Words from Jerusalem

This series of 7 meditations for Easter features Sir John Gielgud reciting material from the 1611 King James translation of the Bible, with each selection complemented by a work of modern poetry read by the author and accompanied by an exquisite variety of art works against a sparing but effective musical background. Sir John is moving in his presentation, conveying the nobility of the language and the glory of its message. But it's a tribute to his acting ability that he manages to transcend the cinematography--maybe it's intentional, but he looks resurrected himself: garishly lit, photographed from below, with a roseate glow to his preternaturally smooth face. And while the poetry selections are uniformly excellent and appropriate, there is no accompanying text for those who would like to study them as literature. If the merits of the program strike you as sufficient, it is well worth watching for inspiration or for literary value. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)