George Stevens managed to craft a remarkable number of fine films in his early and mid-career. It was only natural that, in approaching his late period, he sought to expand his already grand horizons and create a towering work.
"The Greatest Story Ever Told" was Steven's choice as a personal challenge. What could be more formidable that this subject? Stevens undoubtedly knew that the material was probably impossible to craft into a "perfect" product before he started. That was no reason, though, for one of his talent, training and experience to be discouraged.
The production occupied many years of Stevens' life, including tremendous production challenges. He also was faced with the task of not only balancing its costly budget, but also turning in an attractive profit for the studio which supported his efforts. (To engage in so expensive an exercise and come out in the red would understandably have been a disappointment for all concerned.)
Thus, he wisely populated his cast with big-name stars -- those which would bring out the public in substantial numbers and realize adequate box office returns. Major studio movie making is of course, at this level, big business and I, for one, can see very clearly Stevens' approach in terms of wieghing the "ideal" with the "pragmatic."
When the work was finally completed, Stevens did achieve his vision in a legendary film of 260 minutes in duration. That was the work he intended, and that was the version impressively presented at its premiere and early "road show" performances. Then along came various "decision-makers" implementing their own ideas, which resulted in 63 minutes being cut from the work.
How is it possible to evaluate Stevens' work by viewing a 197 minute version? Clearly that does not represent the vision of this artist. The one and only way is to view the original in its uncut (and preferably pristine print Cinemascope) version.
As for the casting approach, the production happily did succeed at the box office, with the public supporting the picture in substantal numbers. Knowing all what was at stake, one can nicely cope with the casting cameos and be appreciative that this supremely challenging subject was graced by the attentions of one of the screen's very fine directors.
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