Top Pick, Given an A by Nicole Kent

Ben-Hur (1959, Drama/Action)

Starring: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harrareet, Stephen Boyd, and Hugh Griffith.. Director: William Wyler.

What a phenomenal movie! I remember vaguely watching it in High School, but I never quite appreciated this masterpiece. No wonder it was awarding 11 Oscars!

William Wyler won another Oscar for Best Picture. He had two already for his work, but this year he was granted the Best Director statuette as a result of his extraordinary accomplishments. In this film, Wyler earned nicknames such as "90-Take Wyler" and "Once-More Wyler" as he became known for his many retakes. I had the privilege to hear Charlton Heston's comments on this remarkable movie. He rips on William Wyler quite a bit, explaining how much of a perfectionist be was. Heston told stories about Wyler's endless criticisms and the one unexpected compliment he offered.

Of course, Heston received the Best Actor Oscar for his performance as the title character. The strenuous work-outs he got as he rowed that fake rubberband  galley. Learning how to drive a chariot for the infamous chariot race. (In fact, filming this scene was very dangerous. So dangerous that a stunt double for Charlton Heston almost lost his life, making a risky jump.) Hestan was incredibly worried about shooting this chariot race, but his trainers kept insisting that Heston would undoubtedly win the race. His leading Lady, Haya Harareet, was the only Israeli in the movie. She and Heston  carry the movie, at lease for a romantic viewer such as myself with dialogue such as:

Judah Ben-Hur: If you were not a bride I would kiss you goodbye.

Esther: If I were not a bride, there would be no goodbyes to be said.

The villain played by Stephen Boyd is remarkable. He is a British actor. The Brits played the Roman roles. He is evil as is shown in this monologue:

Messala: by condemning without hesitation an old friend, I shall be feared.

This villain is the man responsible for the demise of hero's family. Luckily, Leslie Nelson did not receive the role of Messala. Some how I cannot imagine Leslie Nelson playing a role in this moving epic. Ben-Hur has difficulties letting go of that hatred. After Ben-Hur kills his nemesis, the anger does not go away. It's now the Romans who must pay for their crimes. Through Christ's teachings, Judah Ben-Hur learns to forgive his enemies. Marvelous movie!

One can not fail to mention Hugh Griffith's delightful performance as the flamboyant Sheik:

Sheik Ilderim: One wife only... it is not generous!

The Sheik is hilarious, and the following information gave me an excuse for burping after dinner.

Sheik Ilderim: Was the food not to your liking?

Judah Ben-Hur: Oh, indeed!

[Balthasar gestures for Judah to burp in gratitude, and Judah burps]

The Sheik thanks Ben-Hur for his compliments. So my mother and sisters should feel good whenever I belch after a meal! :-) Hugh Griffith won the statuette for Best Supporting Actor this year. It was certainly Ben-Hur's year to shine!