His third film with Henry King's direction, "David and Bathsheba", a Biblical epic, was the top-grossing movie of 1951. The two-hit-movie of "Horatio" and "David" elevated Peck to the status of Hollywood mega-star. "David and Bathsheba" tells the story of David (Peck), who slew Goliath as a teenager; and, later, as beloved King, becomes infatuated with the married Bathsheba, played by Susan Hayward. Peck's performance in "David and Bathsheba" was evaluated upon release by the "New York Times" "as an authoritative performance," and "Variety" stated "Peck is a commanding personality...he shades his character expertly,", In recent years, critics have argued that his "stiff" performance is made up for in charisma, but overall praised his strength in the role and Leonard Maltin says the movie has "only fair performances." "David and Bathsheba" opened with positive reviews, praising it for avoided excessive spectacle while remaining an epic with "dignified restraint".