“BEN HUR.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20320, 31 January 1928, Page 7

“BEN HUR.”

The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature, “ Ben Hur,’ ’will be screened at the Empire and Octagon Theatres on Friday next.

“ A magnificent picture,” said the Prince of Wales, after “Ben Hur” had been shown in London to the Royal Family. And this praise is in effect what the world thinks of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s screen triumph.

King and commoner, noble and nonenity alike, have been overwhelmed by “lien Hur.” It is ageless and creedless, and by the very measure of its universality/ breaks down all barriers of race and religious belief. It is a message for the multitude, and by the multitude has been raised to a pinnacle of unprecedented popularity. “ Ben Hur ” is a masterpiece of surpassing beauty and magnitude, and in screen form dwarfs the stage play that itself created a furore. Not alone on the dignity and power pf its theme does tlie fame of " Ben Hut- ” depend, and that it both elevates and inspires, but also for reasons dear to the hearts of a pleasure-loving world. Scenes of immensity that beggar description, scenes of beauty and fragrance that dry the wells of imagination, scenes of elemental vigour and majesty and grandeur are som© of the reasons why “ Ben Hur ” is a Picture to he seen again and yet again. Th© sweep of sea fleets, the tramp of countless legions, the pulsing heart of Borne, and the agonv of Israel, the battle of men and steeds and racing blood, things buried under the dust of centuries, are recreated and live again in this miracle of motion pictures.

Ramon Novarro is the main star, and the supporting ro'os are taken by May M'Avoy as Esther, Frances X. Bushman as Messala, Claire M'Dowefi as the mother of Ben Hur. Kathleen Key as Tirzah, Nigel de Brulier as Simonides, Carmel Myers ?s Iras. Frank Currier as Arrius, and a host of distinguished artists.