Cinema Cram: Film 8: Ben-Hur: A tale of the Christ (1926)

How this works

We will release a movie every ten days beginning with Birth of a Nation (1915) and then jumping to the 1920's where we will release one new movie for each year within the decade. Our goal is to work our way from the 20's to the present while gaining insight into the evolution of film. All the movies we choose will be available through Netflix. The basic idea is to build a community of like-minded film fans and connect them with a forum for discussion. Without futher ado...it's time to Cinema Cram!

3/22/10

Film 8: Ben-Hur: A tale of the Christ (1926)

Netflix Summary: Before William Wyler's grand epic, this 1925 silent version of Ben-Hur stunned audiences with lavish sets and a spectacular chariot race. An orchestral score from acclaimed Hollywood composer Carl Davis is added to this version of Fred Niblo's Ben-Hur, which became the third-highest-grossing silent film of all time.

IMDB Plot summary: Erstwhile childhood friends, Judah Ben-Hur and Messala meet again as adults, this time with Roman officer Messala as conqueror and Judah as a wealthy, though conquered, Israelite. A slip of a brick during a Roman parade causes Judah to be sent off as a galley slave, his property confiscated and his mother and sister imprisoned. Years later, as a result of his determination to stay alive and his willingness to aid his Roman master, Judah returns to his homeland an exalted and wealthy Roman athlete. Unable to find his mother and sister, and believing them dead, he can think of nothing else than revenge against Messala.

Film viewing date: 3/31/10