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Ben-Hur is a 1959 American religious epic film [1] directed by William Wyler, produced by Sam Zimbalist, and starring Charlton Heston as the title character. A remake of the 1925 silent film with a similar title, it was adapted from Lew Wallace 's 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The screenplay is credited to Karl Tunberg, but includes ...
- $15.2 million
- Miklós Rózsa
- November 18, 1959
- Sam Zimbalist
A Jewish prince is betrayed by his Roman friend and enslaved in 1st-century Jerusalem. He seeks revenge and encounters Jesus, Pontius Pilate and a spectacular chariot race in this Oscar-winning adventure drama.
- William Wyler
- 511
- 3 min
Ben-Hur is a 2016 epic historical drama film directed by Timur Bekmambetov and written by Keith Clarke and John Ridley.It is the fifth film adaptation of the 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace following the 1907 silent short film, the 1925 silent film, the Academy Award-winning 1959 film and the 2003 animated film; it is the third version produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
- $100 million
- Overview
- Production notes and credits
- Cast
- Academy Award nominations (* denotes win)
Ben-Hur, American dramatic film, released in 1959, that was arguably the best of Hollywood’s biblical epics. In addition to being a huge commercial success, it set a record for most Academy Award wins (11).
The story traces the plight of Judah Ben-Hur (played by Charlton Heston), a young Jewish prince from an influential family. As the film opens, he is reunited with his boyhood friend Messala (Stephen Boyd), who is now a Roman tribune exerting great control over Jerusalem. The two men enjoy reliving old times, but when Messala asks Ben-Hur to help stem the increasing number of protests by Jews against Roman rule, Ben-Hur declines. The resulting rift boils over when an accident leads to Ben-Hur’s being accused of trying to kill a Roman official. Although Messala knows that Ben-Hur is innocent, he allows him to be convicted of the crime; Ben-Hur’s mother and sister are imprisoned. Ben-Hur is made a slave on a Roman galley, and during a fierce battle, his ship sinks. He manages to save a high-ranking Roman official, Quintus Arrius (Jack Hawkins), who shows his gratitude by adopting him. Ben-Hur begins competing in deadly chariot races, and he gains fame for his courage and skill. During this time, he searches for his mother and sister and is told that they are dead. Seeking revenge, Ben-Hur agrees to face Messala in a chariot race. The contest is particularly grueling, but Ben-Hur emerges victorious. Messala, however, is mortally wounded, and with his dying words, he informs Ben-Hur that his beloved mother and sister are actually in a leper colony. During his quest to save his family, Ben-Hur, who has found Jesus Christ to be an inspiration in his life, witnesses the crucifixion. Soon thereafter, both his mother and sister are cured of leprosy.
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•Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
•Director: William Wyler
•Producer: Sam Zimbalist
•Writer: Karl Tunberg
•Music: Miklós Rózsa
•Running time: 212 minutes
•Charlton Heston (Judah Ben-Hur)
•Jack Hawkins (Quintus Arrius)
•Haya Harareet (Esther)
•Stephen Boyd (Messala)
•Picture*
•Director*
•Lead actor (Charlton Heston)*
•Supporting actor (Hugh Griffith)*
•Special Effects*
•Costume design (colour)*
- Lee Pfeiffer
An epic film based on Lew Wallace's novel about a Jewish prince who seeks revenge against his Roman friend and crosses paths with Jesus Christ. Watch the trailer, behind-the-scenes photos, and trivia on TCM.
- William Wyler
- Charlton Heston
A classic epic film about a Jewish prince who seeks revenge against his Roman friend after being betrayed and enslaved. The film features a famous chariot race, a meeting with Jesus, and a message of forgiveness and love.
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Ben-Hur (1959) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more.
