Ben-Hur - A Tale of the Christ (1926)
Tomatometer
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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
Reviews for Ben-Hur - A Tale of the Christ
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Best enjoyed as a sample of the state of the art circa 1925, not as a timeless masterpiece. Full Review |
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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 |
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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 |
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Hokey by today's standards, but one of the greatest silent film spectacles.
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Novelist Lew Wallace’s 'Tale of Christ' got the silent Hollywood treatment, and how, in M-G-M's elephantine costume epic. Full Review |
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Has merits not found in William Wyler's Oscar-laden 1959 remake. Full Review |
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