BEN-HUR (1959) Movie REACTION! (Part 2)

[@KalElvis]

Ben Hur is one of the best movies ever made.

[@putinscat1208]

It probably is the best. Maybe the best musical score as well.

[@lmsossi6501]

65 years old and there is nothing dated or fake looking about this movie. An amazing achievement in cinema.

[@aaaht3810]

True. A masterpiece. Just the chariot race alone.

[@Steve-gx9ot]

65 years of age?? You are OLD AS well as ancient!!!❤❤LOL I AM 65 ALSO

[@billsykes2977]

I mostly agree. Only segment of this film that really looks outdated to me was naval battle. I saw silent version of Ben Hur from 1925 and it's naval battle was vastly better. But as for the rest of the film, it holds up phenomenal. Settings look like real places, unlike for example Ten Commandments.

[@larrymiller3607]

It won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Heston), Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, and many other technical awards. A true classic!

[@matthewakian2]

Only equalled by Titanic, but this movie got most for the acting nods.

[@putinscat1208]

@@matthewakian2 Equalled in awards, but not quality.

[@Story2ScreenMovieReviewPodcast]

All deserving wins but, I personally believe Stephen Boyd should have been nominated for Best supporting actor alongside Hugh Griffin.

[@ciphernine7824]

Some films are so exceptional that they should never be remade. This is one of them.

[@torontomame]

This already is a remake.

[@andygossard4293]

Yep. Like Point Break and Roadhouse.

[@free..to..air..]

Unfortunately it was...and the remake sank without trace..a blasphemy

[@jackprecip5389]

This exceptional film IS a remake, and the original 1925 film (which technically is a remake of a 1907 film) is also exceptional and stands on its own as well. Granted, most remakes are horrible, but this was the rare case where the 1925 version and the 1959 version are both legendary classics. I love both of them, and while they obviously share the same characters and plots, they are quite different as well. Thank God this great film was remade, now we have two great films of the same story. Most films are taken from novels and even plays, and those stories are remade and performed by countless different people, so don't get too hung up on the marketing aspect of remade films. Besides, we as viewers can choose which sequels or re-makes we want to acknowledge or those we want to ignore. Jaws 4 :The Revenge, possibly the worst film ever made that had a budget and is actually comedic gold and worth watching once in a while it's so bad, does not diminish the original Jaws (a legendary great film) one iota. The absurdity and train wreck of Nick Cage's The Wicker Man cannot diminish the 1973 original classic.

[@cjpreach]

Agree. Agree. Agree!

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Another MUST SEE Classic movie starring Charlton Heston,, "The Ten Commandments" (1956) An absolutely INCREDIBLE Cast,, Costumes,, Locations,, Etc.

[@willardchi2571]

"The Ten Commandments" is cheesy and doesn't compare to "Ben Hur."

[@Akihito007]

@@willardchi2571In no way is it "cheesy".

[@happymethehappyone8300]

@willardchi2571 I respect your opinion & right to voice it..Although many others (Including myself) Don't agree with it & the movie establishment/industry/critics didn't & still don't agree with that as well.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

@Akihito007 100% Agreed & Thanks for sharing your veiw on it.

[@dunringill1747]

@@willardchi2571 "The Ten Commandments" is an epic movie. I believe there are a lot of top tier knowledgeable movie industry professionals that hold TTC in very high regard. Martin Scorsese considers TTC as one of his cinema favorites. In 1978 he stated he had watched TTC around 40 - 50 times.

[@robabiera733]

The chariot race was a hugely complex sequence involving editing, camera tricks, stunt doubles, dummies, all toward the goal of creating something that was entertaining and seamless. It's one of the greatest achievements of cinema.

[@ronweber1402]

I did a Google and about 100 horses were killed. I thought there would be few but nothing like that. Apparently the second unit director would have a horse shot if it was just limping rather than call a vet. Much different times.

[@jameslongest6410]

The bounce up and over the rail on the chariot was the result of Charlton Heston's stunt double purposely not wearing the safety strap tying him to the chariot. He said it was uncomfortable and thought it wasn't needed.Only his being dexterous enough to land his feet on the tongue of the chariot and simultaneously leaping out of the way of the chariots and other horses kept him from getting seriously injured. He got a serious tongue lashing from the stunt coordinator though. His name was Joe Canutt and the stunt coordinator was his father, famed stuntman/coordinator Yakima Canutt.

[@rhwinner]

Many of the stunts were inspired by the great chase scene in _Stagecoach (1939)_

[@jameslongest6410]

@@ronweber1402 The 1925 silent version went through about 150.

[@leestamm3187]

​@@ronweber1402 That totally bogus statement is frequently repeated on the internet Over 100 horses were killed in making the 1925 silent version. No horses died in this version.

[@bubhub64]

The chariot race in this movie might be the greatest live action sequence in movie history. It is downright spectacular. CGI does not compare to the real thing. I loved your astonished reaction Madison, especially during the chariot scene. This movie would come on once a year usually around Easter. When it came on, it was a family event. Thanks Madison for reacting to this great movie.

[@bobschenkel7921]

"Ben-Hur", very worthy of all 11 Academy Awards it won.

[@leftcoaster67]

When you have horses at full gallop, you don't need music. It's a perfect symphony.

[@johnscott4196]

I sure hope you watch The Ten Commandments soon

[@lenfoster1622]

A perfect reaction Madison. The crucifixion still moves me to tears. It is the thinking person's epic film. An intelligent script, modern acting without over-the-top drama, and a magnificent music score by Miklos Rosa. The remake a few years back was not in the same league.

[@MarcVanLaere-zr5im]

1 of the greatest movies ever made❤

[@Stogie2112]

Madison, I admire your style and your choice of words when watching these great films. You never use profanity or vulgarities. I applaud you for that! 👍

[@ckobo84]

Wish she'd wipe the grease off her face, it's bad look.

[@Stogie2112]

@@ckobo84….You’re an idiot.

[@lilyandrose8557]

It’s a real relief!

[@buckdurant5336]

My fav movie all time. Seen it probably 50 times. I still cry.

[@Straun30]

Every time.

[@sarahfullerton6894]

I cry, as well.

[@Don-ol8ze]

Same

[@pauldavid9351]

Me too! X

[@robertstevenson5145]

Same here.

[@bradsullivan2495]

Stephen Boyd played Masala. Sadly, he died far too young in 1977 from a heart attack, just one month from his 46th birthday.

[@shawnmiller4781]

One of three films I know him from the others being “Fantastic Voyage” and “The Man who Never Was”

[@geraldmcboingboing7401]

@@shawnmiller4781 He also played the lead in Fall of the Roman Empire (1964), which costarred Sophia Loren. They wanted Charlton Heston, but he turned down the offer, because he didn't want to work with Loren a second time after starring with her in El Cid (1961).

[@aaaht3810]

Very talented actor.

[@robertrowland5813]

@@aaaht3810 It's a real shame that Boyd was not nominated for an acting award for his portrayal of Messala. He MADE the role a realty, to be sure.

[@kathyk5319]

Ben-Hur was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and won an unprecedented 11.

[@Fred_L.]

Held the record for several decades. It is still unsurpassed but by now has two equals in Titanic and Return of the King.

[@jameslongest6410]

Martha Scott played the Mother in both Ben Hur and the Ten Commandments. In real life she was only about 11 years older than Charlton Heston.

[@JessicaChastainFan]

Unlike Titanic and Return of the King, Ben-Hur 1959 justifiably won all 11 Oscars in a time when winning an Oscar actually mattered and wasn't an easy feat. What a colossal masterpiece.

[@bobschenkel7921]

The Oscars for "Return Of The King" were an acknowledgement of the entire three film trilogy, and they were very much earned. I agree "Titanic" wasn't the greatest, but the LOTR trilogy was. Still the best films of this century, now along with "Oppenheimer", which is true film craft.

[@axr7149]

I actually think that as cheesy as TITANIC may be, what really carries this movie is the directorial vision of James Cameron. It is worth noting that 9 of the 11 Oscars TITANIC won were in the technical categories (with only Picture and Director being the main ones it won), and every single technical win was deserved IMO. I personally consider Cameron to be the greatest Best Director Oscar win ever largely due to how he managed to make the movie work through sheer force of will power, and the film itself is really graceful too. Cameron is at least one of the only modern-day filmmakers IMO who is able to translate spectacle onto the big screen effectively.

[@thunderstruck5484]

Saw at the theater and yes when Messala gets run over and is talking to Judah that scene has stuck with me for nearly 60 years! Thanks for another excellent reaction review!

[@davidmacias741]

There's probably no better action sequence then the chariot race in any movie back then or now. No computers, just pure real action! Amazing.

[@gez1999]

Always makes me tear up. Beautiful film ❤️‍🔥🙏🙏✝️

[@infonut]

Only two movies made my U.S. Marine father shed a tear to my memory. This one, when Juda sees his mother and sister at the top of the staircase, and Boys Town (1938) when little Pee Wee gets hit by the car. I, on the other hand, wear my heart on my sleeve.

[@51tetra69]

Madison, another epic movie in the same vein as Ben-Hur, that is also entirely appropriate for Easter time, is "The 10 Commandments" from 1956, in which Charlton Heston plays Moses. I believe all of your subscribers would enjoy watching your reaction to this classic movie as well.

[@strategicthinker8899]

"How is Juda, is he alright?" makes me bowl out uncontrollably every time. The love of a mother for her son even in the most dire of circumstances.

[@JusticeRyan-n6d]

It's easily the greatest movie ever made as far as acting, storyline,sets ,cinematography, music score,costume and many other categories. No other movie comes close.

[@raloria9173]

Watching Charlton Heston in "The Ten Commandments" would be perfect for Easter because for many years ABC aired that movie for the holiday. It's full of famous actors from that time and again the sets are epic.

[@deeanna3335]

Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments are an Easter tradition every year.

[@mohsinsyedain1754]

I wonder why Ten Commandments is an Easter movie? It has got nothing to do with Jesus (PBUH). Probably to please the ziopig lobby in US.

[@TBerger53]

Great reaction to my favorite movie. As you know by now, Ben Hur won 11 Oscars.

[@TheTerryGene]

This film is the definition of the word “epic”: literally thousands of real human extras (no CGI), a truly wide screen, great action, wonderful performances and a surprisingly human story.

[@user-jb8qq9fk6m]

Stephen Boyd who played Masala also played Livius in "The Fall of the Roman Empire" 1964, the character on which Maximus is based in "Gladiator" which is basically a remake of the 1964 film.

[@kenthunter6850]

What a pleasure to see a believer react to this. No need to post, but the silent/black and white version from the 20's is also an incredible watch. Your comment about "His last miracle... for now... for now" was exceptional!

[@lesbarfield305]

You know that feeling after GREAT movie and lights come on and you walk out stunned to your car. I think Ben Hur best ever that way. One even may avoid eye contact as emotion so private. I saw at age 6

[@normcummings-w6w]

My favorite movie from the time I saw it at age 10 in our local theater, and it has never disappointed me ever since. I watch it every Easter, and occasionally in between... it brings me to tears each time, but even more so seeing your reaction, Madison. Thank you so much! Make it a tradition for yourself, too, Okay?

[@lmsossi6501]

Judah recognizing Jesus as the one who once gave him water and trying to give Jesus water breaks my heart, though I have seen this movie a dozen times. Judah acted out of compassion and was rewarded by having the hatred he carried taken from him and having his mother and sister cured. It's so moving. This is one of my favorite depictions of Jesus, who is really never fully seen or heard, just because the glimpses we get of him are of genuine love for his flock.

[@ammaleslie509]

I especially love the theology of this movie: that the power of Jesus can be seen in watching how an encounter with God affects people's lives. Even people who do not see Jesus himself can see what his Presence can do.

[@willardchi2571]

Heston in El Cid was good, too, although nothing tops Ben Hur.

[@meganlutz7150]

El Cid would be a great one to watch

[@brist75]

The greatest of all movies . Every single department, incredible work, but the score of MIklos Rozsa deserves a special mention. The greatest score of all. Great reaction.

[@johnscott4196]

Honey you and this movie made an old man cry but I'm not mad. I've always loved this. Written by a civil war general.

[@josephstimpfl4594]

This is the greatest live action sequence ever shot.

[@sreggird60]

Where Judah is thrown out of the chariot actually happened to the stunt driver and they kept it in the scene. I've read it took months to shoot because the summer in Rome that year was so hot and the horses couldn't stand it for that long. Also a few years later Charleton Heston would play Michelangelo and painting the Sistine Chapel which you see part of the painting at the end.

[@Interfect727]

I understand the stunt double broke his arm and a few ribs in that scene.

[@jdgoade1306]

The stunt guy was Yakima Canutts son.

[@olaspaz3079]

It's very satisfying to revisit a movie like this through someone else's eyes. I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much.

[@georgeprchal3924]

See kids, that's what was done before CGI and it looked amazing. People actually built a Circus Maximus. Real people, real chariots, real horses.

[@JoseyWales44s]

At one point, Chuck Heston confided to the stunt coordinator, Yakima Canutt, that he wasn't fully confident in driving the chariot in the race. Cannutt assured Heston that all he had to do was drive the chariot and he would guarantee he would win the race.

[@jdgoade1306]

Heston had experience in driving a chariot with 2 horses but not 4 so was apprehensive about his ability.

[@JoseyWales44s]

@jdgoade1306 I believe he had about a month of training. Did he drive a Teo horse chariot in a previous film? I believe he was seen briefly in a chariot in "The Ten Commandments", although I don't recall if he was driving it.

[@EGSimon-ds1vf]

Great classic movie. They don't make them like this any more. Thanks for reacting to it.

[@jeffreyjeziorski1480]

The music during the Ride of the Chaioteers entrance music is outstanding!

[@oaktreeman4369]

Miklós Rózsa. Hungarian -American composer.

[@Straun30]

Its a magnificent soundtrack.

[@alanfoster6589]

He did many. My favorite is for "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940)@@Straun30

[@Straun30]

@@alanfoster6589 I was shocked the first time I watched Thief of Baghdad, it was basically Disneys Aladin almost stroke by stroke

[@alanfoster6589]

TofB won two Academy Awards. Best evil grand vizir ever, impossible to beat genie (Hollywood kept giving Rex Ingram exotic roles beause they didn't know what else to do back then with a powerful black actor), uneven but often amazing sfx...a grand film. @@Straun30

[@infonut]

National Velvet (1944) also has a thrilling horse race. And also has an Oscar winning, best supporting performance form Ann Revere as Elizabeth Taylors wise mother.

[@markr.devereux3385]

I love that film and have a copy. Also international VELVET done in 1977 is a quite fitting sequel.

[@MrWCramer]

The chariot race was filmed without CGI, it’s all authentic, and it took 8 weeks to film. I really enjoy your channel🤗

[@mohsinsyedain1754]

Absolutely wonderful.. No matter how many times I watch this it always makes my eyes damp.

[@judywelch1044]

I saw this great movie when it came out when I was 12. Still holds up

[@TheNighthhawk]

I was 9 yrs old when I seen this. Have never forgot some of the scenes, The ship battle and the chariot Race. About two years later it was announced the white and black horse teams were going to be at the Denver CO stock show. We went down and seen them, The chariots were also there. They started off with a chariot race. Both teams were out and they started racing around the arena. They did the scene at the end where the one guy flipped and died. How they did it the one that flipped had a break, when it was stomped, would pull the pen out that was holding the horses. The horses went on and the front of the chariot would hit the ground, causing it to flip. Heston did most the race himself, and was hurt on the jump, were he flew forward out of the chariot. He was out for a couple weeks.

[@TheJimmiececil]

When you sneezed, I said, "Bless you."😀

[@soozb15]

Same here 😂

[@JesseOaks-ef9xn]

3 weeks until Good Friday. I saw this movie in 1959, I was 7 years old and it made a great impression on me. I am glad that you saw it and reviewed it.

[@jackprecip5389]

Miriam: "They have gone, you can go back." Judah: "Go back.....to WHAT?"

[@erwinwharton3837]

I don't know if anyone else has brought this up but the author of Ben hur was Lewis Wallace a civil war General and later governor of New Mexico and was also involved in the Billy the kid saga.

[@gkiferonhs]

Over 200 camels and 2,500 horses were used in the shooting of the film, with some 10,000 extras and those are physical sets.

[@marezesim8119]

this version is so so so much more memorable than the remake.. so glad you are watching this.. love sharing your reaction... they never should have tried doing a remake... it would be like trying to remake Gone with the Wind.. the editing of some of the clips like just the side shot of the cross after the lightening

[@jdgoade1306]

Some films should never be remade.

[@wendellwiggins3776]

I cry a river of tears each time. I've seen this film many times since I was a child raised Baptist 6 decades ago. And though today I am not religious, I am deeply spiritual yet I still deeply appreciate the beauty symbolized by this myth of universal Love & hope. This version of Ben-Hur will always be one of the greatest epics ever made. Glad you enjoyed this masterpiece filled with incredible performances, direction and spectacular cinematography!

[@dasta7658]

Such a powerful and moving movie and your reaction to it was moving as well. The scene of the crucifixion with the cleansing of the lepers by faith combined with the symbology of the washing away of sin with the storm was so awesome. Makes me want to break into song; there's power in blood! Thank you Madison for reacting to this movie and for being the beautiful person you are. Bless you. ♥

[@unicomp5705]

Charlton Heston's greatest role for sure. He won an Oscar for it.

[@rodhotrod4743]

One of the soldiers actually died in this scene on the driving the chariots. They did not take the scene out and let the scene go on😢

[@RenfrewPrume]

Greatest epic ever and profoundly moving even in a reaction edit. I saw it on a giant drive-in theater screen in 1960, which made the effect of the chariot race awesome beyond words. I think you may be the best reactor, Madison, at connecting with movies on such a deep emotional level. It’s wonderful!

[@mark-be9mq]

It's a great, beautiful story. The mother & sister coming out of the cave isn't light with courage to seek Jesus. Great symbolism. The water exchanges, the water flowing down from the Cross/Calvary the water the 'parched land' below. So beautifully done.

[@RonSklepko]

Ben Hur has been my #1 favorite movie for 50 years. Thank you for bringing your heartfelt review to KZbin!

[@token1371]

Madison words can't describe my emotions to watch with you this amazing epic film. And yes, I was the simp to say "Bless you" more than a week after you sneezed.🤧

[@tgriffin8179]

Thank you for your heartfelt reaction. I remember the first time I saw this film and its portrayal of Masala’s evil and the ultimate victory of the Gospel. I was in awe as well. Have a wonderful Easter celebration.

[@ga7654]

Took 9 months for them to make this movie. Charlton Heston spent a couple of months learning to drive a chariot for realism. An epic film on every level.

[@iclaudius50ad]

Ben-Hur my favorite movie! Loved your reaction. The acting, the staging, a true epic! Thank you again!

[@charlieeckert4321]

In the chariot race scene, all the drivers were Hollywood stuntmen except for Heston and Boyd. Yakima Canute was doubling for Heston and because he didn't hook himself to a safety ring, he fell over the front of olthe chariot, forcing Heston to climb back over during the closeup.

[@JoseyWales44s]

Yakima Canute was the stunt coordinator but his son, Joe Canute, doubled for Chuck Heston in the famous jump scene. He removed the safety ring against the direction of his father. Of course, it looked so fantastic that it was incorporated into the movie, and as you state they filmed a follow up shot of Heston climbing back in.

[@jdgoade1306]

That was Yakima Canutts son.

[@lindaosika7648]

My sister saw this in 1959. A field trip for her 6th grade class. She told me the story when she got home. It was brought back ten years later in 1969. I finally got to see it. The Michael Todd theatre in Chicago. On the wide screen it was magnificent. The music, color, rich dialog and story. I felt I was on this journey with Judah Ben Hur. Powerful and moving.

[@lifelover515]

Another wonderful reaction to a true classic of the cinema. In addition to one of the greatest action sequences ever filmed, you've got a remarkably strong principal and supporting cast, brilliant adaptation and screenplay, state-of-the-art set design for the time, you name it -11 Oscars I believe, a new record at that time. It was a joy to watch you constantly on the edge of your seat. It's such a cracking yarn regardless of one's religious affiliation or lack thereof. First-rate, Madison.

[@NightSkyJeff]

Thank you for reacting to this movie. It's one of my all-time favorites, and the giving-water callback gives me chills and moves me to tears every time.

[@davidcandelaria4411]

Ben Hur : A Tale of the Christ, was written by a Union General and former Territorial Governor of the state I have lived in all my life, New Mexico. it was published in the late 1800's. I'm 65 , this is a must movie

[@jsharp3165]

My face hurts from smiling at you watching the chariot race. More awesome than I could have hoped for!

[@BarebonesNetwork-w3s]

Yup. I was lucky enough to have seen this in the theater. It was amazing then and now, the way that was filmed and edited. It's enjoying watching someone else enjoying the same films I grew up with. She has a great channel.

[@LUCASDOMINGUES21]

This is greatest movie ever made This movie changed my life FOREVER

[@custardflan]

Hugh Griffith, the sheikh was a great actor. One of his best roles was in Tom Jones, which won best picture and made Albert Finney a star. Highly highly recommend.

[@Elephant2024-wi2li]

An epic film in every sense of the word. Good you broke it up into two parts given the length of it. And once again, congrats on the 25 K subs. Honored to be one of them.

[@Hernal03]

The greatest film ever made intertwines seamlessly with the greatest story ever told. The raw power and emotion driving this epic is unmatched. _Ben-Hur_ is the greatest of all the old Hollywood epics.

[@jimmyperez3911]

Sensational truly an epic film I saw it when I was a kid and I loved it then and I love it now I'm 63 and I'm saw glad you loved it for your first time I believe it won 11 academy awards

[@bghoody5665]

Great reaction, Madison. Your next Bible epic should be "The Ten Commandments." More incredible sets, amazing acting, sweeping score and even some pretty horses.

[@susanfox6666]

Now that you've done Ben-Hur, Passover is coming, so maybe your could do The Ten Commandments, also starring Charlton Heston as Moses. Lots of other big names and humongous scenes and great acting too. Thank you so much for doing this one. I loved your reactions. Thank you so much, Madison. You do such a good job.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

Films back in those days inspired, other classics you should react to, Madison: "The Robe", "The Ten Commandments", "Spartacus". I'm sure that you'll truly appreciate them.

[@Straun30]

Hear hear! Yes, this is a good list. I would probably add Quo Vadis

[@jamesalexander5623]

Spatracus is the most Intelligent Epic of the lot!

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

@@Straun30 Another good choice.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

@@jamesalexander5623 I think it is too.

[@meganlutz7150]

All of these would be great. I’d also love to see a reaction to the original Robin Hood as well as Ivanhoe with Elizabeth Taylor (1952). Both have good action sequences. Not as epic as this one but still lots of fun.

[@MulberryBuccaneer]

It was said that after filming the chariot race, the director wasn't showing up to see the daily footage that was being shot. When a producer asked him why, he was claimed to have said ..... "If I see it, I'll want to shoot it all over again." It took 5 weeks over 3 months to film it. The ratio of footage shot to footage used was 263:1, one of the highest ratios ever for a film.

[@acatwood11]

This movie held the record for most academy awards won for decades. It was finally broken in 2004 by Return of the King.

[@weepingscorpion8739]

No, first equaled in 1998 by Titanic, and then equaled again in 2004 by LOTR: The Return of the King. ROTK was the a clean sweep where Ben-Hur and Titanic were nominated for 12 and 14 Oscars respectively. So these 3 movies tie for most wins at 11.

[@JoseyWales44s]

As stated in the other comment, it has been tied twice. Also, let's not forget that unlike "Titanic" and "Return of the King", "Ben-Hur" won an Oscar in the Best Acting category. If you were to score the Oscars weighted by the importance of the award, "Ben-Hur" is still unmatched.

[@pierremorandeau4909]

That is correct and besides, 11 oscars out of 12 wins over 11 out of 14.

[@giovannidaschagasfinettilo9153]

This movie is a miracle itself.

[@dunringill1747]

"Ben-Hur" is a must-watch epic that should be experienced by everyone. *FUN FACT:* There were several sets still standing from a previous epic "Quo Vadis" (1951) that were refurbished and used for Ben-Hur. And yes, I'm one of the viewers who said "bless you" when you sneezed. I thought maybe you were allergic to the on-screen horses 😜.

[@willardchi2571]

I think some of the sets from an early movie about the Ancient world, possibly the 1925 "Ben Hur," were discovered a few years ago burited under many feet of sand. I think the site was being excavated as if it were an archaeological dig.

[@davidkellett5958]

Watched this more times than I can count. 61 years old and still think this is the greatest movie of all time. Charlton Heston is incredible in everything he did but this is probably his greatest performance. I still get goosebumps every time I see the scene when the Roman centurion has to avert his gaze when he confronted Jesus.

[@goldenager59]

The actor's name is unknown to me but it's true he did a wonderful job sliding down the scale from anger, to confusion, intimidation, and finally shame. I have always wondered what expression was on Jesus's face. 🤔 🤨

[@markr.devereux3385]

They picked the right actor to lead this movie extravaganza. I couldn't imagine the pressure and the physical requirements

[@sallyt3929]

Madison, you may not remember this but you've seen Charlton Heston in Tombstone. He was the old man who took in Doc Holiday when he collapsed as the posse was taking their revenge/comeuppance against the Cowboys 👍👍

[@Interfect727]

I think that was his last cinematic foray before he passed. Unless you count Bowling for Columbine (which I don't).

[@tgchism]

Truly an iconic movie to be sure!

[@markraffety3246]

Ben Hur was the most successful novel of the 19th century. Its author Lew Wallace was a general in the Union Army, a diplomat and governor of the New Mexico territory during the Lincoln County Wars and he dealt with Billy the Kid. He wrote other novels and poetry. He is one of the most accomplished men in US history.

[@tomw324]

Wallace played a key role in the Battle of Shiloh and was promoted to major general at the age of 34. And yea, he lived a pretty amazing life.

[@goldenager59]

The thing about Wallace is that his contribution to Shiloh was late in coming (he took the wrong fork in the road), and so many men who might have otherwise survived the battle lost their lives instead. It was the bloodiest battle of the war thus far and someone had to be thrown under the ox-cart, and it unfairly ended up being Wallace. His account of Judah's betrayal by a friend who knew better but stood to gain from duplicity grew in part out of that injustice. 😮 😠

[@7bestthings]

Thank you for a wonderful reaction Madison. Some movies are epic and powerful. Some movies, like Ben-Hur, are life changing. I will never forget the first time I watched it.

[@OBCooke]

Actually, Charlton Heston's other epic film, "The Ten Commandments" (1956), is the film that is replayed most often during the Easter season. If your fans liked this one you should consider doing that one.

[@gs8191]

11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

[@MarkMcLT]

11:52 Wasn't expecting to see Sargeant Wilson!

[@indiecab9593]

When it was produced, Ben-Hur of 1959 was the most expensive film ever made up to that point, and the chariot race the longest single scene ever filmed.

[@buzbom1]

I saw an episode of the Johnny Carson show way back in the day, and Charlton spoke of flying way too high in the chariot race stunt resulting in a couple of broken ribs. Props to all who starred and worked on this epic masterpiece.

[@Stogie2112]

Interesting. 👍 I did not know of this.

[@caldwellkelley3084]

Madison on Friday! Chariot Race day!!! Super Thanks ... made my Friday! Oh, Bless You!

[@bethhowton2719]

I love this movie it came out when I was one. My mom told me her mother and father came down to go to the movie my aunt and cousins because it was my Great Great Great Uncle on my grandmothers side of the family. Charston Hesten played the part so well, I'm glad you watched to original. Enjoy

[@joetallon4968]

Thank you for reacting to this movie! I haven’t seen it since I was very young, but remembered a lot of it. Excellent movie!

[@georger.3489]

Despite the length, this movie never gets boring. Thank you you Madison for giving it a chance :)

[@harpergras]

This is one of the all-time greatest movies along with Heston's movie " The Ten Commandments ".

[@thetr00per30]

This and Lawrence of Arabia are my two most favorite movies, they may not be the most fun to watch but they are triumphs of what Hollywood was once capable of.

[@torbjornkvist]

They used a couple of thousand extra for the raze scene. They also used dolls connected with sticks on a row for movement. Most of the crowd, however, were made up of glass paintings. All the upper levels were painted. Absolutely fabulous results.