Melvyn Bragg sets out to unravel the many questions surrounding one of The Bible's most enigmatic and controversial figures. In the gospel accounts, Mary Magdalene plays a central role in the Easter story. She is there at the cross when Jesus is crucified and she is the key witness to the resurrection. So why do so many people believe that Mary Magdalene was the seductive prostitute redeemed by Christ, despite there being no reference to it in The Bible? This compelling documentary uncovers the real story behind Mary Magdalene's legendary status, from her vital role in the first centuries of Christianity to her portrayal in Jesus Christ Superstar and The Da Vinci Code.
Melvyn Bragg sets out to unravel the many questions surrounding one of The Bible's most enigmatic and controversial figures. In the gospel accounts, Mary Magdalene plays a central role in the Easter story. She is there at the cross when Jesus is crucified and she is the key witness to the resurrection. So why do so many people believe that Mary Magdalene was the seductive prostitute redeemed by Christ, despite there being no reference to it in The Bible? This compelling documentary uncovers the real story behind Mary Magdalene's legendary status, from her vital role in the first centuries of Christianity to her portrayal in Jesus Christ Superstar and The Da Vinci Code.
General Note
Originally released by BBC, 2013.
Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on May 22, 2019.
Content Note
Portrayals of Mary Magdalene (2:13); --Mary at the First Easter (7:10); -- Mary the Traveler (4:09); -- Mary of Magdala (3:02); -- Mary the Disciple (8:46); -- Mary, Jesus' Lover (5:55); -- Mary the Prostitute (6:57); -- Mary the Pennant Sinner (4:56); -- Mary in the Renaissance (4:45); -- Mary in "The Last Temptation of Christ" (2:32); -- Mary in "Jesus Christ Superstar" (3:36); -- Mary in Modern Media (4:25); -- Credits: The Mystery of Mary Magdalene (0:34); .