STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 231, 19 December 1927, Page 14

STRAND

“BEN-HUR” The combined research and culture and experience of 30 years make the motion picture * Ben-Hur," now being shown at the Strand Theatre, the supreme effort of screen creation. All the brilliant

> uic ui uuaui ; triumphs and successes that have been since the camera I introduced the new | /art seem to have * culminated in this crow’ning achievement—to have been the preparatory work for this effort. i Such praise is ’ lavish, but the opininion of the entire

world, led by personages so famous as the Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and 14 reigning royalties, gives it ample support. Every section of society will find in Ben-Hur” an equal appeal. In the throngs that have, flocked to see it in England, America and throughout the Continent, royalty has mingled with commoner; leaders of the world’s thought, famous churchmen, men and women of high intellectual distinction — all have marvelled at “Ben-Hur.” As a motion picture, General Lew Wallace’s novel and its remarkable descriptions, have been given the dimensions of life and reality. A lost age is recreated with a fidelity that seems incredible, and would be but or the evidence of countless legions of warriors, the swarming hordes eddying around historic shrines, the mute appeal of the architectural majesty of Rome, Jerusalem, Antioch and the inspiring sweep of war-vessels across the blue Mediterranean. “Ben-Hur” brings an ancient world to throbbing life. The pomp of Rome and the agony of Israel surge throughout A masterpiece of surpassing beauty and massiveness, it breathes a sense of majesty that, combined with its symbolic splendour and reverential suggestion of the tragedy of Christ, holds an audience spellbound. In such moments as the chariot race and the sea fight of the galleys, the thrill of nervous action, clashing combat, and flashing steel, awakens a tumult of excitement. As to the acting, too much praise cannot be awarded Ramon Novarro for his fine portrayal of the heroic Hebrew youth who loved, suffered, fought and won. Francis X. Bushman’s splendid muscular frame and handsome features fit him eminently for the role of the proud, dominating Messala. Other outstanding performances are those of May McAvoy, as Esther; Nigel de Brulier as Simonides; Claire McDowell in an affecting mother role: Carmel Myers as Iras; and Kathleen Key as Tirzah.