Ben Hur (1926) (1926)
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100% of critics liked it
(7 reviews) -
82% of users liked it
(2,571 ratings)
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… More 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.
- Directed By
- Fred Niblo
- Written By
- Lew Wallace, June Mathis, Bess Meredyth, Carey Wilson
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Faith & Spirituality, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1926 Wide
- Studio
- WARNER BROTHERS PICTURES
Critic Reviews
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Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
Best enjoyed as a sample of the state of the art circa 1925, not as a timeless masterpiece.
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Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
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.
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
The restoration is so good, the film belies its eighty-odd years.
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
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.
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Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Hokey by today's standards, but one of the greatest silent film spectacles.
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Cast
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Ramon Novarro
as Ben-Hur
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Francis X. Bushman
as Messala
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May McAvoy
as Esther
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Betty Bronson
as Virgin Mary
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Claire McDowell
as Mother of Hur
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Kathleen Key
as Tirzah
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Carmel Myers
as Iras
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Nigel De Brulier
as Simonides
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Mitchell Lewis
as Sheik Ilderim
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Frank Currier
as Quintus Arrius
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Charles Belcher
as Balthazar
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Leo White
as Sanballat
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Dale Fuller
as Amrah
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Winter Hall
as Joseph
- Ferdinand P. Earle
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Myrna Loy
as Bit Part
- Tom Tyler
- Francis X. Bushman Jr.
