#1: Ben-Hur (1959)

Starring Charlton Heston and Stephen Boyd
Directed by William Wyler

How do you summarize Ben-Hur? It’s a difficult thing to accomplish. Ben-Hur is so epic a film - it was the first to ever win 11 Oscars, and it deserved every one. Based on a novel by Lew Wallace, a Civil War Union General, it was adapted to film by director William Wyler. This movie is number one in my book because of the amazing direction, acting and the powerful message of forgiveness the story conveys. Not to mention one of the most amazing chariot race scenes I’ve ever seen in my life.

Ben-Hur tells the epic story of a Jewish prince named Judah Ben-Hur living in the 1st century who is reunited with his childhood friend Messala. Messala is appointed the commanding officer of the Roman legions in Jerusalem, and when Judah refuses to give him names of Jews who oppose Roman rule, the friendship quickly dissolves. Judah, his mother, and sister are arrested for a crime they did not commit, and Judah is sent to the galleys. As years pass, he stays alive to free his mother and sister and seeks revenge upon his one-time friend.

The direction by William Wyler is amazing. Such small things as Judah tripping over a broken piece of pottery to convey the emptiness of a house and the truly-surprised jump of a guard at Messala’s command give this movie a great sense of authenticity and realism.

I can’t imagine any other actor besides Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur. The character portrays a larger-than-life role, and Charlton Heston nails it. I remember hearing something about the movie “True Lies,” in which Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a spy who keeps his job secret from his family. The director and casting crew needed someone to play Arnold’s boss, someone who could possibly intimidate the movie star body-builder, and chose Charlton Heston.


And talk about a great villain. You thought this guy was your friend, and he sends you off to be a galley slave for three years. Messala not only delivers his cruel lines, but always manages to get that last dig in. “Look for them in the valley of the Lepers…if you can recognize them!”

Favorite Quotes:
“He says he’s a prince-” “Then treat him like one!”
“You knew? …you are evil!”
“…he is power! Real power on Earth!”
“Down Eros, up Mars!”