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Movies / On DVD / Ben-Hur - A Tale of the Christ
Ben-Hur - A Tale of the Christ

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Ben-Hur - A Tale of the Christ (1926)

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Reviews Counted:7

Fresh:7

Rotten:0

Average Rating:7.8/10

Runtime: 3 hrs 37 mins

Genre: Religious

Synopsis: This renowned silent epic was one of the most expensive features of its day, and easily stands up to the later, technically superior version. Juda Ben-Hur, a Judean Prince forced to become a galley... This renowned silent epic was one of the most expensive features of its day, and easily stands up to the later, technically superior version. Juda Ben-Hur, a Judean Prince forced to become a galley slave, saves the life of a Roman nobleman. He is adopted by the Roman and becomes a respected citizen and a famed chariot racer. Upon his return to Judea, Ben-Hur witnesses the crucifixion of Jesus and is inspired to convert to Christianity. Hold on tight during the sea battle and chariot race. [More]

Starring: Ramon Novarro, May McAvoy, Betty Bronson, Francis X. Bushman

Starring: Ramon Novarro, May McAvoy, Betty Bronson, Francis X. Bushman, Claire McDowell, Carmel Myers, Nigel De Brulier

Director: Fred Niblo

Director: Fred Niblo
Screenwriter: Bess Meredyth, Carey Wilson, June Mathis
Producer: Charles B. Dillangham, Abraham L. Erlanger, Florenz Ziegfeld
Composer: Carl Davis

[See More Credits]

Reviews for Ben-Hur - A Tale of the Christ

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1 - 8 (sorted by source; UK critics are listed first)
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Full Review Source: Channel 4 Film | comment Comment
05/24/03
Channel 4 Film
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Best enjoyed as a sample of the state of the art circa 1925, not as a timeless masterpiece.

Full Review Source: Antagony & Ecstasy | comment Comment
09/15/08
Tim Brayton
Tim Brayton
Antagony & Ecstasy

Novelist Lew Wallace’s 'Tale of Christ' got the silent Hollywood treatment, and how, in M-G-M's elephantine costume epic.

Full Review Source: Boulder Weekly | comment Comment
08/06/04
Thomas Delapa
Thomas Delapa
Boulder Weekly

At nearly 2½ hours long, the 1925 version is still an hour shorter than the 1959 version, yet the story is essentially the same, and the scale similarly impressive.

Full Review Source: Decent Films Guide | comment Comment
10/17/05
Steven D. Greydanus
Steven D. Greydanus
Decent Films Guide

Yes, you'll also find the chariot race in here, and you may even find it as exciting or more exciting than the one Heston enacted.

Full Review Source: DVDTown.com | comment Comment
08/30/05
John J. Puccio
John J. Puccio
DVDTown.com

No review available.

comment Comment
08/12/05
Emanuel Levy
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com

Hokey by today's standards, but one of the greatest silent film spectacles.

comment Comment
04/08/05
Bob Bloom
Bob Bloom
Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)

Has merits not found in William Wyler's Oscar-laden 1959 remake.

Full Review Source: Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) | comment Comment
12/01/02
Ken Hanke
Ken Hanke
Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
 
 
1 - 8 (sorted by source; UK critics are listed first)
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