STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 260, 24 January 1928, Page 15

STRAND

“BEN-HUR” “Ben Hur,” in its sixth triumphant week at the Strand Theatre, is as popular now as when it first flashed across the screen at that theatre. An epic is made by the magnificent treatment of a magnificent theme. By that standard it is certain that the great picture “Ben Hur” can be compared favourably with Any epic that the world knows. Lew Wallace’s- famous story viewed in the light of a motion picture tale, offered immense possibilities, but few people, even taking into account the marvellous strides which have been made in the picture-producing industry, dreamed that it could have been done such complete justice. Its drama is wonderful, its emotionalism is splendid* and its spiritual significance is sincer.e and effective. The actors have handled their parts with an artistry and delicacy of treatment that add greatly to the enjoyment of the picture. Ramon Novarro is admirably suited to the role of Ben Hur, and he sustains the part with distinction. May McAvoy is delightful in the part of Esther. Messala is a part which is very well taken by Francis X. Bushman, and Nigel de Brulier is well fitted to play the difficult role of Simonides. A beautiful and effective stage prologue is presented, during which Mr. Birrell O’Malley, the well-kown and popular tenor, renders “The Star of Bethlehem.”