“ BEN HUR ” TO BE SHOWN AT QUEEN’S.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18451, 30 April 1928, Page 7

“ BEN HUR ” TO BE SHOWN AT QUEEN’S.

The combined research and culture Snd experience of 30 years make the motion picture “ Ben Hur,’ to be shown at the Queen’s Theatre this week, a supreme effort of screen 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 sc> famous as the Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and fourteen reigning royalties, gives it ample support. Every section of society will And 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 fidelitv that seems incredible, and would be but for the evidence of countless legions of warriors. the swarming hordes eddving 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 an ancient world to throbbing life. The pomp of Rome and the agony of Israel surge throughout. A masterpiece of surpassing beautv 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 soellbound. In such moments as the chariot race and the sea fight of the galleys, the thiill 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. Of ter their mangled bodies and splintered chariots bore tes timony 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 chariots as they sped at—and then over—the cameras. Light automobiles sped neck-and-neck with 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 splendid 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 Brulicr, as Simonides: Claire M’Dowell in an affecting mother role; Carmel Myers, as Iras; and Kathleen Key, as Tirzah. There is aiso a good supporting programme. Reserves are at Webley’s or by telephone at the theatre.