“BEN-HUR”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 227, 14 December 1927, Page 15

“BEN-HUR”

WORLD-BEATING PICTURE The extended season policy of the Strand Theatre directors, Messrs. Fuller-Hayward, will commence at the Strand on Friday afternoon next at 2.30. Matinees will be held every afternoon. The old continuous order of running will be abolished. Of ‘BenHur,” a prominent reviewer wrote as follows: “In conception it is so stupendous, in achievement it is so incredible, in dramatic strength so overpowering, that one finds the film difficult to absorb at the moment. ‘EenHur’ must be seen again and again; it is a work of rare power and beauty to linger over and wonder at, to find fresh beauty and inspiration in each time.” It is interesting to note that no film or play has been viewed by so many ruling monarchs and notable personages as “Ben-Hur.” It was seen by the King and Queen at a special Royal command performance at Windsor Castle, at which the Archbishop of Canterbury was also present. “A magnificent picture,” was the comment made by the Prince of Wales after attending a special screening ’‘n London. Royalties of other nations have also expressed admiration at the magnitude of this production, and the audiences wherever it has been shown throughout the world have included the most distinguished representatives of Church and Government, all of whom have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic in their praise. Box plans, at the theatre, are filling rapidly.