'BEN-HUR'

Evening Star, Issue 19772, 24 January 1928, Page 4

'BEN-HUR'

A MAGNIFICENT PICTURE When one considers the huge amount of money and the length of time spent in producing the same old ‘‘pot-boilers” for motion picture consumption, year in and year out, ‘ Ben-Hur,’ Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer’s colossal screen masterpiece, justifies the expenditure of four million dollars and three years in its making. Pictnregoers have read of the marvellous reception this picture has been given in every country in the world, and of the thousands of people who have had the pleasure of seeing this, beautiful story of the time of Christ, and this, surely, is something far above monetary consideration. Fred Niblo was the masterly director of ‘ Ben-Hur,’ which is coming to the Empire and Octagon Theatres, and under his genius the picture moves with a majestic sweep on to the thrilling climax. The picture has been produced on such a magnificent scale, and the costumes and settings are, so beautiful, that mere words seem futile in their description. Ramon Novarro plays the part of Ben-Hur, and contributes the most brilliant portrayal ever seen on the screen. The transition from irresponsible young boyhood into grim manhood seeking revenge for the wrongs showered on his family and himself is a remarkable piece of realism. Francis X. Bushman plays the part of Messala. the arrogant centurion, and the highest tribute to pay this sterling artist is to say that he is Mcssale. Betty Bronson, in' the early episodes of the picture, plays the Madonna—an exquisite cameo of inspired beauty. The cast is composed of well-known players, among which may be mentioned May M'Avoy, Clairo M‘,Dowell, Kathleen Key, Carmel Myers, Mitchell Lewis, and Frank Currier. The great chariot race in the Circus Maximus is the most thrilling thing ever seen _ on the screen, and marks the principal highlight of the picture.