1973 was a prodigious annual for bible musicals - 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'Godspell' and perhaps the most ambitious of them all, 'In the Beginning' (aka 'Bible!'). No words. Literally, no dialogue but a visual feast depicting four tales from the Old Testament set to free-flowing classical music.

Starting with what I thought was perhaps the most visually striking (filmed in the Caribbean, partially set to 'Albinoni's' Adagio) Adam & Eve discovering one another in a rather sandy looking mangrove of Eden, proceeding onto the illicit affair between David & Bathsheba (Georgina Spelvin!) in a banquet and burlesque scene, then Samson being bathed, seduced and ultimately emasculated by a stunning ebony Delilah (Gloria Grant) before ending with the brief annunciation as Mary gets to grips with an imminent immaculate conception after being visited by the Angel Gabriel in the desolate sand dunes.

An overall stunning choreograph (akin to an adult themed stage play), incorporating bold set design, costuming and imagery, and perhaps with the exception of the 'David & Bathsheba' episode which seemed a bit immature, the performances are focussed and sincere. Obviously not a mainstream approach, it's nonetheless still an epic experience best viewed on a large screen to properly appreciate the immense visual style.

The fantasy genre features imaginative and often magical worlds, characters, and events. It explores realms beyond the boundaries of reality, featuring elements such as magic, mythical creatures, supernatural powers, and fantastical settings. These stories can take place in entirely fictional worlds or blend fantastical elements with real-world settings.

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The history genre features recounting and analyzing past events, societies, cultures, and historical figures. This genre aims to provide insights into the development of civilizations, the causes and consequences of historical events, and the impact of individuals and ideas on the course of history.

The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

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A softcore, adult-oriented version of the tales from the Bible.

Caprice Couselle, Georgina Spelvin, Gloria Grant, and Bo White in Bible! (1974)

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Bible!

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