GRAND THEATRE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19142, 27 October 1927, Page 7

GRAND THEATRE.

By (ar the greatest . screen spectacle ever presented in a Christchurch theatre, "Ben Hur" is now drawing large crowds to the Grand Theatre. Scenes which have never before been attempted by producers are among the outstanding features of the production, »ud there ore so many of these mighty spectacles anc l all of them on such a colossal scale that it is difficult to say which is the finest. The story oilers _ exceptional opportunities for gorgeous settings on a lavish scale, and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, who were responsible for the production, obviously laid themselves out to surpass any and all of the big spectacular productions of tho past. To- realise just 'how far they have succeeded it is necessary to see "Ben Hur." Of magnificent scenes there nre many. For instance, there is a thrilling sea light between a fleet o£ Roman triremes and an equally large fleet o:' pirates. Such a. sea light has never befora been acresned —it is stupendous* Ramon Novarro as Ben Hur has the best role of his career. Francis X. Bushman, as Messala, is a Roman; Simonides is perfectly played by Nisei do Brulier. Esther wistfully given by May 51cAvoy, Joseph tho Carpenter is portrayed by Winter Hall, whilo the Mary »of Betty Bronson is a cameo of quiot effaccment and youthful dignity. . A prologue introduces the story P r °- per, Mr David McGill singing the istar of Bethlehem." The Grand Orchestra, specially augmented for the season, interprets a musical score written for the picture, and a quartet sings *'Abide with He during tho Crucifixiou scenes.