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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1101

Ben Hur

190715 minUnited States
AdventureDrama

Synopsis

Judah Ben-Hur's conflict with Roman power is presented through a succession of brief tableaux, from imprisonment to the challenge against Messala. The chariot contest becomes the climax, with spectators and passing teams supplying much of the impression of a larger race.

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Video edition
Wikimedia Commons
Original language
No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs
10:00
Subtitles
No subtitle track in this language

No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified. No subtitle track in this language.

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Sidney Olcott and Frank Oakes Rose · Public domain

This copy runs shorter than the reference runtime. Editing and playback speed can differ between editions.

Cast

DirectorsSidney Olcott

Behind the scenes

Kalem filmed the ancient setting outdoors in Brooklyn over a few days. This early adaptation compresses selected episodes from Lew Wallace's novel and omits the story's encounters with Christ.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film referenceWikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 15, 2026.

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