“BEN HUR"

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6537, 20 February 1928, Page 8

“BEN HUR"

Tho ■wonderful success of Motro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Ben-Hur, ” which will bo begin its season at the Palace Theatre on Saturday and which will bo presented twice daily at 3 pan. and 7.45 p m., has been so pronounced in every city where the masterpiece has been exhibited that “Ben-Hur” must possess a magnetic attraction for thousands of people outside the usual class of picture patrons It is reported as attracting largo numbers that have never previously visited "the pictures.” There seems to be something for everybody in “BenHur.” On this point the Sydney “Morning Herald’ ; of July 4 last said: “To all classes of the community, all tastes, ‘Ben-Hur’ can bo confidently recommended. Those who crave cxcitment will find it in the tremendous

sea battle and the never to be forgotten chariot race. Those who look for beauty will enjoy the spacious settings and the really remarkable scenes In. colour photography that enter from time to time. Those whose bent is reIgiiou will see episodes in the life of the Saviour beautifully and reverentially expressed. Those again who find in acting and character the things that ..satisfy them most will have their interests thoroughly engaged.' Lastly, the person who gives allegiance exclusively to none of these but likes simply a wholesome story set forth with good proportion and vitality will find here something after his heart's desire.” Among many remarkable scenes in the mammoth motion picture, “Ben-Hur” is one that claims screen immortality. Though a few more feet iu length, it etches itself incffacoably into the minds of all who see the picture. This is the glimpse that one receives of Betty Bronson as the Madonna —littc more t han the uncovering of a passing face, the gentle movement of gentle hands, the veiling of downcast eyes ashinc with the pure light of motherhood, but its memory lingers unfading.

Miss Bronson has given to a role that it is an honour to portray a reverent grace and delicacy, and a rare spiritual quality. In the moments that her shadow flits across the screen, she

achieves something for which a thousand others might strive for a lifetime in vain.’' It is reported that at Auckland, where “Ben-Hur” is now in its second week, that “long queues arc noticeable all day long at the box office, where seats are being booked for days ahead.” "Ben-Hur” will be preceded by a prologue “The Star of Bethlehem,'’ and the orchestral score will bo interpreted by the Palace Select Orchestra under Miss E. Woodfield, musical directress. The box plan now open at Martin’s bookshop and Palace Theatre is filling rapidly.