Peter and Paul

Quite possibly the brownest television miniseries ever made, Peter and Paul unfortunately lacks the visual epic scope to justify its arduous length and unblinking earnestness. While the tale of early evangelicals Paul of Tarsus (Anthony Hopkins) and Peter the Fisherman (Robert Foxworth) are rife with dramatic possibility, television veteran Robert Day doesn't provide enough cinematic variation to offset what is essentially a string of long lectures about the teachings of Jesus and the roots of Christianity. In fact, Day directs every scene with the same center-framed monotony; he's reluctant to cut away from an actor in the middle of a lengthy speech, and even the set pieces, such as the divine sandstorm that gives Paul his faith, are uniformly underwhelming--even by the standards of 1981 TV movies. Of course, Hopkins' piercing blue eyes and reliable intensity break through the tan sets, dusty exteriors, sandy beards, bronzed skin, and grimy robes; but if not for Sir Anthony, the film would have all the authority of a three-hour high school production of Jesus Christ Superstar. The deep supporting cast includes Raymond Burr as a laughable Herod, the always-watchable Jon Finch as Luke, and Jose Ferrer, who could give lessons on screen presence, as Gamaliel. Sporting no extras, this is recommended for larger religious collections, but optional for others. (D. Fienberg)