SUPER PRODUCTION IS BIG DRAW AT QUEEN’S THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18452, 1 May 1928, Page 7

SUPER PRODUCTION IS BIG DRAW AT QUEEN’S THEATRE.

As a spectacle alone “Ben Hur" is a great picture, and for this quality never has been surpassed. but there is something far more than a mere spectacle waiting for those who go co see this now famous film. The acting of the principals is in keeping with the wonderful standard of the produevl-m and the vivid characters conceived by Gen-

eral Lew Wallace in the book come to the screen with all their indivic.lur.l ty and freshness preserved in a remarkable manner. Scene after scene of remarkable splendour and faithfulness is presented, leaving an impression almost of awe at the majestic character of the production. The picture brings back the dead civilisations of Rome, Jerusalem and Antioch with a faithful ness that indicates nothing short oi genius in the producer and a remarkable attention to detail on the part of r.ll concerned. The mob scenes alone are masterpieces of faithful detail, and give a most vivid impression of •he conditions of the people who lived in the time of the Saviour. A lost age is re-created with a fidelity that is remarkable. There are scenes depicting countless legions of warriors in the;r full armour, crowds of people thronging the shrines, the imposing majesty of the architecture of the period, and the inspiring sweep of war vessels across the Mediterranean. The centre of the story and the centre of the film is the chariot race which leaves the beholder filled with wonder at the mechanical production of so stirring a spectacle and thrilled to the core with its dramatic appeal. The chariot race presented untold difficulties to the producer and necessitated no fewer than fortv-tw’o motion picture cameras being trained on the race from various positions. The race is marked with all the savage competition that characterised Roman sports. Seldom did all the competitors come out alive, and a race was counted a very' dull affair if there were not several smashes. The competitors used every means in their power to win, and a standard trick was the upsetting of an opponent’s chariot to bring him to grief beneath the flying heels of the horses following. All the grim excitement and hair-raising action of a chariot race are reproduced in the picture. Other tumultuous scenes are those depicting the sea fight between two huge navies. Too much praise cannot be awarded to Ramon Navarro for the magnificent acting he puts into the picture. As the heroic young Hebrew, whose struggles form the theme of the book, he is magnificent. He gives just the right treatment to a part which calls for a dramatic ability very few possess. The splendid physique and handsome features of Francis X. Bushman make him admirable in the part of the domineering Messala, who is the villain of the piece. The outstanding performances of May M’Avoy as Esther, Nigel de Brulier as Simonides, and Carmel Myers as Iras all go to make the picture a remarkable success.