A story that has enthralled generations. The story of the Jew Ben Hur, whose life is confronted not only with the action of the Romans in his native land, his exile in the Galilee, but also with Christ himself, who is his contemporary.

A film about forgiveness, perseverance, faith, friendship and betrayal. About how sin enslaves man and how it destroys all that is good and beautiful. A story of how man can only find salvation and deliverance from his miserable life in God.

Messala is a Roman, and with the Roman army he comes to Jerusalem to take command of the garrison and, together with the new procurator, to restore order to that troubled province.

Prince Judah Ben Hur wants to meet Messala. He and Messala have both grown up as brothers. Ben Hur uses the meeting with Messala to present his plea that the Romans withdraw from Judea and give the Jews their freedom.

Messala, of course, being an enthusiastic Roman, refuses. Messala regards the emperor as the only god who has real power. He wants Ben Hur to reveal to him the names of those who are stirring up trouble in Judea. Ben Hur, however, is loyal to his people and will betray no one, even though he disapproves of the violence these Jews are committing.

Soon the prosecutor arrives in the city. While crossing the street where Ben Hur and his sister are on the roof, tiles come loose from the roof and fall among the Romans. They see this as an attempted assault and arrest Ben Hur and send him to the galleys.

Ben Hur is not expected to survive the harsh conditions of the galleys and will never return to his native Judea. His destiny, however, is not to die as a Roman slave.

Parents Guide: More times violent fights. A few times drinking wine.

Cast: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith, Martha Scott, Cathy O’Donnell, Sam Jaffe, Finlay Currie, André Morell, Ferdy Mayne, Giuliano Gemma, Laurence Payne, Ralph Truman

Crew: William Wyler

USA, 1959

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