BEN-HUR (Theatrical Release USA 1959)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.9|5.0 Stars ìììì

Ben-Hur—a classic film starring Charlton Heston—ranks on the level of terrific classics like Gone With The Wind. It’s one of those movies one never forgets and becomes a film one can re-watch through the years because it never loses its entertainment value. The story successfully intermingles several world views with terrific heart, tradition, and compassion while serving to magnify the importance of justice and goodness over lawlessness and betrayal. Kudos to the Irene Howard casting department as the chosen actors and actresses perfectly elevate the film to a superior final effect.

Storyline

The wealthy, respected, and honorable Judah Ben-Hur endures betrayal by a good childhood friend, battles his way from the galleys of a Roman warship to the Roman chariot racing arenas, and finally wins a return to his family.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director William Wyler for his efforts in directing this film. Thank you to Executive Producers Sol C. Siegel and Joseph Vogel for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Quintus Arrius (Jack Hawkins), Esther (Haya Harareet), Messala (Stephen Boyd), Sheik Ilderimm (Hugh Griffith), Miriam (Martha Scott), Tirzah (Cathy O’Donnell), Simonides (Sam Jaffe), Balthasar/Narrator (Finlay Currie), Pontius Pilate (Frank Thring), Drusus (Terence Longdon), and Tiberius Caesar (George Relph).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. No disappointment here.

Video Critique available here:

Ben Meyers