Our intention with each blog is to give you bits of information on one particular actor, director, film genre, or studio and name several of the classics associated with the chosen subject. We will then tell you a little about one of our favorite films of that particular actor, etc. At the end of each blog, we will also have a trivia question regarding the subject matter of the day. The answer to the question will appear on our next blog, so look for “Let’s Talk Classic Movies” every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Today let’s talk Classic Biblical Epics. For this Easter/Passover season we thought we’d suggest several of the better films from this genre. There are quite a few out there, but some are better than others. We have always enjoyed Cecil B. DeMille’s, The Ten Commandments (1956), starring Charlton Heston as Moses, although we admit there are many parts of this mammoth motion picture that are fictionalized to add more depth to the characters and movie content. The basic truths of the scriptural account of the life of Moses are still evident throughout. The special effects are quite spectacular considering the non-existence of computer-imaging in the 1950’s. It is an enjoyable film to watch and a masterpiece of its time.
We also enjoy such Easter classics as The Robe (1953) with Richard Burton; The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965) with Max Von Sydow; and King of Kings (1961) with Jeffrey Hunter. Some of the Biblical content and interpretation of these movies may be questioned by Biblical scholars, but all are moving, yet different accounts of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and His impact on the world.
The very best of the Biblical Epics, in our opinion, is Ben-Hur (1959) from the book by Sir Lew Wallace. This classic movie blockbuster stars Charlton Heston (who else?) as Judah Ben-Hur. The movie subtitle is actually “A tale of the Christ” since the lives of Jesus and Judah Ben-Hur run parallel courses that intersect twice, each meeting involving a simple cup of water and life-giving hope. It is an unforgettable film of love and betrayal; hope and despair.
The magnificent chariot race is legendary, but the climactic Crucifixion scene and the storm that ensues is probably one of the most awe-inspiring of all film moments. Although we never see the face of Jesus, the impact of the few scenes in which His character appears is unbelievably moving. This epic motion picture, directed by William Wyler, is beautifully acted and spectacularly filmed. Ben-Hur is one of the finest movies ever made! See it soon!
**Trivia Question for today: William Wyler also directed Charlton Heston in a classic Western Epic. Can you name it? The answer will appear in our next blog. Don’t forget to check in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for more of our favorite films, actors, and trivia on “Let’s Talk Classic Movies”.
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