'BEN HUR’

Evening Star, Issue 19779, 1 February 1928, Page 4

'BEN HUR’

"THE ULTIMATE IN SCREEN SPLENDOR” The combined research and culture and experience ol 1 thirty years the motion picture ‘Ben Hur the supreme effort of screen creation, it is Sa All the brilliant triumphs and successes that have been since the camera introduced the new art seem to have culminated in this crowning achievcinent_to have been the preparatory work for this effort. Such praise is lavish, but the opinion of the entire world, led by personages so famous as the Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and fourteen reigning royalties, gives it ample supEvery section of society will find in ‘Ben Hur’ an equal appeal. In the throngs that have Hocked to see it m England, America, and throughout the Continent, royalty has mingled with commoner; leaders of the world s thought, famous churchmen, men and women of high intellectual distinction —ah have marvelled at ‘ Ben Hur, As a motion picture. General Lew Wallace’s novel and its remarkable descriptions, have been given the dimensions of life and reality. A lost age is recreated with a fidelity that seems incredible, and would be but tor tho evidence of countless legions or warriors, the swarming hordes eddying around historic shrines, the mute appeal of the architectural majesty ot Rome, Jerusalem, Antioch, and the inspiring sweep of war vessels across tne blue Mediterranean. < Ben Hur ’ brings an ancient world to throbbing life. The pomp of Rome and the agony of Israel surge throughout. A masterpiece of surpassing beauty and massiveness, it breathes a sense of majesty that, combined with its symbolic splendor and reverential suggestion of the tragedy of Christ, holds an audience spellbound. In such moments as the chariot race and the sea fight of the galleys, the thrill of nervous action, clashing combat, and flashing steel, awakens a tumult ot excitement. As to tho acting, too much praise cannot he awarded Ramon Novarro for his fine portrayal of the heroic Hebrew youth who loved, suffered, fought, and ■won. Francis X. Bushman’s splendid muscular frame and handsome features fit him eminently for the role of the proud, dominating Messala. Other outstanding performances are those of May M'Avoy, as Esther; Nigel de Bruher as Simonides; Claire M'JDowell in an affecting mother role; Carmel Myers as Iras; and Kathleen Key as Tirzah. ‘ Ben Hur ’ will have its initial screening at the Octagon , and Empire Theatres op Frida®*