'BEN HUR'

Evening Star, Issue 19774, 26 January 1928, Page 5

'BEN HUR'

MOTION PICTURE EPIO “ A magnificent picture,” Raid H.R.JI. the Prince of Wales, after ‘Ben H.nr ’ had been shown in London to the .Royal Family. And this praise, that came so graciously from the lips of perhaps the most popular individual in the world to-day, is in effect what the world thinks of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s mighty .screen triumph. King and commoner, noble and nonentity, alike have been overwhelmed by ' lieu Hnr.’ .It is ageless and creedless, and by the very measure of its universality bleaks down all harriers of race and religious belief. It is a message for the multitude, and by the multitude has been taised to a pinnacle of unprecedented popularity. ‘Ben Hnr’ is a masterpiece of surpassing beauty and magnitude, and in screen form dwarfs utterly the stage play that itself created a world-wide furore. Not alone on the dignity and power of its themo docs tho lame of ‘lion Hur ’ depend, and that it both elevates and inspires, but also for reasons dear to the hearts of a pleasure-loving world. Scenes of staggering immensity that beggar description; scenes of ineffable beauty and fragrance that dry the wells of imagination ; scenes of such elemental vigor and majesty and sense-stunning grandeur that to see them is to marvel at the power of men so to create; this is why ‘ Ben Hur ’ is a picture to he seen again and yet again. Tho sweep of sea fleets, the tramp of countless legions, the pulsing heart of Rome and tho agony of Israel, the battle of men and steeds and racing blood, things buried under the dust of centuries, are recreated and live again in this miracle of motion pictures. The story of the picture, with all its excitement, pathos, power, and passion, is as perfect on the screen as in the book, though slightly modified. From the point of view of the production, tlie piece may well be styled perfect. The acting is all that as well. The role of Ben Hur is most admirably carried out by Ramon Novarro, and opposite him May M'Avoy is delightful in the part of Esther. Messala is a part well taken by Francis X. Bushman, and Nigel De Brulier takes the part of Simonides.

‘ Ben Hnr ’ opens at the Empire and Octagon Theatres on February 3.