When it was released in 1959, Beh Hur became the second highest grossing film in history (behind Gone With The Wind) - saving MGM from bankruptcy. It won an astonishing 11 Academy Awards, including best musical scoring by composer Miklós Rózsa.
It's good music for Easter. I hope that you (like we) are enjoying it with family.
Saw it at the Cinerama theater ( maybe on Washington Street, in Boston?) when it came out -- it was a class trip from grade school. I have watched it again with much enjoyment. Cinerama was a big deal back in the day.
ReplyDeleteJust watched "Ben Hur" last night. And, yes, the musical score was definitely Big Hollywood back when the music was inspired and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteWe're watching "Jesus Christ: Super Star" tonight.
And, yes, we have an Easter movie collection. "Risen" and "Son of God" are two modern movies that are totally awesome and powerful in their own way, well worth a watch.
We just watching "Jesus Christ: Super Star" and noticed something we never noticed before. After everyone (except the actor who played Jesus) got on board the bus and left, the camera switches to show a cross outlined against the setting sun. And below, in shadows, a shepherd leading his flock, almost ghostly in it. Something so easy to miss (especially since I'm usually bawling at this point.)
ReplyDeleteYeah, not about the music of Ben Hur, but still... not a bad musical at all. With some really deep imagery.
Any movie starring Charlton Heston cannot be bad.
ReplyDeleteDidn't network TV always show The 10 Commandments on Easter night, and the Wizard of Oz on Thanksgiving night?
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