About the film
Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1973 American musical Biblical drama film directed by Norman Jewison, co-written by Jewison and Melvyn Bragg, and choreographed by Robert Iscove. It is based on the 1970 concept album written by Tim Rice and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which in turn spawned the 1971 stage musical. The film depicts the conflict between Judas and Jesus and the emotions and motivations of the main characters during the week of the crucifixion of Jesus. It stars Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman, and Barry Dennen in the principal roles.
Jesus Christ Superstar premiered at the Uptown Theater in Washington, D.C. on June 26, 1973, and was released theatrically in the United States on August 15, 1973. Despite criticism from a few religious groups and mixed reviews from critics, the film was a box office success. Neeley, Anderson, and Elliman were nominated for Golden Globe Awards in 1974 for their portrayals of Jesus, Judas, and Mary Magdalene, respectively. The film was also nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
