The Greatest Story Ever Told episode Ruth

Ruth
Setting: Ancient Moab and Bethlehem, during the time of the judges, focusing on themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence.
Plot:
Loss and Loyalty: The episode opens with Naomi, a Hebrew woman, living in Moab with her husband Elimelech and their sons, Mahlon and Chilion, due to famine in Bethlehem. After Elimelech’s death, the sons marry Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah. Tragically, both sons die, leaving Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah widowed. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem and urges her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab. Orpah departs, but Ruth clings to Naomi, declaring, “Where you go, I will go; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” This iconic moment, likely underscored by the chorus, highlights Ruth’s devotion.

Journey to Bethlehem: Ruth and Naomi arrive in Bethlehem, where Ruth’s foreign status and poverty contrast with Naomi’s warm reception by kin. To support Naomi, Ruth gleans barley in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Elimelech. The drama may use sound effects of rustling grain and gentle music to depict Ruth’s humble labor.

Boaz’s Kindness: Boaz notices Ruth’s diligence and loyalty to Naomi, offering her protection and extra grain. His kindness reflects divine favor, possibly emphasized by a narrator. Ruth shares her gleanings with Naomi, who recognizes Boaz as a potential kinsman-redeemer (a relative who can marry Ruth to preserve the family line).

Redemption and Marriage: At Naomi’s urging, Ruth approaches Boaz at the threshing floor, respectfully requesting his role as redeemer. Boaz, moved by her virtue, agrees but first ensures a closer relative declines the right. He marries Ruth, restoring Naomi’s family and securing Ruth’s place in Bethlehem. The episode likely builds to a joyful climax with orchestral swells and choral harmony.

Legacy: Ruth and Boaz have a son, Obed, the grandfather of King David, tying Ruth’s story to the Messianic line. The episode concludes with a narration or choral reflection on God’s providence, emphasizing how Ruth’s faith and loyalty fulfilled a divine purpose.

Themes: Loyalty, selflessness, and trust in God’s plan, with Ruth’s devotion to Naomi and acceptance of the Hebrew God as a model of faith.

Cast and Roles:
Ruth: The lead role, played by an unnamed actress due to the series’ anonymity policy. The actress would portray Ruth as gentle, loyal, and resolute, with a voice conveying warmth and sincerity, especially in her pledge to Naomi.

Naomi: An unnamed actress, depicted as a grieving but wise matriarch, guiding Ruth with maternal care and faith, her tone shifting from sorrow to hope.

Boaz: An unnamed actor, portrayed as kind, honorable, and generous, with a steady, authoritative voice reflecting his status and compassion.

Orpah: A minor role by an unnamed actress, briefly appearing as a contrast to Ruth, with a tone of reluctance as she returns to Moab.

Supporting Roles: Includes Bethlehem townsfolk, field workers, and the closer kinsman, played by an anonymous ensemble, adding texture to scenes like the harvest or Boaz’s negotiations.

Narrator: An unnamed voice, likely framing the story and offering moral insights, a hallmark of the series’ devotional style.

Note on Cast: No specific actors are credited, per the series’ policy. While Warren Parker played Jesus in New Testament episodes, there’s no evidence he appeared in this Old Testament story, per sources like otrcat.com and radiogoldindex.com.

Production Details:
Music: Composed by William Stoess, performed by a 35-piece orchestra and 16-voice chorus, enhancing emotional moments like Ruth’s pledge or her marriage to Boaz.

Director: Marx Loeb, ensuring a reverent and uplifting tone.

Writer: Henry Denker, adapting the Book of Ruth with King James-style dialogue.

Sponsor: Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, with no commercials, only a closing sponsorship mention.