CLASSIC FILM TO COME TO QUEEN’S.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18450, 28 April 1928, Page 10

CLASSIC FILM TO COME TO QUEEN’S.

The combined research and culture and experience of 30 years make the motion picture “ Ben Hur,” to be shown at the Queen’s Theatre next week, a supreme effort of scre.en creation. Ail the brilliant triumphs and successes that have been since the camera introduced the new art seem to have culminated in this crowning achievement — to have been the preparatory work for this effort. Such praise is lavish, but the opinion of the entire world, led by personages so famous as the Prince of Wiles, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and fourteen reigning royalties, gives it ample support. Every section of society will find in “ Ben Hur ” an equal appeal. In the throngs that have flocked to see it in England. America, and throughout the Continent, royalty has mingled with commoner; leaders of the world’s thought, famous churchmen, men and women of high intellectual distinction —all have marvelled at

“ Ben Hur.” As a motion picture, General Lew Wallace's novel and its remarkable descriptions, have been given .the dimensions of life and reality. A lost age is reacted with a fidelity that seejns incredible, and would be but for the evidence of countless legions of warriors, the swarming hordes eddying around historic shrines, the mute appeal of the architectural majesty of Rome, Jerusalem, Antioch, and the inspiring sweep of war-vessels across the blue Mediterranean. “ Ben Hur ” brings ah ancient world to throbbing-life. The pomp of. Rome and the agony of Israel surge throughout. A masterpiece of surpassing beauty and massiveness, it breathes a sense of majesty that, combined with its symbolic splendour and reverential, suggestion of the tragedy of Christ, holds an audience spellbound. In such moments as the chariot race and the sea fight of the galleys, the thrill of nervous action, clashing combat, and flashing .steel, awakens a tumult of excitement. The Roman chariot race has no parallel in contemporary horse-rac-ing. Seldom did all the contestants leave the course alive. Ofter their mangled bodies and splintered chariots bore testimony to the bitterly-fought battle and the cost of the final victory. No fewer than 42 motion picture cameras clicked from every conceivable angle as the straining, plunging teams of blood horses thundered round the arena amid the cracking of whips, the shouts of excited contestants and onlookers, and swirling clouds of dust. Cameramen, hidden in specially constructed pits below the level of the stadium floor, “ shot ” horses and chafiots as they sped at—and then over—the cameras. automobiles sped neck-and-neck wtih the charging teams in order to secure “ close-ups ” of men and horses in hectic action. As to the acting, too much praise cannot be awarded Ramon Novarro for his fine portrayal of the heroic Hebrew youth who loved, suffered, fought and won. Francis G. Bushman’s aplendid muscular frame and handsome features fit him eminently for the role of the proud, dominating Messala. Other outstanding performances are those of May M’Avoy, as Esther; .Nigel de Brulier, as Simonides; Claire M’Dowell in an affecting mother role; Carrpel Myers, as Iras; and Kathleen Key, Tirzah. There is also a good supporting programme. Reserves are at Webley’s or by telephone at the theatre.