Ben-Hur (1959)
William Wyler's monumental epic of betrayal, slavery, revenge, and redemption in ancient Rome — winner of a record-tying 11 Academy Awards.
Ben-Hur - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ben-Hur
- Release Year: 1959
- Directed by: William Wyler
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Drama, Adventure
- Runtime: 3h 32m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 18, 1959 (Canada), March 26, 1969 (United States), December 26, 1959 (United Kingdom - PG), October 14, 1960 (Germany - 16), October 1, 1960 (France - TP), May 12, 1960 (Australia - G), January 29, 1960 (Brazil), November 16, 1961 (Mexico - A), October 20, 1960 (Italy), December 19, 1960 (Spain - APTA), April 1, 2008 (South Korea)
- Alternative Titles: Ben Hur (PL), 벤허 (KR), Ben Hur (HR), בן חור (IL), Бен-Гур (RU), Μπεν Χουρ (GR), 賓漢 (TW), Бен-хур (BG)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
Ben-Hur - Plot
In ancient Judea, a Jewish aristocrat opposing Roman occupation of his homeland reunites with his childhood friend, now a Roman commander — setting in motion a saga of betrayal, adventure, tragedy, revenge, and faith.
Ben-Hur - Trailer
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Ben-Hur - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- William Wyler
Main Cast
- Charlton Heston
- Stephen Boyd
- Hugh Griffith
- Jack Hawkins
- Haya Harareet
- Martha Scott
- Cathy O'Donnell
- Sam Jaffe
- Finlay Currie
- Frank Thring
Writers
- Karl Tunberg
Producers
- Sam Zimbalist
Ben-Hur - FAQs
Is the chariot race in Ben-Hur real?
The chariot race was filmed with real horses and stunt performers on a massive set built at Cinecittà studios in Rome. Stunt coordinator Yakima Canutt and his son Joe choreographed the sequence. No human fatalities occurred during filming, though the scene remains one of cinema's most breathtaking and dangerous practical action sequences ever captured on film.
What is Ben-Hur about?
Ben-Hur follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince in ancient Jerusalem whose childhood friendship with Roman commander Messala turns to bitter rivalry. Betrayed and enslaved, Judah endures years of suffering before rising to seek revenge — a journey that ultimately leads him toward faith and spiritual redemption against the backdrop of the life of Jesus Christ.
Where can you stream Ben-Hur (1959)?
Ben-Hur is available to stream on the Criterion Channel. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. The Criterion Channel is your best bet for the highest-quality presentation of this classic epic.
How many Oscars did Ben-Hur win?
Ben-Hur won 11 Academy Awards at the 32nd Oscars ceremony in 1960, including Best Picture, Best Director for William Wyler, and Best Actor for Charlton Heston. That record stood unmatched for 38 years until Titanic tied it in 1998, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King later equaled it in 2004.
Who are the main actors in Ben-Hur?
Charlton Heston leads the cast as Judah Ben-Hur, delivering one of Hollywood's most iconic performances. Stephen Boyd plays his nemesis Messala with cold menace. The supporting cast includes Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griffith (who won a Supporting Actor Oscar), Haya Harareet, Martha Scott, and Finlay Currie.
Is Ben-Hur based on a true story?
Ben-Hur is based on Lew Wallace's 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, not on documented historical events. While the story is set against the historically real backdrop of Roman-occupied Judea and the life of Jesus Christ, Judah Ben-Hur himself is a fictional character created by Wallace.
Does Jesus Christ appear in Ben-Hur?
Jesus appears several times throughout the film, though his face is never shown directly — a deliberate artistic choice by director William Wyler. His presence is felt through reactions of other characters. The film's climax, including the Crucifixion, is deeply intertwined with Judah's own journey toward redemption and spiritual transformation.
Where was Ben-Hur (1959) filmed?
Ben-Hur was filmed primarily at Cinecittà studios in Rome, Italy, where massive sets — including the iconic chariot race arena — were constructed. The production was one of the largest in Hollywood history, employing thousands of extras and crew members. Some location footage was also shot in the Italian countryside.
More About Ben-Hur
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