GRAND THEATRE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19165, 23 November 1927, Page 13

GRAND THEATRE.

The picture which holds the record for length of season in Christchurcb, and forattendances, "Ben Hur," its season at the Grand Theatre this week. "Ben Hur" is by far the most successful motion picture production which has been presented in the City, and picture patrons have not beou slow in their appreciation of this production. There is a prologue to the story proper, just as there is in the book, wherein the quest of the Three Wise Men of the Easr their following of the star, and their eventual arrival at the stable In Bethlehem, provide some scenes and moments of exquisite beauty, emotional, and spiritual force. .William Blake's famous painting, the "Star of Bethlehem," has been completely reproduced in colonr and detail for this scene. The artiste who play the roles in "Ben Hur" were recruited from" the most distinguished ranks. Ramon Sovarro as Ben Hur is rebellious, bitter, dutiful, romantic, an array of varying moods m a winning personality: Francis X. Bushman as Messafa is u Roman; Simonidcs is perfectly played by Nigel de Brulicr, Esther wistfully given by May Mc.Avoy, Joseph the Carpenter is portrayed with gravity and dignity bv Winter Hall, the brilliant actor from Christchureh, while the Mary of Betty Bronson is a cameo of quiet effacement and youthful dignity. The entry is one of revenge and of love. Revenge that is sought by Ben Hur for the wrong done him and his noble house by tho Romans. When the new seuator, Valerius Grntus, is being welcomed to Jerusalem, anrt as he makes his triumphal way along crowded streets, n tile from an overhanging roof falls from the palace of Jttdah, Prince of Hur, and strikes his head. That tho occurrence was an accident is an explanation which carries no weight with the Roranns, and Ben Hur is sent to the galleys for life, and his mother and sister to the hideous dungeon of Antonia. Ben llur slaves in the awful conditions of the galleys, but never forgets his one purpose in life, to avenge the indignity and suffering so unjust' • done to bis house. At last opportunity comes, and in a chariot race which, as a spectacle, will stand as one of the grcates. motion picture scenes yet produced, he gains both his revenge and victory over the haughty patriarchs of Rome.