THE ASTOR REVIEW

Set in the time of the Roman occupation of Judea, this is the story of two friends Judah Ben-Hur, a Jew, and Messala, a Roman, who become enemies. This complex story of love, hatred and retribution is interwoven with the major events in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Gargantuan 1959 MGM epic with powerful set pieces, including the hair raising chariot race. On the SuperScreen – projected in 70mm original film format. GF

IMDB SYNOPSIS

Judah Ben-Hur lives as a rich Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem at the beginning of the 1st century. Together with the new governor his old friend Messala arrives as commanding officer of the Roman legions. At first they are happy to meet after a long time but their different politic views separate them. During the welcome parade a brick falls down from Judah's house and barely misses the governor. Although Messala knows that they are not guilty he sends Judah to the galleys and throws his mother and sister into prison. But Judah swears to come back and take revenge.