“BEN HUR.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20318, 28 January 1928, Page 17

“BEN HUR.”

On Friday next, in the afternoon and evening, Dunedin patrons will see Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “royal command” pic ture “Ben Hur ” for the first time at tho Empire and Octagon Theatres. Tho success of “ Ben-llur ” i s described a 6 unpre cedented. Concerning it the Christchurch Press, October 25, wroteSo much ha s already been written regarding the motion picture version of ‘ Ben Hur * that to add anything further is almost as difficult a s endeavour ing to add another hue to the rainbow Almost all the mperlatives in the English language have been called into commission in an endeavour to give some idea of the magnitude of thi s truly mighty screen production, but mere word s cannot do justice to its magnificence; it must be seen to be appreciated . ’ Ben Hur ’ is easily the greatest screen spectacle ever screened in a Christchurch theatre. Scenes which have never before been attempted by producers are among the outstanding features of the production. It is possible to give some idea of a few only of the big feature scenes. Ihero is for instance, a thrilling sea fight be tween a fleet of Roman triremes and an equally large fleet of pirates Then there is the groat chariot race between Ben Hur and Messala. the brutal Roman legionary. This is a marvellous . piece of work and bolds the audience enthralled for a lengthy period. Of special interest are the Biblical scenes, such as the Nativity, the entry of Christ into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the trial of Jesus by Pontius Pilate, and the Crucifixion. bo reverently have these scenes been handled that no one could take the slightest exception to them; indeed, for the most part they are tableaux of some of the world s greatest art masterpieces—the paintings ot famous Italian, British, and Flemish masters. The story is almost too well known to cal. for any resume of it. It s basic themes are revenge and love—revenge on the Romans who despoiled tho House of Hur,. s eiit the young Judah to the galleys, and his mother and “sister to a living death m prisorr Vengeance is the fierce prayer of Ben Hur It is answered after many years in tho circus at Antioch when the Prince of Hur drives madly over the chariot of his enemy, the haughty Messala to a vivid glorious victory. As regards the cast Ramon Novarro as Ben Hnr has the b-- , ole of his career. Francis X. Bushman as TVTo.sala is a Roman; Simonides is perfectly played by Nigel deßrulier; Esther, s wßtfnllv given by May M’Avoy. Joseph the Carpenter E portrayed with gravity and dignity by Mr Winter Hall, the brilliant acfor ’from Christchurch, while the Mary of Betty Bronson is a cameo ot quio. effarement and youthful dignity. ’ Particulars of the Dunedin presentation and box plans will bo found in the advcitising columns.