“BEN HUR.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20317, 27 January 1928, Page 7

“BEN HUR.”

The success of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s picture, “ Ben Hur, ” which will begin its Dunedin season at both the Empire and the Octagon Theatres at the matinee on Friday next, has been so pronounced in every city where the masterpiece has been exhibited that it must possess a magnetic attraction for thousands of people outside the usual class of picture patrons. It is reported as attracting large numbers who have never previously visited “ the pictures.” There is something for everybody in “Ben Hur.” On this point the Sydney Morning Herald of July 4 last said: “To all classes of the community, all tastes, 1 Ben Hur ’ can be confidently recommended. Those who crave excitement 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 religion 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 interest thoroughly engaged. Lastly, the person who gives allegiance exclusively to none of these, but likes 'simply a wholesome story sot forth with good proportion and vitality will find here something after his heart’s desire.” Of Betty Bronson’s performance, an Auckland contemporary states; —“Among many remarkable scenes in the mammoth motion picture, ‘Ben is one that claims screen immortality. Though only a few feet in length, it etches itself, inoffaceably into the minds of all who see the pictures. This is the glimpse that one receives of Bctt.v Bronson ns the Madonna —little more than the uncovering of a passing face, the gentle movement of gentle hands,”the veiling of downcast eyes ashine with the pure light of motherhood, but its memory lingers unfading. _ Miss Bronson has given to this role that it is an honour to portray a reverent grace and delicacy, and rare spiritual quality. In the moments that her shadow flits across the screen, she achieves something for which a thousand others might strive a lifetime in vain. Particulars of the presentation and of tlio box plans for the Dunedin season will be found in the advertising columns.