Movie Reviewed: Ben-Hur (1925), starring Ramon Novarro

Movie Reviewed: Ben-Hur (1925), starring Ramon Novarro

The tale of Judah Ben-Hur

The biggest gamble of MGM in its first year of birth (1925) was to inherit the movie rights for this epic story of Lew Wallace, Ben-Hur, from Samuel Goldwyn Company. Sam Goldwyn acquired the rights for the film after signing away 50 percent of its future income. The stage production of this story was such a huge success that critics forecasted big return on the film version of the story. At massive production budget, the movie started filming in Rome where enormous sets were constructed. When Goldwyn studio became a part of the MGM Studio, the new President Marcus Loew himself sailed to Rome to rescue the sluggish production with some big time replacements. Fred Niblo was chosen as the new director and Ramon Novarro was cast in the lead as Ben-Hur. At that time, Ramon Novarro had just emerged as the matinee idol after Latin Lover Rudolph Valentino. When Ben-Hur started to suffer from massive costs, the new studio head Louis Mayer and Irving Thalberg intervened and brought the production to California. When the movie was finally released, it was one of the biggest hits in the history of the studio.

The story is about a Jewish Prince, named Judah Ben-Hur who loses his wealth and power and becomes a slave. At enormous odds, he comes back as a prince again, finally to be blessed by Jesus Christ. Although most film goers remember the 1959 remake (also by MGM) with Charlton Heston as Ben-Hur, which won 11 academy awards. This 1925 classic was released when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was not even born. This movie is certainly a gem and I am sure all silent movie fans would love the film. The highlight of the movie is the famous chariot race which is as memorable as it is in the 1959 movie: Very highly recommended.