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Ben-Hur (Original title)
Date: 1959 (Copyright)

Country: USA

Directed by: William Wyler

Production company billing: ©1959 Loew's Incorporated Presented by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer [end] a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture MPAA: 19158
Synopsis: Spectacular epic unfolded during the early Christian era - the story of enmity between a noble young Jew and the ruthless commander of a Roman garrison in a period covering the Birth and Crucifixion of Christ.

Genre:
Action and Adventure

Subjects:
Chariot Racing, Religion
Credits (79)
©: Loew's Incorporated, Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Produced by: Sam Zimbalist, Unit Production Manager: Edward Woehler, [Production Executive]: Joseph Judson Cohn, [Production Supervisor]: Henry Henigson, [Assistant Production Supervisor]: Maurizio Lodi-Fé, 2nd Unit Director: Andrew Marton, 2nd Unit Director: Yakima Canutt, [3rd Unit Director]: Mario Soldati, Richard Thorpe, Assistant Director: Gus Agosti, Assistant Director: Alberto Cardone, [Assistant Director]: Sergio Leone, [Assistant Director]: Ferdinando Baldi, Donald C. Klune, [Casting]: Irene Howard, Screen Play by: Karl Tunberg, [Screenplay]: Christopher Fry, [Screenplay]: Gore Vidal, [Screenplay]: S.N. Behrman, Maxwell Anderson, Based on the novel by: General Lew Wallace, Director of Photography: Robert L. Surtees, Additional Photography: Harold E. Wellman, Pietro Portalupi, Colour Consultant - Settings: Charles K. Hagedon, Colour Consultant - Costumes: Joan Bridge, Camera Operator: Idelmo Simonelli, [Camera Operator]: John Schmitz, [Assistant Cameraman]: Edward Phillips, Edward Wahrman, Grip: Albert Alexander, [Stills]: Eric Carpenter, Nino Di Giovanni, Special Photographic Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie, Special Photographic Effects: Lee Leblanc, Special Photographic Effects: Robert R. Hoag, [Special Photographic Effects]: Mario Bava, Matthew Yuricich, [Special Effects]: A.D. Flowers, [Special Effects]: Robert MacDonald, Glen Robinson, [Editorial Co-ordinator]: Fredric Steinkamp, Film Editor: Ralph E. Winters, Film Editor: John D. Dunning, [Assistant Editor]: Frederick Muller, Art Director: William A. Horning, Art Director: Edward Carfagno, [Design Research]: Ken Adam, Set Decorations: Hugh Hunt, [Scenic Artist]: Italo Tomassi, [Chariot Builders]: Danesi Brothers, Costumes Designed by: Elizabeth Haffenden, [Wardrobe]: Jack Martell, Make-up by: Charles Parker, Hair Styles by: Gabriella Borzelli, [Make-up]: Charles Schram, Music by: Miklós Rózsa, [Music Editor]: William Saracino, Recording Supervisor: Franklin Milton, Sound Recordist: Sash Fisher, William Steinkamp, [Sound Editor]: Milo Lory, [Chariot Master]: Alfredo Danesi, [Stuntman]: Cliff Lyons, [Stuntman]: Joe Yrigoyen, [Stuntman]: Tap Canutt, [Stuntman]: Joe Canutt, [Stuntman]: Mickey Gilbert, [Stuntman]: Edward J. Auregui, [Stuntman]: Jerry Brown, [Stuntman]: Alfredo Danesi, [Stuntman]: Otello Capanna, [Stuntman]: Luigi Marra, Ian Yule, [Horse Trainer]: Glenn Randall, [Unit Publicist]: Morgan Hudgins
Cast (63)
Charlton Heston (Judah Ben Hur), Jack Hawkins (Quintus Arrius), Haya Harareet (Esther), Stephen Boyd (Messala), Hugh Griffith (Sheik Ilderim), Martha Scott (Miriam), Cathy O'Donnell (Tirzah), Sam Jaffe (Simonides), Finlay Currie (Balthazar), Frank Thring (Pontius Pilate), Terence Longdon (Drusus), George Relph (Tiberius), André Morell (Sextus), David Davies ([Quasteor]), Marina Berti ([Flavia]), Adi Berber ([Malluch]), Stella Vitelleschi ([Amrah]), José Greci ([Mary]), Laurence Payne ([Joseph]), John Horsley ([Spintho]), Richard Coleman ([Metellus]), Duncan Lamont ([Marius]), Ralph Truman ([aide to Tiberius]), Richard Hale ([Gaspar]), Reginald Lal Singh ([Melchior]), Dervis Ward ([jailer]), Claude Heater ([The Christ]), Mino Doro ([Gratus]), Robert Brown ([chief of rowers]), John Glenn ([rower 42]), Maxwell Shaw ([rower 43]), Emile Carrer ([rower 28]), Tutte Lemkow ([leper]), Howard Lang ([Hortator]), Ferdy Mayne ([captain of rescue ship]), John Le Mesurier ([doctor]), John Stevenson Lang ([blind man]), Aldo Mozele ([Barca]), Thomas O'Leary ([starter at race]), Noel Sheldon ([centurion]), Hector Ross ([officer]), Bill Kuehl ([soldier]), Aldo Silvani ([man in Nazareth]), Diego Pozzetto ([villager]), Dino Fazio ([Marcello]), Michael Cosmo ([Raimondo]), Remington Olmstead ([Decurian]), Jerry Brown ([Corinthian charioteer]), Otello Capanna ([Byzantine charioteer]), Luigi Marra ([Syrian charioteer]), Cliff Lyons ([Lubian charioteer]), Edward J. Auregui ([Athenian charioteer]), Joe Yrigoyen ([Egyptian charioteer]), Alfredo Danesi ([Armenian charioteer]), Raimondo Van Riel ([old man]), Mike Dugan ([seaman]), Joe Canutt ([sportsman]), Aldo Pini ([cavalry officer]), Victor De La Fosse ([galley officer 1]), Enzo Fiermonte ([galley officer 2]), Hugh Billingsley ([Mario]), Tiberio Mitri ([Roman at bath]), Pietro Tordi ([Pilate's servant])
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library (57)
In: Empire n242 August 2009  Pages: 89-113
Title: 1001 greatest movie momentsArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Listing of a 1001 best 'moments' or scenes from films, themed by franchise, action or actor, plus a top ten listing of greatest moments by film.

In: Radio Times 21 Mar 2009  Page: 51
Title: Barry Norman's greatest hits. Ben Hur.Author: NORMAN, Barry Article type: ArticleLanguage: English

In: Empire n243 September 2009  Page: 140
Title: At home/DVD reissues: Ben-HurAuthor: NEWMAN, Kim Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Film History v20 n4 2008  Pages: 456-473
Title: Wyler's warsAuthor: KOZLOFF, Sarah Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Examines how William Wyler's liberal beliefs was reflected in his filmmaking. With reference to> MRS. MINIVER, The BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, MEMPHIS BELLE and BEN HUR.

In: Journal of Popular Film & Television v34 n3 Autumn 2006  Pages: 116-122
Title: A Cold War Cautionary Tale: Heterosexuality and Ideology...Author: TUSZYNSKI, Susan Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: "...in William Wyler's Ben-Hur".

In: Empire n201 March 2006  Pages: 144-145
Title: At Home/Movies: Chariots of the GodsAuthor: Nathan, IanArticle type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Sight and Sound v16 n4 April 2006  Page: 87
Title: Ben-HURAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: American Cinematographer v87 n2 February 2006  Page: 16,18
Title: DVD Playback: Ben HurAuthor: HEMPHILL, Jim Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Premiere v19 n2 October 2005  Page: 126
Title: Ben Hur: Collector's Edition / Major Dundee: The Extended...Author: KENNY, Glenn Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Empire n190 April 2005  Pages: 131-140
Title: Lets Revise...StuntsAuthor: NEWMAN, Kim Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A history of stunts in films. Includes a timeline of key events in the history of stunts and and a guide to films that feature the best stunts in them.

In: Sight and Sound vSuppl nOscar February 2004  Page: [whole issue]
Title: Oscar storiesAuthor: ROBINSON, David Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Supplement published as tie-in to Turner Classic Movies' television season in February 2004, 29 DAYS OF OSCAR. A brief history of the Oscars and analysis of some Oscar- nominated films including BEN-HUR (1959).

In: CinémAction n112 2004  Pages: 50-65
Title: De l'histoire a la fable: Gladiator ou le retour du...Author: BIGORGNE, David Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: An examination of how ridley Scott's GLADIATOR fits into the genre of epic spectacle embodied in films such as BEN HUR and SPARTACUS. [Article title ends..."retour du péplum-opéra"].

In: Film Review vSpec. n51 Epics  Pages: 70-97
Title: The top 20 greatest epics of all timeAuthor: BRETT, Anwar Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: BEN-HUR is listed at number 1 in a feature on the 20 best epic films "of all time".

In: Radio Times v312 n4072 23 Mar 2002  Page: 58
Title: The Reel Story Behind...Ben Hur.Author: COLLINS, Andrew Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Short article on the production of the film.

In: Sight and Sound v12 n1 January 2002  Page: 58
Title: Home movies: reviewsAuthor: MACNAB, Geoffrey Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Variety 05 Mar 2001  Page: 42
Title: DVDAuthor: ELLEY, Derek Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Review of Warner DVD release.

In: American Cinematographer v82 n5 May 2001  Page: 14
Title: DVD playbackAuthor: PIZZELLO, Chris Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English

In: Film Score Monthly v6 n4 Apr/May 2001  Page: 46
Title: Lights, camera, spectacle! amidst the clutter of recent ...Author: DURSIN, Andy Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Article title ends:"... CGI blockbusters comes a batch of real, honest-to-God epics".

In: Empire n131 May 2000  Page: 140
Title: Videos to buyAuthor: [DP] Article type: Video ReviewLanguage: English

In: Positif n468 February 2000  Pages: 91-96
Title: Ben-Hur, une bible américaineAuthor: CIEUTAT, Michel Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Article on three adaptations of the story of BEN-HUR: Sidney Olcott's BEN HUR (1907), Fred Niblo's BEN-HUR A TALE OF THE CHRIST (1925), and William Wyler's BEN-HUR (1959).

In: Positif n468 February 2000  Pages: 97-101
Title: Miklos Rozsa: Une musique pour le péplumAuthor: CHANUDAUD, Stéphane Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: On the music composed by Miklos Rozsa for BEN-HUR and other Hollywood epic films.

In: Empire n137 November 2000  Page: 146
Title: SoundtracksAuthor: [IF] Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Soundtrack review for BEN-HUR (1959) music composed by Miklos Rozsa.

In: Film Comment v35 n2 Mar/Apr 1999  Pages: 38-42
Title: Whose Hur?Author: RICHARDS, Peter Article type: ArticleLanguage: English

In: Screen International n1165 03 Jul 1998  Page: 7
Title: Valuable antiqueAuthor: MEAUX SAINT MARC, Françoise Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: BEN HUR will be screened in France again, accompagnied by a promotion campagne.

In: Films in Review v47 n5/6 May/Jun 1996  Pages: 87-88
Title: The soundtrackAuthor: SMITH, Jack Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A review of releases on CD on some of Miklos Rozsa's filmusic scores, including his score for BEN HUR.

In: Score Filmmuziek Magazine n100 September 1996  Page: 26
Title: Pas veschenen & CD besprekingenArticle type: Short ArticleLanguage: Dutch
Description: review of the soundtrack

In: Score Filmmuziek Magazine n97 December 1995  Page: 16
Title: Pas verschenen& CD besprekingenAuthor: JW Article type: Short ArticleLanguage: Dutch
Description: Review of the soundtrack

In: Filmfax n43 Feb/Mar 1994  Pages: 70-76
Title: Hangin' on with the king of stuntmen Yakima CanuttAuthor: RHODES, Scott Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: A survey of the career of stuntman Yakima Canutt.

In: Sight and Sound v3 n3 March 1993  Page: 62
Title: [Sight and Sound - v3 n3 March 1993: no known title]Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Video note

In: Soundtrack! The Collector's Quarterly v11 n41 March 1992  Page: 19
Title: Record ReviewsAuthor: LARSON, Randall D. Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review of released soundtrack for BEN HUR.

In: Screen International n772 1 Sep 1990  Page: 2
Title: [Screen International - n772 1 Sep 1990: no known title]Language: English
Description: Note of US re-issue in newly-mastered 70mm/6 channel stereo print.

In: Films Illustrated v6 n68 April 1977  Pages: 294-296
Title: [Films Illustrated - v6 n68 April 1977: no known title]Language: English

In: Film Index n41 1977  Pages: 384-389
Title: [Film Index - n41 1977: no known title]Language: English

In: Films and Filming v23 n9 June 1977  Page: 47
Title: [Films and Filming - v23 n9 June 1977: no known title]Language: English

In: American Film v1 n6 April 1976  Pages: 28-36
Title: [American Film - v1 n6 April 1976: no known title]Language: English

In: Cinema v2 n2 July 1964  Pages: 10-13,29
Title: [Cinema - v2 n2 July 1964: no known title]Language: English
Description: Diary of the filming of the film centering around the part of Charlton Heston.

In: Film Culture n25 Summer 1962
Title: [Film Culture - n25 Summer 1962: no known title]Language: English
Description: Extreme viewpoint.

In: Annunciation v5 n1 January 1960
Title: [Annunciation - v5 n1 January 1960: no known title]Language: English

In: Film Quarterly v13 n3 Spring 1960  Page: 45
Title: [Film Quarterly - v13 n3 Spring 1960: no known title]Language: English

In: Cinémonde n1334 1 Mar 1960
Title: [Cinémonde - n1334 1 Mar 1960: no known title]Language: French
Description: Issue devoted to Ben Hur and its shooting.

In: Amateur Cine World v23 n9 February 1960  Page: 910
Title: [Amateur Cine World - v23 n9 February 1960: no known title]Language: English
Description: Art. on the chariot-race by Derek Hill.

In: Monthly Film Bulletin v27 n313 February 1960  Page: 18
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v27 n313 February 1960: no known title]Language: English

In: Films and Filming v6 n5 February 1960  Page: 21
Title: [Films and Filming - v6 n5 February 1960: no known title]Language: English

In: Sight and Sound v29 n2 Spring 1960  Page: 94
Title: [Sight and Sound - v29 n2 Spring 1960: no known title]Language: English

In: Films in Review v11 n1 January 1960  Page: 27/48
Title: [Films in Review - v11 n1 January 1960: no known title]Language: English
Description: Chariot race.

In: Films and Filming v6 n4 January 1960  Page: 26
Title: [Films and Filming - v6 n4 January 1960: no known title]Language: English
Description: Note on script-credit problem.

In: Films in Review v10 n10 December 1959  Page: 617
Title: [Films in Review - v10 n10 December 1959: no known title]Language: English

In: Kine Weekly n2724 17 Dec 1959  Page: 142
Title: [Kine Weekly - n2724 17 Dec 1959: no known title]Language: English

In: Motion Picture Herald v217 n8 21 Nov 1959  Page: 19
Title: [Motion Picture Herald - v217 n8 21 Nov 1959: no known title]Language: English

In: Cinéma n34 March 1959  Pages: 78-83
Title: [Cinéma - n34 March 1959: no known title]Author: MOSKOWITZ, Gene Language: French
Description: Art on the shooting.

In: The Hollywood Reporter v157 n38 20 Nov 1959  Page: 5
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v157 n38 20 Nov 1959: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
Description: Statement of the Writers Guild of America concerning the script-credits.

In: The Hollywood Reporter v157 n36 18 Nov 1959  Page: 3
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v157 n36 18 Nov 1959: no known title]Language: English
Description: Detailed cred.

In: The Daily Cinema n8244 16 Dec 1959  Page: 14
Title: [The Daily Cinema - n8244 16 Dec 1959: no known title]Language: English

In: The Film Daily v116 n97 18 Nov 1959  Page: 5
Title: [The Film Daily - v116 n97 18 Nov 1959: no known title]Language: English

In: Variety 18 Nov 1959
Title: [Variety - 18 Nov 1959: no known title]Language: English

In: American Cinematographer v40 n10 October 1959
Title: [American Cinematographer - v40 n10 October 1959: no known title]Language: English
Description: Art, on the photography.

In:
Title: [ - : no known title]


Books held in BFI Reuben Library (10)
Title: disappearing christ: secularism in the silent era
Author: Maciak, Phillip  Pages: xiii, 243 pages

Title: Ben-Hur: the original blockbuster
Author: SOLOMON, Jon  Pages: xvii, 910 pages

Title: Epic sound: music in postwar Hollywood biblical films
Author: Meyer, Stephen C.  Pages: x, 272 pages

Title: Film and the classical epic tradition
Author: Paul, Joanna   Pages: x, 334 pages

Title: Boffo!: how I learned to love the blockbuster and fear the bomb
Author: BART, Peter  Pages: xxiv, 325p.

Title: Big screen Rome
Author: CYRINO, Monica Silveira  Pages: ix, 274 p.

Title: Mr. Technicolor
Author: KALMUS, Dr. Herberd  Pages: 231p.

Title: Hollywood directors 1941-1976
Author: KOSZARSKI, Richard  Pages: 426 pages

Title: Ben-Hur
Author: MURAY, Jean  Pages: [44]p.

Title: Ben-Hur: a tale of the Christ
Author: WALLACE, Lewis  Pages: [33]p.
Description: from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.


Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(3)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: 35mm Base: AcetateSound: CombinedLength: 19988 FeetStock date: 1961BFI identifier: C-14709
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)



Film materials(3)
Description: BFI identifier: C-1245630
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status


Description: 35mm Base: AcetateSound: CombinedLength: 19992 FeetStock date: 1961BFI identifier: C-14702
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film


Description: 35mm Base: AcetateSound: CombinedLength: 19988 FeetStock date: 1961BFI identifier: C-14709
Status: Viewing - Film print can be requested for access (servicing required)