With apologies to both William Wyler, a great director, and Stephen Boyd, the best Messala ever, this original film is head and shoulders better than the 1959 version. I can probably assume it is also better than the 2016 version that I have not seen. Overall, this is a much more lively film that actually touches the heart. Ramon Novarro brings Judah to life as a multi-dimensional human being.. He is far superior to Heston, who won the Oscar for best actor.There is a sweetness to Novarro's portrayal of Judah that meshes nicely with his anger and need for vengence.. Francis X Bushman is also excellent as Messala but lacked showing both the charming and vicious sides of Messala. Boyd was beyond amazing in this role and his on screen presence totally eclipsed the wooden Heston (probably why Boyd wasn't even nominated for an Oscar; it wasn't his turn). Technically, for its time this film hits a grand slam. You can see that many of the scenes from the '59 film came from the original! A little added spice was the inclusion of Iras, the Egyptian mistress of Messala. It is a small part that definitely added some energy. If you liked the 1959 film, you will love, love, love the original.
Review of Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
