<P> The Greatest Story Ever Told is a 1965 American epic film produced and directed by George Stevens . It is a retelling of the story of Jesus Christ, from the Nativity through to the Ascension . This film is notable for its large ensemble cast and for being the last film appearance of Claude Rains . </P> <P> The major roles in the movie were following: </P> <Ul> <Li> Max von Sydow as Jesus </Li> <Li> Dorothy McGuire as the Virgin Mary </Li> <Li> Charlton Heston as John the Baptist </Li> <Li> Claude Rains as Herod the Great </Li> <Li> José Ferrer as Herod Antipas </Li> <Li> Telly Savalas as Pontius Pilate </Li> <Li> Martin Landau as Caiaphas </Li> <Li> David McCallum as Judas Iscariot </Li> <Li> Donald Pleasence as "The Dark Hermit" (a personification of Satan) </Li> <Li> Michael Anderson, Jr. as James the Just </Li> <Li> Roddy McDowall as Matthew </Li> <Li> Joanna Dunham as Mary Magdalene </Li> <Li> Joseph Schildkraut as Nicodemus </Li> <Li> Ed Wynn as "Old Aram" </Li> </Ul> <Li> Max von Sydow as Jesus </Li>

Who played the role of jesus in the greatest story ever told