The Thorn

Filmed in 1971 as "The Greatest Story Overtold," before Bette Midler's career took off. In 1974, the film had a brief theatrical run in New York City as "The Divine Mr. J" (Mr. J supposedly referring to Jesus), suggesting that the now-famous Midler, who had a minor role as The Virgin Mary, was the star. The movie quickly disappeared after legal threats from Midler and horrific reviews. In the early 1980s, it briefly resurfaced on home video, titled ''The Thorn'' in an attempt to cash in on Midler's mainstream hit A Rosa (1979). It quickly disappeared after another round of legal threats.

The character of Pontius Pilate, who was played by Peter Meek, is spelled as "Pontius Pilot" in the movie's closing credits.

Edited from Intolerância (1916)