The Story of the Other Wiseman – Book and Film Adaptations

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“You know the story of the Three Wise Men… But have you ever heard the story of the Other Wise Man… of the long way of his seeking, and the strange way of his finding, the One whom he sought—I would tell the tale.”

Alan Arkin and Martin Sheen in The Fourth Wiseman (1985)
Paulist Productions

Henry van Dyke’s timeless short novel The Story of the Other Wiseman has captured hearts for over a century with its profound message of charity. Though only five chapters long, this moving tale has inspired multiple film adaptations, each offering its own interpretation of Artaban—the “fourth wise man”—and his lifelong search for the Christ Child.

The Fourth Wise Man – A Major Motion Picture

Martin Sheen in The Fourth Wiseman (1985)
Paulist Productions

One of the most well-known adaptations is the 1985 film The Fourth Wise Man, starring Martin Sheen as Artaban. This made-for-TV movie beautifully dramatizes the ficticious story of the Magi who, though he sees the star in the East, never makes it to Bethlehem in time to meet the newborn King. Instead, his life becomes a prolonged pilgrimage marked by self-sacrifice, charity, and moments of painful delay—all because of his deep compassion for those in need.

In this version, every time Artaban draws near to finding Christ, he is diverted by someone needing his help. He gives away his precious gifts—first a sapphire to save a dying man, then a ruby to rescue a child from Herod’s soldiers. Near the end of his life, he spends his last treasure, a pearl, to buy the freedom of a slave. With nothing left to offer and believing he has failed in his quest, he finds himself near Calvary Hill.

In a powerful conclusion, Christ speaks to Artaban, revealing that every act of mercy he performed was in fact offered to Him. Our Lord accepts Artaban’s life of generosity as the greatest gift of all.

Martin Sheen delivers a stirring performance, capturing Artaban’s sorrow, perseverance, and ultimate joy. Although the film takes some liberties with the source material—most notably adding a leper colony subplot and a humorous slave sidekick to stretch the story’s runtime—it remains a faithful tribute to van Dyke’s message. The ending is bittersweet, echoing the spiritual truth that the greatest commandment is love one another.

Where to watch!

Animated Adaptation – A Faithful Short Film

Another notable adaptation is the 1989 animated version titled The Story of the Other Wise Man. This 20-minute cartoon captures the simplicity and spirit of Henry van Dyke’s tale. It stays true to the major plot points and centers clearly on the core theme: that whatever we do for others, we do for Christ. Though the animation and dialogue are somewhat dated and occasionally awkward, the film’s heart is in the right place.

Where to watch!

Book Summary – A Tale of Charity and Perseverance

The Story of the Other Wiseman
by Henry van Dyke

The Story of the Other Wiseman was written in 1895 and continues to inspire readers today. In the Lepanto Press edition, the author’s poetic preface invites readers into a mystical tale:

“You know the story of the Three Wise Men… But have you ever heard the story of the Other Wise Man… of the long way of his seeking, and the strange way of his finding, the One whom he sought—I would tell the tale…”

The story follows Artaban, a Persian scholar who sees the star and sets out to find the King of the Jews. He plans to meet his fellow Magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar—and journey with them to Bethlehem. But when he stops to help a dying man, he misses the caravan. Undeterred, he begins a thirty-year pilgrimage to find Jesus.

Along the way, Artaban gives away his treasures one by one to those in need. In the end, Artaban reaches Jerusalem during the Passion of Christ. When he gives away his final gift, he feels defeated. But then he hears the voice of Jesus saying, “As long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to Me.”

Artaban’s mission was not in vain. He had found the King, not in a palace or temple, but in the suffering and the poor. His life, filled with compassion, was the gift that pleased Our Lord most.

The Story of the Other Wiseman continues to speak to modern audiences through its poignant message: Christ is found in our neighbors. Whether experienced through van Dyke’s elegant prose, the heartfelt performance of Martin Sheen, or a simple animated retelling, The Story of the Other Wiseman remains a tale of love in action.

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