Vincenzo Labella, who wrote and produced the Emmy-winning miniseries “Marco Polo” and produced the miniseries “Jesus of Nazareth,’ died in Los Angeles on July 28. He was 93.
Labella was born in Vatican City, where his father was the dean of the Pontifical Halls. Having spent his childhood with access to the Apostolic Library of the Vatican, he started out as a historian, journalist and documentarian.
Producer Dino De Laurentiis asked him to serve as advisor on the 1961 film “Barabbas,” a job which led to many other history-based projects.
Franco Zeffirelli directed the 1977 NBC mini “Jesus of Nazareth,” which starred Robert Powell, Laurence Olivier, Anne Bancroft and Christopher Plummer, and was Emmy-nommed as outstanding special drama.
He also produced “Moses the Lawgiver,” starring Burt Lancaster, which started as a six-hour series and was also released as a feature film.
NBC’s 1982 “Marco Polo” was the first Western production to film in the...
Labella was born in Vatican City, where his father was the dean of the Pontifical Halls. Having spent his childhood with access to the Apostolic Library of the Vatican, he started out as a historian, journalist and documentarian.
Producer Dino De Laurentiis asked him to serve as advisor on the 1961 film “Barabbas,” a job which led to many other history-based projects.
Franco Zeffirelli directed the 1977 NBC mini “Jesus of Nazareth,” which starred Robert Powell, Laurence Olivier, Anne Bancroft and Christopher Plummer, and was Emmy-nommed as outstanding special drama.
He also produced “Moses the Lawgiver,” starring Burt Lancaster, which started as a six-hour series and was also released as a feature film.
NBC’s 1982 “Marco Polo” was the first Western production to film in the...
- 8/4/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
There's no doubt about it: with Passover and Holy Week both underway it's the time of year to watch grand, Biblical epics on TV. From movies about Moses and Pharaoh to movies about Jesus and his disciples, there are plenty of flicks that fit the bill, but which Bible-based pic is the best? Vote in our top ten list, and feel free to add your own picks to the mix. For more based-on-the-Bible action, be sure to watch Barabbas starring Billy Zane Saturday, April 19th a 7p Et/ 4p Pt with another chance to watch Sunday, April 20th at 3p Et/ 12p Pt.
Rate Your Favorite Biblical Epics >>
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 4/14/2014 by Reelz
Barabbas | Ben-Hur | The Ten Commandments | Jesus Christ Superstar | The Robe | The Prince of Egypt | The Greatest Story Ever Told | Noah | The Last Temptation of Christ | The Passion of the Christ...
Rate Your Favorite Biblical Epics >>
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 4/14/2014 by Reelz
Barabbas | Ben-Hur | The Ten Commandments | Jesus Christ Superstar | The Robe | The Prince of Egypt | The Greatest Story Ever Told | Noah | The Last Temptation of Christ | The Passion of the Christ...
- 4/14/2014
- by REELZ staff
- Reelzchannel.com
Easter weekend is going to be epic at Reelz. Throughout the weekend viewers will be able to watch the complete series of both Barabbas and World Without End.
Barabbas, starring Billy Zane, follows the story of the man whose life was spared because of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Inspired by Nobel laureate Par Lagerkvist's book, this mini-series tells the ultimate story of a man's struggle to find both faith and redemption. The series will air on Saturday, April 19th at 7p Et/ 4p Pt with another chance to watch on Sunday, April 20th at 3p Et/ 12p Pt.
World Without End is an adaptation of Ken Follett’s international best-selling novel set amidst natural disaster, plague and war in 14th century England. Set in Follett's fictional town of Kingsbridge, World Without End takes place two hundred years after the construction of the great cathedral featured in Pillars of the Earth.
Barabbas, starring Billy Zane, follows the story of the man whose life was spared because of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Inspired by Nobel laureate Par Lagerkvist's book, this mini-series tells the ultimate story of a man's struggle to find both faith and redemption. The series will air on Saturday, April 19th at 7p Et/ 4p Pt with another chance to watch on Sunday, April 20th at 3p Et/ 12p Pt.
World Without End is an adaptation of Ken Follett’s international best-selling novel set amidst natural disaster, plague and war in 14th century England. Set in Follett's fictional town of Kingsbridge, World Without End takes place two hundred years after the construction of the great cathedral featured in Pillars of the Earth.
- 4/11/2014
- by Mandy McAdoo
- Reelzchannel.com
Epic mini-series Barabbas takes viewers on a journey of Biblical proportions, picking up where the Bible left off to tell the story of the man whose life was spared by the decision to crucify Jesus Christ. Starring Billy Zane and shot on location in Tunisia, this powerful story of redemption features incredible costumes, impressive set design, and intense gladiator action.
This Reelz original series is available now on DVD and Blu-ray. Go to Amazon, iTunes or Walmart for full details on availability and pricing.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 9/20/2013 by reelz
Barabbas | Billy Zane...
This Reelz original series is available now on DVD and Blu-ray. Go to Amazon, iTunes or Walmart for full details on availability and pricing.
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 9/20/2013 by reelz
Barabbas | Billy Zane...
- 9/20/2013
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
They cover everything from manure trucks to gladiator fights
Barabbas star Billy Zane turned up on Access Hollywood to talk about the epic mini-series premiering tonight on Reelz — with amusing results. Watch this fun clip from the show as Billy distracts the hosts with his "little Barabbas outfits" and conversation turns to topics such as late night radio voices and Zane’s awesome "Pitbull meets Preppy" style. Kit Hoover gets a little crazy and goes off topic until Frisbee enthusiast Zane almost knocks her out.
Don't miss part 1 premiering tonight, March 25th at 9p E/ 6p P and 11:30p E/ 8:30p P. Part 2 premieres Tuesday, March 26th at 9pm Et/ 6pm Pt and 11pm Et/ 8pm Pt.
The Greatest Story Never Told
Tonight starting at 9p E/ 6p P
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/25/2013 by reelz
Barabbas | Billy Zane...
Barabbas star Billy Zane turned up on Access Hollywood to talk about the epic mini-series premiering tonight on Reelz — with amusing results. Watch this fun clip from the show as Billy distracts the hosts with his "little Barabbas outfits" and conversation turns to topics such as late night radio voices and Zane’s awesome "Pitbull meets Preppy" style. Kit Hoover gets a little crazy and goes off topic until Frisbee enthusiast Zane almost knocks her out.
Don't miss part 1 premiering tonight, March 25th at 9p E/ 6p P and 11:30p E/ 8:30p P. Part 2 premieres Tuesday, March 26th at 9pm Et/ 6pm Pt and 11pm Et/ 8pm Pt.
The Greatest Story Never Told
Tonight starting at 9p E/ 6p P
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/25/2013 by reelz
Barabbas | Billy Zane...
- 3/25/2013
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
"Barabbas is well worth the watch"
We're excited for the premiere of the Reelz mini-series Barabbas starting tonight at 9p Et/ 6p Pt, and it looks like we have reason to be as, so far, the movie has garnered a positive response from critics.
Allison Keene from The Hollywood Reporter applauds the two-part miniseries describing it as a “rare refreshing take” on Bible-centric specials which usually appear around Easter, even expanding on this to say that “Barabbas should be complimented for the fact that it does a better and more engaging job of exploring faith than History’s recent The Bible series.” Keene adds that the mini-series manages “to be both thought-provoking and at times emotional, doing well at illustrating common skepticisms of Christianity while also showing Barabbas’ own transformation.”
Neil Genzlinger from the New York Times praises Marco Foschi's "refreshingly different" portrayal of Jesus, saying that "rather than a smiling,...
We're excited for the premiere of the Reelz mini-series Barabbas starting tonight at 9p Et/ 6p Pt, and it looks like we have reason to be as, so far, the movie has garnered a positive response from critics.
Allison Keene from The Hollywood Reporter applauds the two-part miniseries describing it as a “rare refreshing take” on Bible-centric specials which usually appear around Easter, even expanding on this to say that “Barabbas should be complimented for the fact that it does a better and more engaging job of exploring faith than History’s recent The Bible series.” Keene adds that the mini-series manages “to be both thought-provoking and at times emotional, doing well at illustrating common skepticisms of Christianity while also showing Barabbas’ own transformation.”
Neil Genzlinger from the New York Times praises Marco Foschi's "refreshingly different" portrayal of Jesus, saying that "rather than a smiling,...
- 3/25/2013
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
"Jesus wasn't the God they wanted"
Tonight Reelz will bring you Barabbas, an epic story of redemption, beginning where the Bible left off in a mini-series not to be missed. But who exactly was Barabbas, the man behind this story? Where did he come from? Father James Martin, director Roger Young, and star of the mini-series, Billy Zane, discuss the criminal we know of and the events which changed his life forever, exploring the universal themes of faith and God.
Don't miss Barabbas on Reelz with two chances to watch part 1 tonight at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11:30p Et/ 8:30p Pt and part 2 tomorrow, Tuesday, March 26 at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11p Et/ 8p Pt.
A story of faith & redemption
Tonight starting at 9p E/ 6p P
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/25/2013 by reelz
Barabbas...
Tonight Reelz will bring you Barabbas, an epic story of redemption, beginning where the Bible left off in a mini-series not to be missed. But who exactly was Barabbas, the man behind this story? Where did he come from? Father James Martin, director Roger Young, and star of the mini-series, Billy Zane, discuss the criminal we know of and the events which changed his life forever, exploring the universal themes of faith and God.
Don't miss Barabbas on Reelz with two chances to watch part 1 tonight at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11:30p Et/ 8:30p Pt and part 2 tomorrow, Tuesday, March 26 at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11p Et/ 8p Pt.
A story of faith & redemption
Tonight starting at 9p E/ 6p P
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/25/2013 by reelz
Barabbas...
- 3/25/2013
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
What's bigger than the Titanic? Billy Zane and Ryan Seacrest both agree that the only thing more massive is the Bible.
In a recent radio interview with Seacrest, Zane talked about his upcoming Reelz miniseries Barabbas and how it's different from many stories in its genre in that the central character does not have a deep and abiding faith. Instead, it's a story of coming to faith and finding redemption and forgiveness. Zane also discusses the fact that the story of Barabbas is appealing to believers and non-believers alike. According to Zane, the series is "tough and it's got guts," and it's "rooted in a great iconography." It sounds like a winner to us. Catch the premiere this Monday with two chances to watch starting at 9p Et/ 6p Pt.
Don't Miss This Biblical Epic
Tonight starting at 9p E/ 6p P
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/22/2013 by reelz
Barabbas | Billy Zane...
In a recent radio interview with Seacrest, Zane talked about his upcoming Reelz miniseries Barabbas and how it's different from many stories in its genre in that the central character does not have a deep and abiding faith. Instead, it's a story of coming to faith and finding redemption and forgiveness. Zane also discusses the fact that the story of Barabbas is appealing to believers and non-believers alike. According to Zane, the series is "tough and it's got guts," and it's "rooted in a great iconography." It sounds like a winner to us. Catch the premiere this Monday with two chances to watch starting at 9p Et/ 6p Pt.
Don't Miss This Biblical Epic
Tonight starting at 9p E/ 6p P
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/22/2013 by reelz
Barabbas | Billy Zane...
- 3/22/2013
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
Barabbas airs in two parts. Part 1 premieres Monday, March 25, and Part 2 premieres Tuesday, March 26, both days at 9pm Et on ReelzChannel. Ever watch a movie set in biblical times and get confused — heck, maybe even a little annoyed — that everyone is speaking with a British accent? Billy Zane has, and that’s why you won’t hear the actor spout anything but his natural American tones for his starring role in Barabbas, a two-part miniseries that tells the tale of the man whose life was spared because the crowd chose to crucify Jesus Christ instead. “We [...]...
- 3/22/2013
- by Stacey Harrison
- ChannelGuideMag
Gladiator fights, sword fights and wild horse rides. The Barabbas mini-series has everything you would expect from a gladiator epic. So how did Billy Zane as Barabbas, cope with the intense scenes? Hear directly from the stunt coordinator himself, David Zamperla, talking from the set-location of Tunisia and find out why he was so impressed with Zane’s stunt efforts.
This epic story of redemption will arrive on Reelz in less than a week. Tune-in to Barabbas this Monday, March 25th at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11:30p Et/ 8:30p Pt. Part 2 will premiere on Tuesday, March 26 at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11p Et/ 8p Pt.
A Reelz Easter Event
Tonight starting at 9p E/ 6p P
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/20/2013 by reelz
Barabbas...
This epic story of redemption will arrive on Reelz in less than a week. Tune-in to Barabbas this Monday, March 25th at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11:30p Et/ 8:30p Pt. Part 2 will premiere on Tuesday, March 26 at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11p Et/ 8p Pt.
A Reelz Easter Event
Tonight starting at 9p E/ 6p P
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/20/2013 by reelz
Barabbas...
- 3/20/2013
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
We're behind-the scenes on the set of mini-series Barabbas arriving soon on Reelz. Take a look as we talk to award-winning costume designer Alessandro Lai about his amazing creations that look as though they came straight from the first century. Lai tells us the challenges behind so many extras, the beautiful colors and tones of the fabrics and the reasons why Billy Zane is the only one who could be Barabbas.
Barabbas tells the story of the man whose life was spared before the death of Jesus. Don't miss this epic story of redemption with part 1 airing on Monday, March 25th at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11:30p Et/ 8:30p Pt. Part 2 will premiere on Tuesday, March 26 at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11p Et/ 8p Pt.
A Reelz Easter Event
This Monday starting at 9p E/ 6p P
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/18/2013 by reelz
Barabbas...
Barabbas tells the story of the man whose life was spared before the death of Jesus. Don't miss this epic story of redemption with part 1 airing on Monday, March 25th at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11:30p Et/ 8:30p Pt. Part 2 will premiere on Tuesday, March 26 at 9p Et/ 6p Pt and 11p Et/ 8p Pt.
A Reelz Easter Event
This Monday starting at 9p E/ 6p P
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 3/18/2013 by reelz
Barabbas...
- 3/18/2013
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
"Any more water and we'll be making Waterworld"
Beginning where the Bible left off and inspired by the novel of the same name epic mini-series Barabbas is a story of redemption about a man whose life was spared before the death of Jesus. And now you can get behind-the-scenes of this epic production as we bring you clips direct from the set location of Tunisia. Over the next few weeks hear from the mini-series' star Billy Zane and some of the award winning production team, including a discussion on production design, costume design, the challenges of language coaching and a very pleased stunt coordinator.
In this clip Zane tells us why he is so excited for this mini-series and how he thinks it really is "the greatest story never told" with "something for everyone". The star also talks enthusiastically about how impressed he is at working with such a talented...
Beginning where the Bible left off and inspired by the novel of the same name epic mini-series Barabbas is a story of redemption about a man whose life was spared before the death of Jesus. And now you can get behind-the-scenes of this epic production as we bring you clips direct from the set location of Tunisia. Over the next few weeks hear from the mini-series' star Billy Zane and some of the award winning production team, including a discussion on production design, costume design, the challenges of language coaching and a very pleased stunt coordinator.
In this clip Zane tells us why he is so excited for this mini-series and how he thinks it really is "the greatest story never told" with "something for everyone". The star also talks enthusiastically about how impressed he is at working with such a talented...
- 3/13/2013
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
"You're a better man than you think, Barabbas."
There's a new trailer out for the epic, biblical mini-series Barabbas, and it answers at least a few of the questions that the original teaser has us asking. In this newest trailer, we get a hint of who Barabbas is in the series, which biblical figures he interacts with, and where his questions of faith take him. Starring Billy Zane and shot on location in Tunisia, Barabbas is a story of redemption about the man whose life was spared before the death of Jesus.
Part 1 of this Reelz Easter mini-series event premieres on Monday, March 25 at 9p E/ 6p P and 11:30p E/ 8:30p P. On Tuesday, March 26 part 2 premieres at 9pm Et/ 6pm Pt and 11pm Et/ 8pm Pt. Reelz is Dish 299, DirecTV 238, and available on your cable system.
a doubter journeys to faith
A Reelz Easter Event
Next...
There's a new trailer out for the epic, biblical mini-series Barabbas, and it answers at least a few of the questions that the original teaser has us asking. In this newest trailer, we get a hint of who Barabbas is in the series, which biblical figures he interacts with, and where his questions of faith take him. Starring Billy Zane and shot on location in Tunisia, Barabbas is a story of redemption about the man whose life was spared before the death of Jesus.
Part 1 of this Reelz Easter mini-series event premieres on Monday, March 25 at 9p E/ 6p P and 11:30p E/ 8:30p P. On Tuesday, March 26 part 2 premieres at 9pm Et/ 6pm Pt and 11pm Et/ 8pm Pt. Reelz is Dish 299, DirecTV 238, and available on your cable system.
a doubter journeys to faith
A Reelz Easter Event
Next...
- 2/27/2013
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
Mark this Easter television event on the calendar. The four and a half hour miniseries Barabbas, starring Billy Zane, will premiere on Reelz on Monday, March 25th. Inspired by the novel of the same name from Nobel laureate Par Lagerkvist, Barabbas is a story rooted in the Bible about the man whose life was spared because of the death of Jesus Christ. Shot on location in Tunisia, this sweeping epic is an ultimate story of redemption that picks up where the Bible left off.
Part one of Barabbas will air on March 25th at 9pm Et/ 6pm Pt and 11:30pm Et/ 8:30pm Pt. On Tuesday, March 26 part two premieres at 9pm Et/ 6pm Pt and 11pm Et/ 8pm Pt.
A tale of faith and redemption
A Reelz Easter Event
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 2/25/2013 by reelz
Barabbas...
Part one of Barabbas will air on March 25th at 9pm Et/ 6pm Pt and 11:30pm Et/ 8:30pm Pt. On Tuesday, March 26 part two premieres at 9pm Et/ 6pm Pt and 11pm Et/ 8pm Pt.
A tale of faith and redemption
A Reelz Easter Event
Next Showing:
Link | Posted 2/25/2013 by reelz
Barabbas...
- 2/25/2013
- by reelz staff
- Reelzchannel.com
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