29 Jul 23:40
by Scott Lord on Silent Film, Scott Lord on Mystery Film
While heralding "Ben Hur" as "the biggest movie spectacle since Intolerance", Classics of the Silent Screen, published by author Joe Franlkin in 1959 notes that its two large scale production scenes take place during the first half of the film, too early in the narrative in regard to audience interest and reception, "Part two not only moved slowly but had no spectacular action highlights." The actual chatiot race takes place after an hour and a half of film, but there is in fact another hour left to the complete film. Classics of the Silent Screen claimed the film trailed off to follow an incidental character with leprosy.
Starring in the film with Romon Navarro were actresses Kathleen Kay, Betty Bronson, Myrna Loy and Colleen Moore.
Silent Film
Ben Hur