest part of the film however is how Jesus' enemies' physical presence are all eliminated to the point that the biggest 'villain' He confronts here is a giant robot-contraption with broomsticks for hands! But then again, Godspell is supposed to be symbolic and its emphasis is more on the disciples and Jesus' words...
It is interesting to note that the "Apostles/Disciples' in this scene are portrayed as being INSIDE the Pharisee monster......
Symbolically, this can be seen as them being a part of 'the system' - and since MT23 is also prophecy, their successors would be 'part of the Monster'.
That does remind me of something. In this musical, the disciples are technically everything. They are the ones who baptize Jesus, follow Him, listen to His teachings (and act them out), and even the ones who oppose Him and kill Him (!). For me that really makes for good self-evaluation...will one be obedient to Jesus' words or serve as His antagonist and killer?
Just out of curiosity, do you consider yourself a Christian? I'm not trying to be hateful or rude in any way, I'm just curious because I found your comments extremely interesting.
Though I am aware that there are certain circles in which my Christianity (i.e. whether my denomination is actually Christian) would be seriously doubted.
@flyingblackboard Well, concerning your villian issue, the biggest villian Jesus DID face historically was the Pharisees. They acted as one entity even thogh they were many, like this robot, and they were "like whitewashed tombs"--dead on the inside. So I think the robot is appropriate.
Which chapter and verse does Godspell start at in Matthew? Jesus had to be at least 30 to be a priest according to Jewish law. Why doesn't Jesus get resurrected three days later?
Jesus ws preaching in the temples when he was like 12. The reason they had not made a ressurection scene because people of the Jewish faith don't believe in the ressurection. Being that they believe Jesus was an example of how we should act ,but not the messiah or the Son of God.
Technically the film starts with the John's preaching and Jesus' baptism - so it'd be chapter 3.
As for the lack of an explicit resurrection scene: the final scene is actually wide open for interpretation. Personally I see some of it as pointing to the resurrection, even if it isn't explicitly shown. That aside, it doesn't really bother me if the Resurrection is explicitly depicted or not art-wise - Bach never included the Resurrection in his Matthäuspassion, but people are not complaining!
Oh my gosh, my friend was telling me about this scene (we did Godspell Jr.) and I had never seen the movie. It was so funny to see her describe it! This is now officially my fav. scene (though the giant monster dude scares me).
I have to wonder what Godspell Jr. is. I saw the play twice. My good friend played Jesus.
This is the first time I've seen the movie, save for the silent movie bit while I was channel surfing at age 10. Amazing how relevant Matthew's gospel is.
It's pretty much the same thing with a few songs taken out. I think it was By My Side, Alas Alas For You, Turn Back Oh Man and On The Willows was just an instrumental.
@tlyoung88 yeah as someone else said the major songs taken out of Godspell Jr. is Turn back O Man, Alas for you, and By my side, and Day by Day reprise (the one before the last supper). On the willows is an instrumental. however, also We Beseach Thee is before Light of the world. and there are about 4 to 5 parrabels/stories not in it.
@JeffandIoanFan What's weird is that you think you know how cute Jesus was, or that you think of him as "cute" at all...He's not a puppy, or pink shoes, he's not "cute"
@CorpusChristi83 I don't think JeffandIoanFan meant that Jesus was cute, but that Victor Garber, the actor who played the character of Jesus in this musical (which was modernized to fit the time period in which it was made), is "cute," meaning pleasing to look at. I don't think there was any evaluation of "how cute Jesus was" in JeffandIoanFan's comment.
this is just weird, I'm sure it has something to do with the bible. Is that monster thing a Jew? Because if it is, then I am pissed. I'm friggin Jewish.
All of the stories in here are stories that Jesus told. There are several quotes in here from the Bible, teaching of what is right and what is wrong. Have you read the New Testament? It's all in there. Look at the Gospels. Luke, Matthew, John, and Luke. They tell Jesus' story and all of this is in there.
No, no....it is not a Jew....or representative of Jews. The "Pharisee Monster" represents the Temple Masters (Scribes, Pharisees, the Sanhedrin) - the organized religion of 33 AD. They & it were the only persons directly rebuked by Jesus.
They were a controlling Theocracy which ruled over the Jewish ppl, mentally, spiritually (& financially!) enslaving them - while enriching themselves.
Their spiritual successor are the Vatican.....interesting, no?
The situation in 1st century Judea is actually more complicated. The Sanhedrin is assumed to be primarily filled with people from the Zadokite (aka Sadducean) party/sect. They were literally the ones who held power, since they were also in charge of the Temple.
Their rivals, the Pharisaic sect, had no political power, but they did command great respect and popularity. They had a lot of disagreement with the Sadducees in matters of religion and the Law.
The ascetic Essenes had a lack of concern for the Temple which alienated them from the great mass of Jews.
The Zealots, meanwhile, agreed with the Pharisees in many points of belief, but held that force of arms is the only way to gain liberty. So they engaged in acts of terrorism. All in all, these are some of the main 'Judaisms' which existed during the 1st century.
Yep, it was because of their 'play-acting'. Before Jesus lobs His tirade against the Pharisees He first tells the people that since the scribes and the Pharisees "sit on the seat of Moses" the people must observe ALL ('panta') things they are commanded them, only that they should not follow the Pharisees in example, "for they say and do not do" (Matthew 23:2-3). Only then does Jesus start His "woe unto you"s.
According to the Bible, there is a very simple answer. Posing as an angel of light, Satan the Devil has misled millions into following his teachings rather than Gods. (2 Corinthians 11:14) The apostle John showed that Satans influence is so extensive that the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. (1 John 5:19) John knew that Satan was misleading the entire inhabited earth.—Revelation 12:9.
It's working now! I'm so glad to see Godspell again! I almost forgot how the movie played out! Victor Garber turned out to be a great actor didn't he? Love this!
yeah i agree. See im actually studying to be a Catholic Priest, so to me, i think that sometimes people get the wrong idea about the Church in that sense,( and "organized Religion" for that matter) like we arnt here to say " believe what we say or Hell awaits you" were here to try to guide and love and spread God's word.
hmm, i could see where you are going with that. Although i still dont think that was the goal of this play. I think it was simply a way of trying to send the Gospel message to an auddiance that maybe hadnt come to know it yet. I also think that its trying to say that no matter how you see the Gospel, or however you think they dressed, looked, ext, that the message still remains the same. And that message is that God is love.
I suppose. It's more of an alternate view to the whole "believe what i say or you're going to hell" position that many people take. Rather, people should be good to one another, not because of some promise of eternal salvation, but because it's the right thing to do. Being good, for the sake of goodness.
i agree that it does indeed condem those who proclaim the word of God JUST for their own personal agenda. But i whoundt really call it " Anti- establishment". I mean really the song is close to what Christ actually said but in musical form. It almost matches up to Scripture. But Jesus was not anti Establishment, He was anti Hypocrisy. He was a devote Jew, and followed Temple Requirments all His life, thus meaning he choundt mean anti- establishment.
maybe not anti-establishment per sei. But look at the time when the play was produced off broadway. We had just waged two debatably unnecessary wars, one of our most beloved presidents had been assassinated, and Nixon was under investigation for the watergate incident. It feels to me that the playwright's intent was to abandon the corruption within the establishment and return to a time of innocence and love. So in that respect i still believe that it has anti-establishment connotations
It has been said that Jesus Christ Superstar was written in order to MOCK God. I am not sure I agree, But I will not dismiss the possibility either. MAny have tried to Mock My Lord and savior Jesus Christ, However, it ended in themselves making the mockery of themselves before God.
Thank you Jesus For ALL YOU HAVE DONE for me. It is a debt I can never repay on my own.
Jesus is not attacking " organized Religion" in this, or in the Gospel itself. Hes pointing out that anyone who makes themselves God, or says one thing and means another is in deep sin. Why do you attack organized Religion? What has it done to you? Do you wish Religion to be unorganized?
On a lighter note, this is my favorite song in the musical, really powerful.
Godspell is a VERY anti-establishment musical. "Searching for souls and fools to forsake them...then when you've got your converts you make them twice as fit for hell as you are yourselves" He's condemning those who proclaim to speak the word of God, but in actuality serve their own personal agenda, people like Jose Luis Miranda, Rev. Rick Warren, and William Donohue
Rick warren spoke at Obama's Inauguration. He's the pro-life, anti gay, anti non white Evangelical who uses religion to spread his own prejudices to the young and impressionable. And yes, Jesus himself was very anti establishment and i don't think he'd be to happy with what people have done to his teachings
Godspell & Christ are both very 'anti-establishment'. In Matthew 23, acted out here, He condemns the leaders of organized religion - then & now - for their hypocrisy, greed, and spiritual deception.
He also attacks them for their worship of Mammon - literally & figuratively - while merely pretending to believe in God 'for show'.
It isn't anti-establishment, it's only against corruption. The Bible, and Christ, say that it is good to go to a church and gather together to worship together. Yes, it's bad to believe or show, or to be hypocritical. And that is what it is saying.
I didn't get that feeling from Godspell or the Bible either. One or both of them specifically say something like 'render that unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and that unto God what belongs to God'.
That's not even _slightly_ anti-establishment. I also didn't hear any reference to Mammon, whomever that is. Sounds like a bad guy though! Hope I don't meet him.
As a (fellow) Catholic, I also just had to nitpick on this. ;) Matthew 23:15 uses "prosēlyton". Judaism does have 'proselytes' (ger) - gentiles who had converted to Judaism and are bound to all the doctrines and precepts of the Law.
And why just the Vatican? It's not like Catholics are the only ones who are trying to convert people out there. I've yet to hear of persons who would say the same thing about say, the Patriarchates of the Eastern Church.
Judaism, then or now, was never in the conversion business. True, there have been converts to Judaism - but VERY FEW, historically. The Temple Masters were simply not overly seeking converts.
Try reading the entire 23 Chapter again. Every charge applies to the Vatican; as they are the spiritual successors to the Temple Masters.
Most of the "apologetic" material I know of in antiquity are mostly penned by Hellenistic Jews (yet another category of Jews!), trying to convince their audience how the Mosaic Law is not really barbaric or exotic but could be interpreted in a metaphorical fashion - one of the issues that actually separated them from the "Temple Masters" in Judea.
I'm just going to repeat myself here: if we're going to accuse the Vatican, why not be consistent about it and also include all the churches which are not the product of the Reformation (such as the Eastern, Oriental, and Assyrian Churches)? if we're going to claim the Vatican as the spiritual children of the Temple establishment then we should include these as well since all these churches share a common origin before the splits.
Finally, I fell you can just read into Matthew 23 anything you like so that's not a pretty good indicator. You can read the Vatican into it but I could also read into it the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople!
Now, please don't take my comments the wrong way. I'm not trying to be hateful or anything of the sort; I'm just a nitpicker by nature. If I ever said anything hateful then I sincerely apologize about that.
It is not just 'money' itself, but the world system of it. It is what Satan tried to tempt Jesus with in the desert: the system of power under his control.
For that reason Jesus said when the Temple authorities came to arrest Him: "Now is your hour & the power of darkness". That Mammon & those humans both in its grasp & administering it....would be his tormentors & murderers:
Namely - organized religion + the forced collusion of the state.
First, people, please learn to spell, capitalize and punctuate. Yes, it matters.
Second, John the Baptist was NOT the Apostle John. The actor that plays John the Baptist in the beginning ("Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord") becomes the character of Judas throughout the rest of the play.
Go back and READ the Gospel of St. Matthew. It only takes an hour or two. And use a modern translation if the KJV is too difficult.
I often find myself wondering what happend to Judas. In the bible it says that the one who betrays the Son of God will go to hell but when Judas goes to betray Jesus, Jesus still calls him "Friend." Judas made a mistake and it isn't my mistake to judge but I often wonder if Judas was forgiven for his sin. He takes the silver back and he kills himself out of sorrow. Maybe that's just me but my heart kind of goes out to the guy.
Theres an interp that Judas didn't realize he was betraying Jesus. He thought he was hellping Jesus to prove himself to them. Judas was Jesus's best friend and trusted him to turn him in. That is why he says...go do what you must. He thought Jesus would get captured, show himself to be God and destroy take over the system. He did not expect them to actually kill him and was devasted when he died. Well, either way, I do not believe Judas is in hell.
yes he did jesus know who would betray him he said so at the last supper him who i give the sop to he dipped it and gave it to judas and the bible says satan entered in to judas
i must say this the lord wants me to say this . yes judas repented you can be sorry for your sinbut he never went back to jesus the son of good to restore him to god. repenting ie being sorrowful for sin is not enough you must go to the foot of the cross to restore and clense you of that sin
Whoa you're Good!!! I saw thsi movie like !% times when I was 12 years old ( the year it came out)and now I'm 47 years old and have teh video etc.... and I NEVER SAW Robin and Gilmer behind those hubcaps until now!!! I was SOOOO in love with Victor Garber as a kid, it's so great to have him on Tv now in Eli Stone and Alias reruns, I love these timeless pictures of his incredible acting.
it's earlier in the movie. After the scene that's supposed to be later on. The one that's supposed to come right before "We Beseech Thee." But don't get me started on how they left that song out of the movie... hope I'm making some sense here...
I have this soundtrack in my car and listen to it quite often when there's nothing on the radio or I just need some uplifting. No matter how many times I've heard it, By My Side always makes me cry. I wanted this song as I walked down the aisle at my wedding but our priest didn't think it would be a good idea if I were bawling as I was walking down to meet my husband. My dream is to someday be in a local production of Godspell and have this role to sing this song.
the clown costumes and facepaint were originally designed to show a separation from society. later on in the play/film Jesus removes the facepaint from the disciples as a way to symbolize their return to the rest of the world to spread the news. It also adds a loving, humorous feel to the characters. :-)
I appreciate your carefree attitude, but pointless? Hardly. Loving your brother is a pretty good point to make, which few people realize in a lifetime. For most its just a theory.
from here on in this movie is a tear jerker. my god these songs are soo emotional, and just portrays love, and hope. this is one of my favorite songs is this movie. "then ill take your hand, finally glad, that you are here by my side" this movies saved my life! i believe again.
@blogegog Me too. When I 1st saw it @ school, it made me cry when they sang By My Side.
dnluna96 1 month ago
does the first scene show that Jesus's deciples betrayed him once?
BOOBERFRAGGLELOVER 2 months ago
I played the drums for my hightschool production of this play. Learning it gave me a headache, so many odd time signatures and its fucking fast.
WinterlyMadness 6 months ago
@WinterlyMadness I bet you learned a lot, tho. The most important lessons in life are also the most difficult. blah blah blah oh, God, I'm so OLD !
cullmurr 4 weeks ago
I used to have nightmares about the Pharasi(yes I know I can't spell)
RoxyMoron101 6 months ago
Katie-if you are listening-you were my dream girl all of my life.
eighthtbn 6 months ago
This part always makes me cry like a little girl.
blogegog 7 months ago
yeah and when my school did it it was circus theamed...it was really fun :D
chocaboLover 9 months ago
4:21 is that the world trade center behind him?
xrs9697 10 months ago
@xrs9697 yes
timberwolf84 1 month ago
Is it me or at 3:57 (to anyone who has also seen the movie Tommy with the Who) when he ends it with 'BLIND FOOLS!' does he sound like Cousin Kevin from that movie?
TheBookWorm1718 10 months ago
Victor Garber's voice is SO cute in a nerdy way!
xoxoPaintGirl 11 months ago
@talitakoomi
My music director explained it all to us.
Basically, it means that I love you and trust you so much, that I'll become a pebble in your shoe, and follow you wherever you go and where ever you leave me, I'll stay there. I'll be happy being just a small pebble as long as I'm with you, and end up where you want me to be.
I hope that helped!
Tigerlily02011996 11 months ago
my school did this musical over the weekend. i was in it. (:
it went so well. WE LOVE GODSPELL. (:
pinkme97 11 months ago
i honestly think victor garber's jesus just pwns the jesus christ superstar dude.
butterball97 11 months ago
I agree with Marshmally823, By My Side is the most beautiful song and very calming
37RRSmith 11 months ago
By My Side is the most beautiful song on this soundtrack, in my opinion. I have it on repeat because of the symbolism and deeper meaning of the song. Well done Godspell..
Marshmally823 1 year ago
JESUS RAGE! (it happens in song form because he's a BAMF)
ashebeanie 1 year ago
boss fight!!!!
eggyeggyeggyoioi 1 year ago
I love this beautiful song and sang it in a community theater production of "Godspell" years ago- but, I never really "got " what it's supposed to mean! A pebble called "dare" in my shoe... And I can walk and carry it and talk with it about walking? And then when we've had enuf, I take it out and say "meet your new home"- Heaven, I assume, but what exactly is "dare" s'posed to represent? Hardship? Persecution? Why the name "DARE?" Any intelligent insights from viewers will be appreciated! PEACE!
talitakoomi 1 year ago
Alas For You was my favorite song from this as a kid.
enemyofbohemia 1 year ago
He is such an amazing actor!
aberdown 1 year ago
What a wonderful surprise to find this film - it takes me back to high school years. Thanks for posting! I am so happy to see Victor Garber going on to bigger things, but saddened to learn of the untimely passing of David Haskell and Lynne Thigpen. Guess time moves on and there's nothing we can do.....
striderpies 1 year ago
haunting...
nujac321 1 year ago
Fav song!!! Moving!!!
Jany1954 1 year ago
beautiful!
McPrfctday 1 year ago
Oh Lord, I pray that by Your Holy Hand You will release my wife of 41 years from the bondage of alcoholism. In the name of Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
RevFrJoel1 1 year ago
See Money is the Devils tool. Judas Got greedy and screwed jesus over for 30 pieces silver. But people, When we sin and not ask for forgiveness from God, we spit in his face and also deny what he did for us. Are you on his side ? Or are you the seed that fell on cement, or in the weeds. If you are on Gods side, and you understand his will and your purpose for you. You can serve God and be on his side. Money , greed, and envy are Satans , To love God and be obedient to him is on his side.
Tom6093 1 year ago 3
This is one of my favorite movies...and By my side is my favorite song from this movie. Thank you for having it here!
moonshadowsmom 1 year ago
Alas alas for you layers and pharisees hypocrites to a man, sons of the dogs who murdered the prophits finishing off what your fathers began there's no time to scorn or to scoff it's getting very late, vengeance doesn't wait. the missing verse
Ayrhnd 1 year ago
This film is like a gospel version of "hair"...I think that's awesome:)
Gikl27 1 year ago
I wonder how they did those voice effects.
nagaking07 1 year ago
this is a little random for this part of the movie (very interesting comments, by the way) but ever since seeing this i've wanted to paint my face like Jesus does to the disciples :)
Bravobroadwaygirl 2 years ago
Does anyone else notice something about the info box? It reads, "Alas For You By My Side." Without the commas, it's a tad misleading.
stitch99 2 years ago
Not really, because if you click more info, they are clearly in a list. It is not my fault that Youtube squished everything together.
napoholic 2 years ago 6
@stitch99 You'll get over it soon.
CorpusChristi83 1 year ago
@CorpusChristi83
You were right; I had completely forgotten what my comment was by the time I recieved your reply.
stitch99 1 year ago
If you're watching this video because you want to copy it for your own amateur production of Godspell, please don't. Create your own Godspell. Don't just copy the movie. Be creative. Godspell is open to multiple takes, and if your audience wanted to watch the movie, they'd watch the movie. Your goal should not be to copy the film. That isn't any sort of accomplishment. Be unique.
Kevin90028 2 years ago 20
@Kevin90028 The great thing with godspell is that you really can create your own production and have it be unique! In my production we made it so that it was set inside a theatre, and it was a story inside a story.
TheChristianFairy 10 months ago
@Kevin90028 Agreed. That's why this show is so often performed --- it's so customizable. If I were to direct this show, I'd set it in a high school, with the disciples starting out as high school cliches (jock, band geek, etc.) and then coming together as followers of Jesus.
Although I do like the idea of the Pharisees being represented by a giant robot made out of junk.
babymoondancer 10 months ago
What if it's not about a choice, but about that fact that we all have the capacity for both in us and we live both ways out all the time? Saint and sinner.
canfullofworms 2 years ago
we have the capacity of saint and sinner, then don't we have a choice to which we will concentrate our life more on? which do we feed more? there's no deniying that both are in us, but where do we put the energy?
moorewjr 2 years ago
flying, it's a 70's movie - come on! I think it is a "poignant" symbol then as it is now - think about "robots" - think about it.....
Jany1954 2 years ago
flyingblackboard: You have summed it all up excellently.
solly7 2 years ago
By My Side was evidently the only original song kept from the original thesis and experimental status. All the others were replaced for the stage play.
KE5RHD 2 years ago
Now...I really like "By My Side" to the point of listening to it almost everyday. The tune's really got this almost-poignant air about it.
What I feel is the weakest part of the film however is how Jesus' enemies' physical presence are all eliminated to the point that the biggest 'villain' He confronts here is a giant robot-contraption with broomsticks for hands! But then again, Godspell is supposed to be symbolic and its emphasis is more on the disciples and Jesus' words...
flyingblackboard 2 years ago
It is interesting to note that the "Apostles/Disciples' in this scene are portrayed as being INSIDE the Pharisee monster......
Symbolically, this can be seen as them being a part of 'the system' - and since MT23 is also prophecy, their successors would be 'part of the Monster'.
19lfm12 2 years ago
That does remind me of something. In this musical, the disciples are technically everything. They are the ones who baptize Jesus, follow Him, listen to His teachings (and act them out), and even the ones who oppose Him and kill Him (!). For me that really makes for good self-evaluation...will one be obedient to Jesus' words or serve as His antagonist and killer?
flyingblackboard 2 years ago 4
Good point!
Yes, we all have the potential to either oppose or follow Him. As that one performer plays both John the Baptist AND Judas.
Thus, we all have this choice to make.
19lfm12 2 years ago 3
Just out of curiosity, do you consider yourself a Christian? I'm not trying to be hateful or rude in any way, I'm just curious because I found your comments extremely interesting.
fallonhadley 2 years ago
I do, of course. :)
Though I am aware that there are certain circles in which my Christianity (i.e. whether my denomination is actually Christian) would be seriously doubted.
flyingblackboard 2 years ago
@flyingblackboard Well, concerning your villian issue, the biggest villian Jesus DID face historically was the Pharisees. They acted as one entity even thogh they were many, like this robot, and they were "like whitewashed tombs"--dead on the inside. So I think the robot is appropriate.
lawchic10 2 years ago 5
i love this song ! .....beautiful!
monasty1 2 years ago 2
Which chapter and verse does Godspell start at in Matthew? Jesus had to be at least 30 to be a priest according to Jewish law. Why doesn't Jesus get resurrected three days later?
JGCooney 2 years ago 2
Jesus ws preaching in the temples when he was like 12. The reason they had not made a ressurection scene because people of the Jewish faith don't believe in the ressurection. Being that they believe Jesus was an example of how we should act ,but not the messiah or the Son of God.
JustTheGreeting 2 years ago
What JG? Christ started His ministry about the time He turned 30 - He died about 33 - that's 3 years of ministry, not 3 days :)
Jany1954 2 years ago
I was asking why wasn't he resurrected 3 days later?
JGCooney 2 years ago
Technically the film starts with the John's preaching and Jesus' baptism - so it'd be chapter 3.
As for the lack of an explicit resurrection scene: the final scene is actually wide open for interpretation. Personally I see some of it as pointing to the resurrection, even if it isn't explicitly shown. That aside, it doesn't really bother me if the Resurrection is explicitly depicted or not art-wise - Bach never included the Resurrection in his Matthäuspassion, but people are not complaining!
flyingblackboard 2 years ago
Oh my gosh, my friend was telling me about this scene (we did Godspell Jr.) and I had never seen the movie. It was so funny to see her describe it! This is now officially my fav. scene (though the giant monster dude scares me).
TheGirlWhoDubs98 2 years ago
I have to wonder what Godspell Jr. is. I saw the play twice. My good friend played Jesus.
This is the first time I've seen the movie, save for the silent movie bit while I was channel surfing at age 10. Amazing how relevant Matthew's gospel is.
tlyoung88 2 years ago
tlyoung88,
It's pretty much the same thing with a few songs taken out. I think it was By My Side, Alas Alas For You, Turn Back Oh Man and On The Willows was just an instrumental.
It really wasn't very different.
TheGirlWhoDubs98 2 years ago
@tlyoung88 yeah as someone else said the major songs taken out of Godspell Jr. is Turn back O Man, Alas for you, and By my side, and Day by Day reprise (the one before the last supper). On the willows is an instrumental. however, also We Beseach Thee is before Light of the world. and there are about 4 to 5 parrabels/stories not in it.
mtbwaylover 1 year ago
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I can't jesus seriously in this movie
jubilee070691 2 years ago
Is it weird that I think Victor Garber is really cute as Jesus??
JeffandIoanFan 2 years ago 36
I have to admit, as well, that he was totally cute as Jesus Christ.
nani34568 2 years ago 2
@JeffandIoanFan nope. not weird. i totally agree!!!!!!!!
idontdoquiet22 1 year ago
@JeffandIoanFan What's weird is that you think you know how cute Jesus was, or that you think of him as "cute" at all...He's not a puppy, or pink shoes, he's not "cute"
CorpusChristi83 1 year ago
@CorpusChristi83 I don't think JeffandIoanFan meant that Jesus was cute, but that Victor Garber, the actor who played the character of Jesus in this musical (which was modernized to fit the time period in which it was made), is "cute," meaning pleasing to look at. I don't think there was any evaluation of "how cute Jesus was" in JeffandIoanFan's comment.
justbuckmaster 1 year ago 2
19, have you READ His Holy Word? .... wondering....
Jany1954 2 years ago
this is just weird, I'm sure it has something to do with the bible. Is that monster thing a Jew? Because if it is, then I am pissed. I'm friggin Jewish.
djsrob 2 years ago
It's a Pharisee, they were a cross between a priest and a corrupt politician. Remember; Jesus and his friends were also Jewish.
PROVJOEB 2 years ago
All of the stories in here are stories that Jesus told. There are several quotes in here from the Bible, teaching of what is right and what is wrong. Have you read the New Testament? It's all in there. Look at the Gospels. Luke, Matthew, John, and Luke. They tell Jesus' story and all of this is in there.
trunksgirl 2 years ago
No, no....it is not a Jew....or representative of Jews. The "Pharisee Monster" represents the Temple Masters (Scribes, Pharisees, the Sanhedrin) - the organized religion of 33 AD. They & it were the only persons directly rebuked by Jesus.
They were a controlling Theocracy which ruled over the Jewish ppl, mentally, spiritually (& financially!) enslaving them - while enriching themselves.
Their spiritual successor are the Vatican.....interesting, no?
:)
19lfm12 2 years ago
Pardon me for yet another comment.
The situation in 1st century Judea is actually more complicated. The Sanhedrin is assumed to be primarily filled with people from the Zadokite (aka Sadducean) party/sect. They were literally the ones who held power, since they were also in charge of the Temple.
Their rivals, the Pharisaic sect, had no political power, but they did command great respect and popularity. They had a lot of disagreement with the Sadducees in matters of religion and the Law.
flyingblackboard 2 years ago
(Continued)
The ascetic Essenes had a lack of concern for the Temple which alienated them from the great mass of Jews.
The Zealots, meanwhile, agreed with the Pharisees in many points of belief, but held that force of arms is the only way to gain liberty. So they engaged in acts of terrorism. All in all, these are some of the main 'Judaisms' which existed during the 1st century.
flyingblackboard 2 years ago
Look - I do not care if they are the Hatfields & the McCoys! You are missing the point made by Christ.
He specifically cited the Scribes & Pharisees for a reason.
19lfm12 2 years ago
Yep, it was because of their 'play-acting'. Before Jesus lobs His tirade against the Pharisees He first tells the people that since the scribes and the Pharisees "sit on the seat of Moses" the people must observe ALL ('panta') things they are commanded them, only that they should not follow the Pharisees in example, "for they say and do not do" (Matthew 23:2-3). Only then does Jesus start His "woe unto you"s.
flyingblackboard 2 years ago
AHAHAH!! i lovvvee his facee at 3:58 :D
"blinndd foolss" :)
EmilyLovesGuitar 2 years ago 3
According to the Bible, there is a very simple answer. Posing as an angel of light, Satan the Devil has misled millions into following his teachings rather than Gods. (2 Corinthians 11:14) The apostle John showed that Satans influence is so extensive that the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. (1 John 5:19) John knew that Satan was misleading the entire inhabited earth.—Revelation 12:9.
wisdomkid43 2 years ago
It's working now! I'm so glad to see Godspell again! I almost forgot how the movie played out! Victor Garber turned out to be a great actor didn't he? Love this!
nodlon20 2 years ago 3
why wont this work?
darkmagic666137 2 years ago
why is it that this one is taken down?
madmoo831 2 years ago
What do you mean, is it not working for you?
napoholic 2 years ago
When the piano comes in on "By My Side", it gets so foreboding, yet so beautiful!
TerriMorganDishife 2 years ago
You know, the person that plays Jesus kind of scares me. It looks like he has tears under his eyes and I don't like it.
Sunwhisker34 3 years ago
yeah i agree. See im actually studying to be a Catholic Priest, so to me, i think that sometimes people get the wrong idea about the Church in that sense,( and "organized Religion" for that matter) like we arnt here to say " believe what we say or Hell awaits you" were here to try to guide and love and spread God's word.
Michael111992 3 years ago 2
hey fun fact time!
the man who wrote this play, he went to a temple/church and was ignored because he was dressed like a hippie. so he went home and wrote the play! :D
wakkkywonka756 3 years ago 3
hmm, i could see where you are going with that. Although i still dont think that was the goal of this play. I think it was simply a way of trying to send the Gospel message to an auddiance that maybe hadnt come to know it yet. I also think that its trying to say that no matter how you see the Gospel, or however you think they dressed, looked, ext, that the message still remains the same. And that message is that God is love.
Michael111992 3 years ago
I suppose. It's more of an alternate view to the whole "believe what i say or you're going to hell" position that many people take. Rather, people should be good to one another, not because of some promise of eternal salvation, but because it's the right thing to do. Being good, for the sake of goodness.
Durnty 3 years ago 2
This is Matthew 22,23 and 24.
jedi101576 3 years ago
i agree that it does indeed condem those who proclaim the word of God JUST for their own personal agenda. But i whoundt really call it " Anti- establishment". I mean really the song is close to what Christ actually said but in musical form. It almost matches up to Scripture. But Jesus was not anti Establishment, He was anti Hypocrisy. He was a devote Jew, and followed Temple Requirments all His life, thus meaning he choundt mean anti- establishment.
Michael111992 3 years ago
maybe not anti-establishment per sei. But look at the time when the play was produced off broadway. We had just waged two debatably unnecessary wars, one of our most beloved presidents had been assassinated, and Nixon was under investigation for the watergate incident. It feels to me that the playwright's intent was to abandon the corruption within the establishment and return to a time of innocence and love. So in that respect i still believe that it has anti-establishment connotations
Durnty 3 years ago
hm i just noticed that they skip the part about the dogs who murdered the profits
Durnty 3 years ago
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It has been said that Jesus Christ Superstar was written in order to MOCK God. I am not sure I agree, But I will not dismiss the possibility either. MAny have tried to Mock My Lord and savior Jesus Christ, However, it ended in themselves making the mockery of themselves before God.
Thank you Jesus For ALL YOU HAVE DONE for me. It is a debt I can never repay on my own.
STLouisMissionary 3 years ago
Jesus is not attacking " organized Religion" in this, or in the Gospel itself. Hes pointing out that anyone who makes themselves God, or says one thing and means another is in deep sin. Why do you attack organized Religion? What has it done to you? Do you wish Religion to be unorganized?
On a lighter note, this is my favorite song in the musical, really powerful.
Michael111992 3 years ago
Godspell is a VERY anti-establishment musical. "Searching for souls and fools to forsake them...then when you've got your converts you make them twice as fit for hell as you are yourselves" He's condemning those who proclaim to speak the word of God, but in actuality serve their own personal agenda, people like Jose Luis Miranda, Rev. Rick Warren, and William Donohue
Durnty 3 years ago
why Rick Warren? (His name sounds so familiar but I can't remember why - what did he write?)
Jesus himself was anti-establishment, I suppose, not simply the musical
atozinco 2 years ago
Rick warren spoke at Obama's Inauguration. He's the pro-life, anti gay, anti non white Evangelical who uses religion to spread his own prejudices to the young and impressionable. And yes, Jesus himself was very anti establishment and i don't think he'd be to happy with what people have done to his teachings
Durnty 2 years ago 2
Godspell & Christ are both very 'anti-establishment'. In Matthew 23, acted out here, He condemns the leaders of organized religion - then & now - for their hypocrisy, greed, and spiritual deception.
He also attacks them for their worship of Mammon - literally & figuratively - while merely pretending to believe in God 'for show'.
19lfm12 2 years ago
It isn't anti-establishment, it's only against corruption. The Bible, and Christ, say that it is good to go to a church and gather together to worship together. Yes, it's bad to believe or show, or to be hypocritical. And that is what it is saying.
trunksgirl 2 years ago
I didn't get that feeling from Godspell or the Bible either. One or both of them specifically say something like 'render that unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and that unto God what belongs to God'.
That's not even _slightly_ anti-establishment. I also didn't hear any reference to Mammon, whomever that is. Sounds like a bad guy though! Hope I don't meet him.
blogegog 2 years ago
If you listen to this scene & read Matthew 23 on which it is based, it is a complete condemnation of the Temple Masters of 33 AD & of the Vatican.
"You travel the land/scour the sea....for converts'.....the Temple Masters did not do that; the Vatican has.
Read it very carefully & think of history..."you killed the prophets I sent you...the blood you spill on you shall fall".
...as a Catholic, I should know..........!
19lfm12 2 years ago
As a (fellow) Catholic, I also just had to nitpick on this. ;) Matthew 23:15 uses "prosēlyton". Judaism does have 'proselytes' (ger) - gentiles who had converted to Judaism and are bound to all the doctrines and precepts of the Law.
And why just the Vatican? It's not like Catholics are the only ones who are trying to convert people out there. I've yet to hear of persons who would say the same thing about say, the Patriarchates of the Eastern Church.
flyingblackboard 2 years ago
Judaism, then or now, was never in the conversion business. True, there have been converts to Judaism - but VERY FEW, historically. The Temple Masters were simply not overly seeking converts.
Try reading the entire 23 Chapter again. Every charge applies to the Vatican; as they are the spiritual successors to the Temple Masters.
19lfm12 2 years ago
Yep, you're right about that. Good catch!
Most of the "apologetic" material I know of in antiquity are mostly penned by Hellenistic Jews (yet another category of Jews!), trying to convince their audience how the Mosaic Law is not really barbaric or exotic but could be interpreted in a metaphorical fashion - one of the issues that actually separated them from the "Temple Masters" in Judea.
flyingblackboard 2 years ago
(continued)
I'm just going to repeat myself here: if we're going to accuse the Vatican, why not be consistent about it and also include all the churches which are not the product of the Reformation (such as the Eastern, Oriental, and Assyrian Churches)? if we're going to claim the Vatican as the spiritual children of the Temple establishment then we should include these as well since all these churches share a common origin before the splits.
flyingblackboard 2 years ago
Finally, I fell you can just read into Matthew 23 anything you like so that's not a pretty good indicator. You can read the Vatican into it but I could also read into it the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople!
Now, please don't take my comments the wrong way. I'm not trying to be hateful or anything of the sort; I'm just a nitpicker by nature. If I ever said anything hateful then I sincerely apologize about that.
Now, to move on...this discussion's gone too far.
flyingblackboard 2 years ago
Correct in re the common orgiin. And all organized religion has failed, as it modeled itself on the Vatican (in mode & in leading ppl astray).
19lfm12 2 years ago
@19lfm12 Every charge might also be directed at Pat Robertson and company as well.
1utubeadict 1 year ago
i love it. Jesus just ripped apart the government AND the leaders of organized religion
Durnty 3 years ago 5
By definition, the evil collusion of govt. & religion IS the system of Mammon....and the worship of it.
19lfm12 2 years ago
Good grief - really? dang :-(
Jany1954 2 years ago
Mammon is also a demon (literally).......
It is not just 'money' itself, but the world system of it. It is what Satan tried to tempt Jesus with in the desert: the system of power under his control.
For that reason Jesus said when the Temple authorities came to arrest Him: "Now is your hour & the power of darkness". That Mammon & those humans both in its grasp & administering it....would be his tormentors & murderers:
Namely - organized religion + the forced collusion of the state.
19lfm12 2 years ago
this is definitly my favorite part in the whole movie. i love both of the songs. by my side makes me tear up everytime...
neurotically69 3 years ago
the one with the racoon tail in his hat the one playing the flute
losan2 3 years ago
I have a random question, who was talking for the Pharisee monster? Was it Jeffrey's voice?
Just wondered this for awhile is all lol ^^;
RoyMrMann 3 years ago
which one is Jeffery? i dont know who is who except jesus, judas, and Robin...
oneawesomebandgeek 3 years ago
The guy in the bowler hat with the red nose is Jeffrey.
LaddyDongdegs 2 years ago
according to imdb, the voice of the Pharisee monster is Godspell writer/creator John Micheal-Tebelak.
timberwolf84 2 years ago
First, people, please learn to spell, capitalize and punctuate. Yes, it matters.
Second, John the Baptist was NOT the Apostle John. The actor that plays John the Baptist in the beginning ("Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord") becomes the character of Judas throughout the rest of the play.
Go back and READ the Gospel of St. Matthew. It only takes an hour or two. And use a modern translation if the KJV is too difficult.
hduggie 3 years ago 4
Thank you for the part about spelling and punctuation! If you can't spell or punctuate, you might as well be *** in **** the ****, dude!
CitizenKate 3 years ago
david haskell has been john all thru the movie until now
after he sais that passage from the bible he is bow judas.......i think
JennyU24 3 years ago
this part could be a videogame :)
JennyU24 3 years ago
i thought judas was god in the beginning of the movie cuz he was the one that brought them all together
ewshooter 3 years ago
The man playing Judas also plays John the Baptist in the very beginning, if that helps.
theproles 3 years ago
DONT TRUST JUDAS!
Stretedge 3 years ago
i run into judas all the time the people who you thought you could trustbut they betray you oh yes i know all about it
losan2 3 years ago
amen to that man,
Stretedge 3 years ago
yes i dont trust him he is also in the church with people who you thought you could trust but betray you yes im well acquainted with him
losan2 3 years ago
my two favorite songs in the movie! <3 they're both so passionate.
EngorgedxSpleen 3 years ago
I often find myself wondering what happend to Judas. In the bible it says that the one who betrays the Son of God will go to hell but when Judas goes to betray Jesus, Jesus still calls him "Friend." Judas made a mistake and it isn't my mistake to judge but I often wonder if Judas was forgiven for his sin. He takes the silver back and he kills himself out of sorrow. Maybe that's just me but my heart kind of goes out to the guy.
txtexasgurl 3 years ago
Theres an interp that Judas didn't realize he was betraying Jesus. He thought he was hellping Jesus to prove himself to them. Judas was Jesus's best friend and trusted him to turn him in. That is why he says...go do what you must. He thought Jesus would get captured, show himself to be God and destroy take over the system. He did not expect them to actually kill him and was devasted when he died. Well, either way, I do not believe Judas is in hell.
Mtbeltmix 3 years ago
yes he did jesus know who would betray him he said so at the last supper him who i give the sop to he dipped it and gave it to judas and the bible says satan entered in to judas
losan2 3 years ago
jesus was saying to judas after giving him the sop hw was talking to satan for satan had entered him
losan2 3 years ago
read psalm 22 and also read in the new testement in acts when peopter and all are praying about he to name the new apostel matthes or the other one
losan2 3 years ago
i must say this the lord wants me to say this . yes judas repented you can be sorry for your sinbut he never went back to jesus the son of good to restore him to god. repenting ie being sorrowful for sin is not enough you must go to the foot of the cross to restore and clense you of that sin
losan2 3 years ago
Oh, I've seen this dozens of times and now is the first time I realized you can totally see Robin and Gilmer behind the Pharisee Monster's eyes!
jgmes2001 3 years ago
Whoa you're Good!!! I saw thsi movie like !% times when I was 12 years old ( the year it came out)and now I'm 47 years old and have teh video etc.... and I NEVER SAW Robin and Gilmer behind those hubcaps until now!!! I was SOOOO in love with Victor Garber as a kid, it's so great to have him on Tv now in Eli Stone and Alias reruns, I love these timeless pictures of his incredible acting.
angeladelerious 3 years ago
COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL i like the pharasy part haha i juz did a musical on this movie haha
maplesea199 3 years ago
i can't wait for the day when jesus looks at me like he does in 8:27.
jorgeo23 3 years ago 3
yes
losan2 3 years ago
Great song!! Ah... "can you take me with you"? Love it :)
Jany1954 3 years ago
I bet Clay Aiken could play Vicotr's role. If another one goes into the Broadway zone, someone should mention his name.
Idolmakercat 3 years ago
no. just no.
iminabox 3 years ago
I never understood this, why are the disciples operating the 'pharisee'?
onlyblueforever 3 years ago
did he kill those 2 girls
wowhawow44 3 years ago
no cause you see them returning to jesus and singing by my side
losan2 3 years ago
Alas for You should be sung to Fred Phelps.
drumfreak87 3 years ago 2
what happened to turn back o Man
jokersimage 3 years ago
it's earlier in the movie. After the scene that's supposed to be later on. The one that's supposed to come right before "We Beseech Thee." But don't get me started on how they left that song out of the movie... hope I'm making some sense here...
thGothicHobbit 3 years ago
I have this soundtrack in my car and listen to it quite often when there's nothing on the radio or I just need some uplifting. No matter how many times I've heard it, By My Side always makes me cry. I wanted this song as I walked down the aisle at my wedding but our priest didn't think it would be a good idea if I were bawling as I was walking down to meet my husband. My dream is to someday be in a local production of Godspell and have this role to sing this song.
luvstl 3 years ago
Thats really amazing
TheTechieGirl 3 years ago
Why are they pulling the desiples (sp.) from the mecha-bad-guy-guy
Pokedude22 3 years ago
because, the cast is only jesus and the desiples, so everyone hasmultiple roles
thomasbowersox 3 years ago
oh, ok. Thanks for clearing that up, I thought it meant something
Pokedude22 3 years ago
What's that cart that john/judas pushes around for?
Julianakun 3 years ago
It just goes with the clown motif, it holds the props they use throughout the movie.
napoholic 3 years ago
maybe I'm missing the point, but why is Jesus a "clown" and so scarecrow-like?
pkweller 3 years ago
the clown costumes and facepaint were originally designed to show a separation from society. later on in the play/film Jesus removes the facepaint from the disciples as a way to symbolize their return to the rest of the world to spread the news. It also adds a loving, humorous feel to the characters. :-)
paddyboy125 3 years ago 4
This part of the movie is so poignant. Everytime I watch it I am reminded why Jesus died for us.
euphoria299 3 years ago
This movie is pointless, and fascinating, and amazing, and makes zero sense.
And it's perfect.
It's handled exactly the way it should be.
Fantastically.
maryandtom 3 years ago 4
I appreciate your carefree attitude, but pointless? Hardly. Loving your brother is a pretty good point to make, which few people realize in a lifetime. For most its just a theory.
kensho3 3 years ago 4
The way Judas says it, especially in this song, it's really emotional :)
onlyblueforever 3 years ago
this is such a emmotional movie
JennyU24 4 years ago
OMG I LOVE THE HARMONIES IN THIS SONG!
peacelove96 4 years ago 3
from here on in this movie is a tear jerker. my god these songs are soo emotional, and just portrays love, and hope. this is one of my favorite songs is this movie. "then ill take your hand, finally glad, that you are here by my side" this movies saved my life! i believe again.
kenny
kenny9048 4 years ago 3
I believe to.
deedoo16 3 years ago
wow...this part of the film is AWESOME...how they portrayed the Pharisees, how "Alas for You" was sung...LOVED "By My Side."
blackacacia94 4 years ago
judus is cute i hate to say it but he is cute!! and this movie is just so grea!!!
tough5gurl 4 years ago 4