
For the fourth consecutive year, we begin Holy Week with a silent film depicting the Passion. Our organist will provide an original, improvised soundtrack for the film.
Join us for the St John Silent Film Night.
When: April 12. 2024 at 6 pm
Where: The sanctuary of our church, 216 E Chandler Blvd, Burlington, WI
Cost: It is a free event with no tickets needed. Donations are accepted and will go towards the organ and the promotion of more films.
Feel free to bring a snack, friends, family, or neighbors to see this piece of history come to life.
2025s featured silent film
From the Manger to the Cross: A Landmark in Early Religious Cinema
Released in 1912, “From the Manger to the Cross” is a groundbreaking silent film that occupies an important place in cinema history as one of the first feature-length films to portray the life of Jesus Christ.

The film is directed by Sidney Olcott and produced by the Kalem Company. It is remarkable for its ambitious scope, authentic locations, and contribution to establishing religious storytelling as a credible genre in early filmmaking.
Plot and Structure
The film chronicles the life of Jesus Christ, starting with the Nativity in Bethlehem and finishing with the Crucifixion. It is organized as a series of vignettes, each illustrating key events from the Gospels, such as the Sermon on the Mount, the Last Supper, and Judas’s betrayal. The narrative is presented with reverence and simplicity, aiming to convey the spiritual essence of the story instead of engaging in complex theological debates.
Production and Filming
One of the most remarkable aspects of From the Manger to the Cross is its use of on-location filming in the Middle East. Director Sidney Olcott and his crew traveled to Egypt, Palestine, and other regions to capture authentic landscapes and settings that mirrored the biblical world. This approach was a groundbreaking approach at the time, as most films were shot in studios or on makeshift sets. The use of real locations lent the film a sense of realism and grandeur that captivated audiences.
The film was shot in just six weeks, a testament to the efficiency and dedication of the cast and crew. Robert Henderson-Bland, a British actor, portrayed Jesus with a quiet dignity that resonated with viewers. The supporting cast included Gene Gauntier, who also co-wrote the screenplay, as the Virgin Mary.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, From the Manger to the Cross was acclaimed widely. Audiences and critics praised its visual beauty, respectful treatment of its subject matter, and innovative use of location filming. The film was mainly celebrated for its ability to convey the biblical story’s spiritual and emotional depth without sound, relying instead on expressive acting, intertitles, and a stirring musical score that accompanied screenings.
The film’s success demonstrated the potential of religious themes in cinema, paving the way for future biblical epics such as The Ten Commandments (1923) and Ben-Hur (1925). It also highlighted the film’s growing cultural and artistic significance as a medium capable of addressing profound and universal themes.
Preservation and Historical Significance
Today, From the Manger to the Cross is recognized as a landmark in early cinema. It is one of the earliest surviving feature-length films and remains an essential artifact for scholars studying the evolution of filmmaking and the portrayal of religious narratives in media.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has preserved the film, occasionally screened at film festivals and retrospectives focused on silent cinema, and at St John the Divine Episcopal in Burlington, Wisconsin.
Conclusion
From the Manger to the Cross stands as a testament to the power of early cinema to inspire and move audiences. Its combination of authentic locations, heartfelt performances, and a reverent approach to its subject matter made it a groundbreaking work in its time. Over a century later, it continues to be celebrated as a pioneering achievement in film history and a milestone in depicting religious stories on screen.
We invite you to join us for this film! Feel free to bring a friend and a snack!