That Movie Clip Wednesday urban trekker, Boxer is far too involved in recording the artistic elements of downtown Seattle. So it's the Milk River Madman that continues to take up the mantle that is MCW, the Meme where everyone picks a clip from their favorite movies based on a weekly theme and tries to keep the clip or clips to around 3 minutes long. This week's theme is FAVORITE MOVIE FROM THE 1950s. There were a lot of good movies made in the 50s like The Bridge on the River Kwai, Rebel Without a Cause and 12 Angry Men just to name a few.
But for my selection this week, I'm going back to my childhood (again).
My mother was pretty religious and encouraged us to watch religious themed movies. In fact, she bought me a book full of screen shots based on this movie. And that would be 1959's Ben-Hur. I'm not sure if this is based on an actual biblical story, but it's pretty cool just the same. It's sort of like an early version of Life of Brian. Bwahahaha This movie won 11 academy awards including best picture and best actor for Charlton Heston. The two best scenes are the naval battle and the chariot race. Interesting fact, the large island in the stadium made a backdrop of a stone wall and was cheaper to film than a backdrop of thousands of extras but it blocked a lot of people's views if they were real Roman spectators. The chariot race (a precursor to NASCAR?) is a bit long but is so spectacular that it's worth the watch - and no CGI here.
I'm curious to see what Karl comes up with because this is right in his wheelhouse. So head over to the Madman's to see some great old flicks.
14 comments:
I so nearly went with this! It was such a formative part of my childhood years. Great pick x
Good movie. NOT based on a Biblical event or person.
Okay. This is scaring me. Yet another Republitarded male actor that I have never been able to tolerate (although I admit to briefly finding CH appealing in The Planet of the Apes). And I'm a Republitard! On paper anyway. The gooberment won't let me vote as a member of the All Y'all Suck Party.
But I digress . . .
Great scene. The horses running four abreast at full speed, the chariots sliding. Great skills on display right there. Happy MCW.
Good evening buzz kill,
Great scene. The skill of the horsemen and effects like the blood on Heston's forehead progressing made it seem so realistic.
You're right about the naval battle it too was a very good scene. Ramming speed and You serve this ship are lines I still use.
Happy clip day, well played.
Joanna
Me too. It was on TV in the late 60s and early 70s around Easter I think.
Troll
Yeah but it does dance around the crucifixion and it had Charlton F-ing Heston in it - he was Moses!
Moi
Come on, it's Charlton F-ing Heston. Next week I'm going with Sylvester Stalone.
Madman
Granted those chariots aren't snowmobiles, but their almost as dangerous. Bwahahaha
Karl
This was an early action movie. And I hope you don't use the "You serve this ship" line on Mrs Karl. Bwahahaha
Just awesome! Amazing isn't it what people did, without special effects.
There's just something about these movies which really touch the heart and spirit.
Bruce Willis? I definitely dig Bruce Willis.
My favorite role with CH was with the NRA.
Somehow to me his acting is always, overacting.
The horses are amazing.
When was Guns of Navvarone?50's or 60's?
Yeesh, I was so busy with my photos, I missed MCW. I've never seen this movie, but I know it's a classic. I was more of a musical fan growing up and this just had a little too much action for me.
Sorry I didn't make it by on MCW to see this! Love Ben Hur. I was raised on movies like this. Totally great movie in all ways possible.
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