STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 232, 20 December 1927, Page 19

STRAND

“BEN-HUR” When one considers tlic huge amounts of money and tho length of time spent in producing the same old 'pot-boilers” for motion picture consumption, year in and year out, “BenHur,” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s colossal screen masterpiece, justifies the expenditure of four million dollars and three sears in its making. Pictnregoers have read of the marvellous reception this picture has been Riven m every country in the world, and of the thousands of people who have l ad the pleasure of seeing this boautitul story of the time of Christ, •uid th:s, surely, is something far above monetary consideration. Fred Xiblo was the masterly director of “Ben-Hur,” which is now attracting record houses to the Strand theatr:, and under his genius tho picture ntovrs with a majestic sweep on J® the thrilling climax. The picture lias been produced on such a magnificent si ale. and the costumes and settings are so beautiful that mere words seem futile in their description. Ramon -Novar.-o plays the part of Ben-Hur” and contributes the most brilliant portrayal ever seen on the screen. The JransiUon from irresponsible young boyhood into grim manhood seeking revenge for the wrongs showered on bis family and himself, is a remarkable Piece of realism. Francis X. Bush- : *ian plays the part of “Messala .” the arrogant centurion, and the highest tribute to pay this sterling artist is to r bat ho is Messala. Betty Brons ®n, in the early episodes of the Picture, plays the Madonna —an exuuisite cameo of inspired beauty. The cast is composed of well-known Mayers, among which may be mentioned May McAvoy. Claire McDowell, Kathleen Key, Carmel Myers, Mitchell t-ewis and Frank Currier. The great r ha riot race in the Circus Maximus !? hie most thrilling thing ever seen on Jhe screen, and marks the principal n 4» of the picture. “Serenade” lias been selected finally ’hd definitely ..s the title for Adolphe •tenjou’s next starring picture for aramount. based upon an original >tory by Ernest Vajda, which was first J-alled -The Musician.” A. H. D'Ab'adje D’Arrast will direct the picture, Chant has been selected to ', y the role of Josef, a friend of the star.