Year: 1968
Place: Prakash Cinema, Eldoret
Age: 9
The recent news of the transition of one of my favourite film actors, the rich voiced, burly James Earl Jones on Monday 9th September 2024, at Pawling, New York, United States, at the ripe age of 93 has unlocked a bounty chest of memories of how and when the movie bug first bit me.
Movies have evolved into catalytic agents of entertainment which inspire, educate and much more. It is one of the most creative and useful innovations that enable the human species to cope and express themselves as they explore thier imaginative realms of fantasy.
Simply put, a world without movies would be such a bore.
Movies watched during our childhood have immense effect on how our lives will unravel. Ranging from emotional connections, role model aspirations, unending heights of imagination and creativity. It is probably due to the latter that I was transformed from a comic reading introvert to a boisterous, lively theatre practitioner. Is it too much for you to comprehend why as a first year university student in India I was already negotiating with celebrity director Sir Richard Attenborough to participate in his classic “Gandhi”?
I had just joined the prestigious private Hill School located in the outskirts of Eldoret, as a Standard 4 primary school student. That one act of translocation by my loving parents has had tremendous consequences in my life. It was a sacrifice for them, but they did so because they wanted their first born to sup of the very best education that was available.
Hill School was indeed a very unfamiliar territory. It was the school for the ‘uppers’, predominately children of European or Indian extract, where we were adorned with bowler huts and blazers, with stockings held up with garters, and used pen holders to dip ink from an inkpot, followed by padding a blotter to suck the excesses! Here we played cricket and rugby which were unknown sports to my ilk. Hitherto my learning was in the more-friendlier environment of the African Union Primary located in Eldoret West area next to Kihuga Square, where such apparel was of no particular interest to the predominantly indigenous African folk.
It must have been the second term, or might have been the third, when were informed that our class would be taken for a cinema treat to watch the iconic “Ben-Hur.” Now, those who know, know; those who don’t, may want to consult https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben-Hur_(1959_film) and learn that “Ben-Hur is a American religious epic film directed by William Wyler, produced by Sam Zimbalist, and starring Charlton Heston as the title character.”
And what a movie it turned out to be, especially feasting on the marvelous acting by the late Charlton Heston. We laughed, screamed, cried, hugged and were annoyed to the core by the levels we were exported to. For sure, we were thrilled to bits and thoroughly entertained. For days thereafter, we animitedly replayed scenes of the film, especially that very captivating chariot race. I have watched that film countless of times and it never ceases to rekindle the same burst of raw excitement.
I am informed that “Following a $14.7 million marketing effort, Ben-Hurpremiered at Loew’s State Theatre in New York City on November 18, 1959. It was the fastest-grossing as well as the highest-grossing film of 1959, becoming the second highest-grossing film in history at the time, after ‘Gone with the Wind’. It won a record eleven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Wyler), Best Actor in a Leading Role (Heston), Best Actor in a Supporting Role(Griffith), and Best Cinematography – Color (Surtees); it also won Golden Globe Awards for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture for Stephen Boyd.”
How and why did that film succeed in make me soar to heights of delight, passion that singed an unforgettable memory scar in my developing brain?
The only other entertainment event of that magnitude that occupies such a powerful memory space happened much earlier when we lived in Fort Hall (present day Murang’a), when my dad had taken mum and I talk watch the thrilling “well of death” where a daring Indian motorbike rider scaled a silobarrel-shaped wooden cylinder, inside which he circled round and round the vertical wall, performing astonishing stunts, such as letting go of the bike’s handle bars while combing his hair! I now understand he was held in place by laws of friction and centrifugal force.
To answer the how, I am fortunate able to employ a more recent innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) which can rapidly scrap around the vast internet containing information on the amazing plot of the film, the breathtaking scenes and memorable levels of acting.
Here goes:
‘The plot is full of hope and potential of human destiny after the horrible ravages of the two world wars. The film is renowned for its epic scale, particularly the chariot race scene, and its themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. “Ben-Hur” traces the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jewish prince and merchant living in Jerusalem during the 1st century AD.
The plot unfolds as follows:
- Betrayal and Slavery: Judah’s childhood friend, Messala, returns to Jerusalem as a commanding officer of the Roman legions. Their differing political views lead to a fallout. During a parade, a roof tile accidentally falls from Judah’s house, injuring the Roman governor. Although innocent, Judah is betrayed by Messala, who condemns him to slavery and imprisons his mother and sister.
- Struggle and Revenge: Judah endures years as a galley slave but survives due to his resilience and a stroke of fate. He saves the life of a Roman commander, who later adopts him, giving Judah the means to return to Jerusalem.
- Chariot Race: Back in Jerusalem, Judah seeks revenge against Messala. This culminates in a dramatic and iconic chariot race, where Judah emerges victorious.
- Encounter with Jesus: Throughout his journey, Judah crosses paths with Jesus Christ, witnessing moments of his ministry. This encounter profoundly impacts Judah, leading him towards forgiveness and redemption.’
Charlton Heston is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time for several iconic roles on stage and film, including starring in some of the most memorable films in cinema history, including Ben-Hur. Why? He had a rare combination of valuable qualities of versatility, screen presence, dedication to the craft. The same can be said of his fellow actors, especially his powerful protagonist, Messala, excellently delivered by the late Jack Hawkins.
How did Heston do this? The actor lent to this leading role a rare level of:
- Emotional Depth: He brought a profound emotional intensity to the role. His portrayal of Judah’s journey from a nobleman to a slave and then to a man seeking revenge and redemption is filled with raw emotion and authenticity. This depth made Judah’s struggles and triumphs deeply relatable and moving.
- Physical Presence: His commanding physical presence was perfect for the epic scale of “Ben-Hur.” His tall, rugged build and strong features helped him embody the character’s strength and resilience, making his performance both powerful and believable.
- Versatility: Throughout the film, Heston skillfully navigates a wide range of emotions and situations, from moments of quiet introspection to intense action scenes. This versatility allowed him to fully capture the complexity of Judah’s character.
- Conveying of determination and desperation: Heston’s performance is highlighted by several iconic scenes, such as the chariot race, which remains one of the most thrilling sequences in cinema history. His ability to convey determination and desperation in these high-stakes moments added to the film’s dramatic impact.
- Commitment to the Role: Heston was known for his dedication to his craft, and this was evident in his portrayal of Judah Ben-Hur. He immersed himself in the character, bringing a level of authenticity and commitment that resonated with audiences.
- Moral and Spiritual Undertones: Heston’s performance effectively conveyed the moral and spiritual themes of the story. His interactions with characters like Jesus and his ultimate journey towards forgiveness and redemption added a profound layer to his portrayal.
It is these elements combined to create a performance that was not only compelling but also timeless, contributing significantly to the film’s enduring legacy, and thereby capturing and transforming a long African lad to dare venture into the creatives and unleash passion for the performing arts.
It is also for these very similar reasons, that “Gladiator” (2000) and “Titanic”(1997) rank next among my best all round films.
What thinks you? In your opinion, which movies that you have watched you think should join this prestigious list?
-Africa educates its Youth through Storytelling-
JPR is a Scientist, Author, Playwright, Blogger and Beekeeper, all rolled in one!’