THE LYCEUM

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6551, 7 March 1928, Page 3

THE LYCEUM

“BEN-HUR.” REMARKABLE SCENE LAST NIGHT. Scenes unparalleled in the history of motion pictures were witnessed last night at The Lyceum where the whole of the Theatre was booked out and hundreds of intending patrons were unable to gain admission. The exciting race-duel twixt Messala and Ben-Hur stirred spectators almost to the point of frenzy during the production of “Ben-Hur” which was screened at The Lyceum last night and will be repeated at the matinee to-day at 3 o’clock and to-night at 8 o’clock. The celebrated chariot race is a great magnet, both to old-timers who remember the treadmill race in the old stage “Ben-Hur” and to the younger fans who have read about the vastly greater filmed race run by forty-eight horses abreast on a great outdoor arena. The fine work of Ramon Novarro in the role of BenHur is seconded by the superb portrayal of the Roman Messala by Francis X. Bushman. The largest enterprise in picture history found its consummation in the staging and running of the celebrated Ben-Hur chariot race at Culver City and the result of three years of work by Fred Niblo and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer staff is “Ben-Hur”, Altogether the gigantic enterprise cost £1,000,000 and enlisted the labours of 150,000 persons. The horses used by Ramon Novarro as the Unknown Charioteer in the great climax of “Ben-Hur” were pureblood Arabians secured from tho haunts of Araby by Fred Niblo’s commissioners. Tho records of the modern trotting horse were equalled or surpassed in this wonderful replica of antique Graeco-Roman chariot racing. Thirds of miles were covered in 37 2-5, 37 4-5 and 38 seconds respectively.