Dana and Tom with returning guest, Peterson W. Hill (Co-Host of the War Starts at Midnight podcast), and new guest, Kristin Battestella (Critic for In Session Film, Search Magazine, and Keith Loves Movies) discuss the epic Best Picture Winner Ben-Hur (1959) for its 65th anniversary: directed by William Wyler, written by Karl Tunberg, music by Miklos Rozsa, starring Charleton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, and Stephen Boyd.

Plot Summary: In an ancient world, nobleman Judah Ben-Hur is betrayed by his friend Messala, a Roman officer, and is cast into slavery. Judah endures brutal hardships, fueled by a burning desire for vengeance. He rises through sheer will and becomes a skilled charioteer, aided by Sheik Ilderim and his magnificent horses.

In a climactic race, Judah defeats Messala, reclaiming his honor. Along his journey, he encounters the Nazarene, whose teachings of love and forgiveness transform Judah’s quest from one of retribution to spiritual awakening. Thus, Judah’s tale becomes a timeless legend of courage, redemption, and grace.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Guest Introductions

01:45 Getting to Know - Kristin Battestella

04:19 Cast and Recognition for Ben-Hur

08:11 Relationship(s) with Ben-Hur

17:20 What is Ben-Hur About?

25:29 Oscar Legacy and Cultural Impact

29:27 Plot Summary for Ben-Hur

30:29 Did You Know?

32:40 First Break

33:28 What's Up with Kristin and Peterson

35:02 Ask Dana Anything

36:47 Best Performance(s)

53:38 Best/Favorite/Indelible Scene(s)

01:02:27 Second Break

01:03:21 In Memoriam

01:04:48 Best/Funniest Lines

01:08:11 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy

01:16:57 The Stanley Rubric - Impact/Significance

01:19:34 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty

01:22:45 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness

01:28:15 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability

01:38:07 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score and Final Total

01:39:22 Remaining Questions for Ben-Hur

01:46:50 Thank You to Our Guests

01:51:18 Credits

You can also get this episode in full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c99i7UBy9Ko

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For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/ben-hur-1959-ft-peterson-w-hill-and-kristin-battestella

For the entire rankings list so far, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/greatest-movie-of-all-time-list

Keywords:

Ben-Hur, film analysis, cinematic techniques, character analysis, cultural impact, rewatchability, legacy, themes, performances, direction

Ronny Duncan Studios