Ramon Novarro,
Francis X. Bushman,
May McAvoy,
Betty Bronson,
Claire McDowell
... see more 
This renowned silent epic was one of the most expensive features of its day, and easily stands up to the later, technically superior version. Juda Ben-Hur, a Judean Prince forced to become a galley sl... read more
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Stats: 111 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (111)
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September 24, 2011I think I ought to re-watch this movie. I did just watch it last week, but it was so long I got bored and wasn't paying attention. I do remember a few good scenes, and the epic landscapes and enormous cast are really cool looking, but it's just so long. It really looks like an... read more
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July 18, 2007There's something about the 1925 silent version that moves me far more than the 1959 award-winning remake (with Charlton Heston, no less). Granted, a few of the acting performances are a bit wilted, but, overall, I care more about this group of characters; whereas I'm never real... read more
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December 18, 2006One of Charlton Heston's classic roles. A fabulous Biblical story, involving the crucifixtion of Christ. Many other recognizable faces also star.
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December 15, 2006they jus dont make them like this anymore.. besides the mistakes with the cut scenes, if you think about the lack of technology in the 20s the chariot race was the greatest achievement known to any movies. oh and 2 and a half hours of non stop music was great, i want more newer m... read more
Critic Reviews
September 15, 2008
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
October 17, 2005
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
At nearly 2½ hours long, the 1925 version is still an hour shorter than the 1959 version, yet the story is essentially the same, and the scale similarly impressive. Full Review
August 30, 2005
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Yes, you'll also find the chariot race in here, and you may even find it as exciting or more exciting than the one Heston enacted. Full Review
April 8, 2005
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
Hokey by today's standards, but one of the greatest silent film spectacles.
August 6, 2004
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly
Novelist Lew Wallace's 'Tale of Christ' got the silent Hollywood treatment, and how, in M-G-M's elephantine costume epic. Full Review
December 1, 2002
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Has merits not found in William Wyler's Oscar-laden 1959 remake. Full Review
August 12, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
No review available.
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Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
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