The Silver Chalice

Paul Newman makes his screen debut in this epic biblical drama starring Virginia Mayo, Pier Angeli, Jack Palance, Paul Newman, Lorne Greene, E. G. Marshall, Natalie Wood, and dozens more in the tale of a young Greek artisan who designed the silver chalice framework for the cup used in the Last Supper. Commissioned to cast the cup of Christ in silver and sculpt around its rim the faces of the disciples and Jesus himself, the artist travels to Jerusalem and eventually to Rome to complete the task. Meanwhile, a nefarious interloper tries to convince the crowds that he is the new Messiah by using cheap parlor tricks. Lorne Greene also makes his first screen appearance. The film was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Score.