Browser’s Magnificent Seven

Ben-Hur 7.45pm beIN Movies Stars

ONE OF the most spectacular movie epics ever and winner of a record 11 Academy Awards. Only Titanic and Lord Of The Rings have ever equalled its haul of Oscars. This three-hour Roman extravaganza is a legendary museum piece and the chariot race finale is essential viewing.

This fable about the quest for vengeance of Ben Hur, a Jewish aristocrat betrayed by his boyhood friend Messala, was the most expensive movie ever made in 1959. The epic chariot race to the death cost $1 million to make and director William Wyler used 50,000 extras and cast over 300 speaking parts.

Ben Hur’s travels in the Roman world even brought him in touch with Jesus Christ. Grit your teeth through the religious schmaltz.

For the record, Ben Hur was based on a 19th century novel by Civil War general Lew Wallace. The movie’s runaway success saved MGM Studios from financial collapse. Wyler was Best Director and Charlton Heston was Best Actor and rocketed to stardom.

The Rough Guide To Cult Movies called it: “A great spectacle, but not a great movie. Ben-Hur does sag but it contains some of the most stirring scenes in the epic genre.”

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