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‘BEN HUR'

THE SCREEN'S MASTERPIECE When one considers the huge amounts 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-Goldwyn-Mayer’s colossal screen masterpiece justifies the expenditure of four million dollars and three years in its making (says an exchange). Picturegocrs 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 1 Ben Hur/ and under his gpnius 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 '“ Messala.” 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 bo mentioned May M'Avoy, Claire 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. ‘ Ben Hur ’ will have its initial presentation at the Octagon and Empire Theatres on Friday next.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19280128.2.43

Bibliographic details

Evening Star, Issue 19776, 28 January 1928, Page 5

Word Count
312

‘BEN HUR' Evening Star, Issue 19776, 28 January 1928, Page 5

‘BEN HUR' Evening Star, Issue 19776, 28 January 1928, Page 5