<P> King of Kings is a 1961 American Biblical epic film made by Samuel Bronston Productions and distributed by Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer . Directed by Nicholas Ray, the film is a dramatization of the story of Jesus Christ from his birth and ministry to his crucifixion and resurrection, with much dramatic license . </P> <P> In 63 BC, Pompey conquered Jerusalem and the city was sacked . He entered the Temple to seize the treasure of Solomon and massacred the priests there . He discovered that the treasure is only a collection of scrolls of the Torah . These Pompey held over a fire until an old priest reached for them imploringly . Pompey relented and handed them to the old man and left to carry out massacres of enemy villages and towns . </P> <P> Many years later, a series of rebellions break out against the authority of Rome, so the Romans crucify many of the leaders and place Herod the Great on Judea's throne . </P> <P> A carpenter named Joseph and his wife Mary, who is about to give birth, arrive in Bethlehem for the census . Not having found accommodation for the night, they take refuge in a stable, where the child, Jesus, is born . The shepherds, who have followed the Magi from the East, gather to worship him . However, Herod, informed of the birth of a child - king, orders the centurion Lucius to take his men to Bethlehem and kill all the newborn male children . </P>

Who played simon peter in king of kings