(melancholy music) - I'm Charlton Heston. I'd like to tell you story. The tale of Ben-Hur has been
around for over 120 years. It was written in
the 19th century, by a man named Lew Wallace,
a Civil War general, then stationed at a
remote Indiana outpost. A famous Union commander,
he fought at Shiloh, Monocacy, and Cincinnati. General Wallace was
no stranger to war. He could've written stories
of battle and conquest, but instead, he chose to tell us a tale of faith,
and forgiveness. A story of a brave
Hebrew prince, and how his life was
changed by Jesus Christ. In 1880, the first edition
of Wallace's novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the
Christ, was published. It was the first American novel to sell more than
a million copies. And in the 1890s, it was
made into a stage play, where the famous chariot
race was performed with horses on a treadmill. This production
toured the nation, and became a staple of
the American theater. Ben-Hur has also been
adapted three times for film, including a silent movie
with Roman Navarro, and even as a musical. Widely translated
into many languages, Ben-Hur is a classic
tale of love, forgiveness, and redemption,
known throughout the world. I'm pleased to present to you, the animated version of
this wonderful story, based on the original
novel by Lew Wallace. Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The Roman Empire stretched from Scotland across
the Mediterranean, as far as the Arabian Desert, and tightened its grip on
the holy city of Jerusalem. The Hebrew people lived
under Roman oppression, but there were rumors of
a great king, a messiah, who would be born to deliver
them out of suffering. It was in this time of
great turmoil, and yet hope, when a man rode alone into
the heart of the desert, at great speed, without
words, without rest. (uptempo music) - We are far from
home, but have faith. God is with us. Hmm, they will come. (groanin) (crackling) (melancholy music) (chattering) (laughing) - Joseph of Nazareth! - Ah, Rabbi Samuel. - What brings you
here to Jerusalem? - We're on our way to Bethlehem. - Bethlehem? That's miles from here. - We've been ordered
to our birthplace to be counted for
Caesar's taxation. - Your companion
is most beautiful. - [Joseph] She is my wife, Mary. - Is she with child? - The journey has
been hard on her, especially in the
cold of winter. - But, Joseph, you do
not travel tonight. - Oh, I'm afraid we must. - But the winds are freezing. - Oh, good rabbi,
we have no choice. (dramatic music) (wind roaring) Can you go on? - Of course. (donkey brays) (chattering) - Sir, I beg you. My wife and I have traveled far. Is there a room in your inn? - No there is not. - Perhaps you know
me or my father, I am Joseph of Nazareth,
a son of David. - Then it pains me even more
to turn you away, son of David. There's nothing I can
do, there's no room. - Please! I beseech you,
the night is cold, and my wife is with child. - Oh, uh, perhaps there is
something I can do. I apologize, it's not much. - We are most grateful. - Peace be with you. - And also with you. - And how is the
little one doing? - She's growing strong and
well by her mother's side. - That's good to hear. - Yeah, it's hard to believe
she's already six months old. (thunder booms) - [Man] Whoa, whoa, easy, easy! - [Man] The sky is on fire! (screaming) - Fear not, for I bring
tidings of joy for all people. - An angel, sent by God! - Unto you this day,
a child is born, a savior who is
Christ, our Lord. (angelic music) - Look! (gentle music) - Sir, I ask you, do
you know where is He? Born to be the Messiah? - I don't know what you mean. - Balthazar, do you see it? - Let us go! It is a sign! (melancholy music) Sir, I beg you. Have you heard of
a new born babe? - You seek Him also? Follow us. (melancholy music) - It is He. Our Messiah. - We have brought Him gifts of
gold, frankincense and myrrh. (angelic music) - [Charlton Heston] While
the Wise Men and shepherds worshiped the child
with their whole hearts, not all were pleased with news, especially cruel-hearted
King Herod. - Mystics, doctors,
astronomers and scientists. I have called you
here at this late hour for one purpose only. I have heard talk of a new King of the Jews. Who is this supposed king? (whispering) - Are you not King of
the Jews, your highness? - Of course I am, fool. I want to know the whereabouts of this imposter. - Sire, I have heard
news from Bethlehem. Three wise men were
seen asking for a child. - A child? In Bethlehem? Then I order all the first-born
male children of Judea under the age of two
to be killed at once. (ominous music) Go! (horses whinny) - [Charlton Heston] In
the middle of the night, an angel of the Lord
came to Joseph in a dream and warned him. - Joseph, arise. Take the young child
and His mother and flee into Egypt, for Herod
seeks a newborn babe to destroy him. - Mary, I've had a dream. - Huh? - We are in grave danger. We must leave this
place at once. - [Charlton Heston] King
Herod's soldiers scoured the land mercilessly
in search of the child, but Joseph and Mary
fled with Jesus safely into Egypt, unharmed. (dramatic music) - [Charlton Heston]
And so it came to pass that years later, in
the city of Jerusalem, there lived a
young Hebrew prince by the name of Judah Ben-Hur. (melancholy music) (water rushing)
(birds chirping) - [Miriam] What are
you doing, my son? - Waiting for Messala. He should be here soon. - Be careful, Judah. Five years in the Roman
army can change a man. - Don't worry, Mother,
Messala could never change. - You must never forget
that he is a Roman, and you are a Jew. - He's been my best friend
as long as I can remember. How can five years in
any army change that? - I hope, for your
sake, it doesn't. (pounding) - It's him. - Esther will get the door. - Messala! - Hello, Judah. It's been a long time. You know, Judah, you
should join the army. There are so many adventures,
so many battles to be won. - I would rather stay here and continue my
studies in the temple. - Look at me, I've
already been promoted as head Centurion under
the new procurator, Valerius Gratus. And you'd rather waste
away reading books? - It is my duty. - And what of adventure, Judah? What of your own life? - My life is here with
my mother and my family. - Someday that'll change. - [Judah] Will it? - Remember when we
used to race from here all the way down to the tower? - We were only boys. - I always won. - You always cheated. - Is that so? Race you. - Messala. (uptempo music) (crashing) - My figs! My precious figs! Gah! (breathing heavily) - I win. I win. - You were lucky. This time. (melancholy music) I looted this fine
trophy in Sardinia. What a victory that was. - Mmmm, it's very gold. - I can't wait 'til I get to
use this beauty in battle. (thuds)
(dramatic music) What's wrong, Judah? Jealous? - Why should I be jealous? - Well, for one thing,
you'll never know the thrill of victory as I have. - I know victory well. But it's the victory
of the heart, rather than battle. (laughing) - Were you always this elegant? Now, wait, Judah. Please, have a seat my friend. You know, Judah, you could
be of great service to me and the Roman Empire. - The empire? - Yes. You could help identify
those Hebrew zealots who threatened Jerusalem. You could bring
peace to this region, once and for all. - And betray my own people? No, Messala, you can't
ask me to do that. - It's Rome that asks you. - And Jerusalem replies. No. - Hmmm. I pity you, Judah, living
a simple Hebrew life without opportunities,
always praying to the same imaginary God. - The God of Israel
is the one, true God. - Tah! There are many gods, but
the greatest is Mars, Roman God of War. - Do you mock me,
Messala, or my faith? - There is no such
thing as faith. - Hmmm, you've changed Messala. - And I'm sorry to
say, you have not. - I wish I had not come. I sought a friend,
and instead I found... - A Roman. - [Judah] You were
right about Messala. - [Miriam] I'm so sorry, Judah. - Don't be. Today I thought of
a great many things I had never considered before. - Go on. - Tell me, Mother, what is it you wish me to be? - Haven't I already
told you, Judah? You are to be my hero. - No, how will I
find my profession? Shall I follow in my
father's footsteps? - You will know when
the time is right. - But how will I know? Messala's now a Centurion
and I've completed my years of study in the temple. - Trust God, and
He will guide you. - The Romans treat our
people like slaves. If only I could do something. If I could change that. - Oh, have faith my son. For I have heard of a man
who they say will be called the Messiah. He will be our king. - A king? Sent by God? - Yes, so I have heard. - Well, and I'll become
a soldier for this king. I will serve him in God's army. - Your father died not
five years ago at sea. I could not bear it if-- - If it is God's will? - Do what you must. You have my blessing. - Thank you, Mother. - But be sure, Judah,
whatever you do, that you serve God. - I promise. I will, I will. (melancholy music) - Here you are, sir. - Esther, you don't have to-- - Shall a slave not
serve her master? - Not when she's
mistress of my own heart. - Judah. You are a prince
and I'm only a-- - What? A slave? - Yes. - Esther, all the
princesses in the world couldn't compare to you. - Judah, please. - You are more
beautiful than ever. - I must go, I'm
wanted in the kitchen. (birds chirping) - Guess who? - Judah! (giggling) - What are you doing
up so early, sister? - Waiting for the
Roman procession. I like to see the horses. - And the soldiers, no doubt. - No. (thudding) - Guess what? - What? - How would you like
it if your big brother joined the army? - But you will be killed. - Not all soldiers
are killed, Tirzah. Tirzah? - They're here! (dramatic music) - People of Jerusalem. I give you your new
procurator, Valerius Gratus. (chattering) - Here, Judah. Get a better look. - To the great
the glory of Rome. - To the glory of Rome! (horses whinny) - Look. Is it Messala? - Watch out. (crashes) (clamoring) - Leave us alone! - Go back to Rome! (crashing)
(clamoring) (whinnying) - Oh, no, Judah. What's going to happen to us? - I don't know. Run. - Open up in the name of Caesar. (thudding) - Esther, hide. Mother. Let go. - Hello, Judah. - Messala. Thank God. - He is the one who tried
to kill Valerius Gratus. Take him away. - It was an accident! Messala, you know me. - Take them away. Have the women
imprisoned in the tower. - No! Don't hurt my mother and sister. They've done nothing wrong! - Take him to the galleys. Guards, have this house
sealed like a tomb. No one in it will escape
and no one outside will ever enter again. - Messala! (clanking) - Let this be a
lesson to all Hebrews who challenge the Roman Empire. (melancholy music) - On slaves, to the sea! (breathing heavily) - But the sea is,
it's miles from here. - Quiet! Halt. You may drink. No! Not you, Jewish slave! (thuds) - Please, water. - I said not you. (cracking) You there, what are you doing? (angelic music) (slurping) Enough! Onward! (dramatic music) - [Charlton Heston] Five
long years Judah was forced to live the life of
a slave on a Roman galley. Yet, still he remembered
the kindness of the stranger and never lost his faith
and his will to live. (mumbling) - [Man] Master! - [Master] 88, do
you want the whip? (groaning) - Captain. - Onward full staff. - I can't, I can't go on. - You must. If you don't, you'll die. - I'm dead already. - Lazy slave, row! - Don't give up, keep rowing. (cracking) - On! Full staff. - Thank you. - Soldier? - Yes, sir. - Tell me, who is that slave? - Number 60, sir. - Unchain him and have him
sent to my chamber at once. - Unchain him, sir? - You heard my orders. Here, eat. (grunting) You have not eaten well
for many days, I assume. What is your name? - Number 60. - No, your real name. How came you to the galleys? - I was accused of a
crime I did not commit. - Did you have a trial? - A trial? My family's fortune was stolen. My mother and sister
were taken away. I know not where. - And how long ago was this? - Five years. - Five years? No one survives the
oars of a Roman galley for more than six months. - My faith in God
has kept me alive. - And tell me, Hebrew slave, would you give up this faith, even if it meant your freedom? - God is my freedom. - You seem to be of noble birth. - I am Judah Ben-Hur
of Jerusalem. - Can it be? The noble Hebrew family? - You know me? - I knew your father
in his travels to Rome. - Tell me, have you
heard news of my family? - I have not. Perhaps I will speak
with you again. (dramatic music) - Row, slave. - You're unchained. - Yes. - Why? - I don't know. (grunting) You smell that? He's praying to his gods. We're going into battle. - Battle? - To arms! Man your posts! Prepare for battle! (thudding)
(dramatic music) Shoot your arrows! Again! (fire crackling) (tense music) (crashing) (screaming) - If this ship goes
down, so do we. - Rally behind me! Prove to me your Roman worth! (shouting) (dramatic music) - You! Number 60. Where do you think you're going? (coughing)
(shouting) - Arrius! (screaming) (coughing) - Tell me. Who is winning? - I can't tell. - Look, there is
one left afloat. Is it a Roman ship? - How can I tell? - By the flags. - There are no flags. - Then you'll have to kill me. - But I can't kill you. - I am too old for dishonor. Here, take this ring. Tell them Quintus Arrius
went down with his ship. Tell them I died a noble death. Let me die. - No! It's against God's law. - God's law? - Ah! I see the sails! - What are they? - I can't, I can't make
it out through the smoke. - Red or black? Red or black? - Red. - It is Roman. Red sails, do you swear? - See for yourself. - We are saved. (dramatic music) (cheering) Oh, people of Rome. I give to you my adopted son. Once a Jewish galley slave, he shall now be known
as Son of Arrius. (cheering) - [Charlton Heston] For
three years, Judah studied the Roman traditions,
arts and customs. He became a refined and
well-respected Roman citizen. - Excellent young Arrius. (clapping) - Well done, my son, well done. - [Charlton Heston] He
excelled in all the Roman military sports. - One. Two. Three. - [Charlton Heston] He
drove the finest horses in the chariot races
of Rome and often won. He was truly the pride and joy of his adoptive
father, Quintus Arrius. - My son. - [Charlton Heston] But
Arrius knew that even with all these luxuries,
Judah was not happy. (birds cawing) - It's almost time for dinner. - Oh, thank you, Arrius. - Judah, I do not understand. I have given you everything
a man can give a son. Riches, luxury and prestige. - And I thank you for that. Don't think I am not grateful. - But Judah, you seem
so distant these days, as if something
is troubling you. - My mother and sister. I wonder what's become of them, if they're even alive. - Perhaps someday we
shall hear word of them. - I pray every
night that I will. (melancholy music) - Cassius! - My lord. - I have a task for you. It is of the utmost importance that you complete
it in total secrecy. - Secrecy, sir? - Here are my orders,
and above all else, Cassius, be sure that my son
never hears word of this. - Yes, my lord. - [Charlton Heston]
And so, Arrius' servant traveled as far as the prison
of Antonia in Jerusalem to carry out his orders. - There's no record
of them, sir. - Then take me to
the lowest chambers. I want to see every last
inch of this prison. - Yes, sir. (clanks) - What is this cell? - This wall has been sealed
for over eight years, sir. There's two cellmates inside, extremely dangerous criminals. - Well, are they dead? I've heard no one survives
more than three years, here. - You have heard correctly. Yet, each day a plate of
food is placed by the wall and the next day
it's returned empty. - No one knows who they are? - No one on my watch has
been here long enough, sir. - Hello? (whimpering) Hello? Is anyone still alive? - [Woman] Yes! Miriam of Israel, trapped
here with her daughter. Help us, or we will die. (crashing) - Look, there. - Mother! We are saved. - Tirzah, stay back. (whimpering) - Unclean. Unclean. - Oh, whores! - Gods! Lepers. Get thee gone to the
valley of the lepers! (dramatic music) - [Tirzah] I'm
frightened, Mother. - Have faith, for
God is with us. I told you we would
be rescued, did I not? - [Tirzah] May we never go home? - [Miriam] No, for
you and I both know there are two kinds of
death in this world, those who are buried and
those who are lepers. - Will we ever see Judah again? - Let us pray not. We would never want
to make him ill. (melancholy music) (gasp) - Miriam. Tirzah! You live! - Unclean. Unclean. - Please let me put
my arms around you. Let me hold you. - No, stay back. Do you want to suffer as we do? - Esther, do you know if
my brother is still alive? What has become of Judah? - I wish I knew, but I do not. - If he is, swear that you
will never let him know what has happened to us. - But, I couldn't-- - I will not have all my
family sick with leprosy. You must swear it, Esther. - I swear. (melancholy music)
(whinnies) - Cassius, you have news? - Yes, sir. - Are they dead? - Worse. We didn't find them
in the (mumbles) but it turns out they've
been there for five years and they're lepers. They've been sent to the
valley of the lepers. - Speak of this to no one. - [Charlton Heston] Each
night, Judah found it more and more
difficult to sleep. He often awoke
from fitful dreams. - Oh. Oh! Oh. - [Charlton Heston]
He knew he could stay in Rome no longer. - Arrius. You know you've been
like a father to me. - I have tried. - More than that. You've done more
for me than anyone. - But what is it, Judah? - [Judah] I must leave here now. I must go in search
of my family. - [Arrius] But, your
home is here, in Rome. - I know, but I can't
stay here wasting away in idle pleasures while
my mother and sister may be alive. - And if they are not? - I must be sure. - Judah, there is only
misery and suffering outside of Rome. How will I protect you? - God will protect me. - Then go, my son. But promise me one thing. - Anything. - Be safe. (dramatic music) - I can tell you a
tale of Jerusalem. There once was a
great Hebrew prince. His father was a merchant
who traveled the world. He died at sea by
the hand of pirates. The son lived with
his mother and sister for several years, but
he was accused of trying to kill the Roman procurator. The family's fortune was stolen and their house plundered. Now, that is a sad story. - Excuse me, sir? - Yes. - Do you know the name
of the Hebrew prince? - Oh, I believe it was Judah, son of Hur. - Do you know what
happened to him? - The boy was sent
to the galleys. He's dead. - What of his mother
and sister, then? The family servants,
any news of them? - Oh, they most likely
died in their prison cells. - Thank you. (melancholy music) (laughing) Get out of here! (footsteps) (crashes) - Judah. - Peace, joy and happiness. I promise you peace,
joy and happiness. - My father is dead. My mother and sister are gone. God has forsaken me,
and you offer me joy? - Oh, yes and total
oblivion, too. Where you may say? At the Groves of Daphne. - The Groves of Daphne? - Have you never been there? Oh, drown your worries
in the sweet nectar of the gods, taste lotus
fruits and earthly delights. Ho ho, pray to Jupiter and Venus since your Hebrew
god has failed you. - Idolatries against my faith. - And where's your
faith got you, then? You said so yourself. Your family's gone. - Yes. - Then, count this day as
the happiest of your life. (laughing) Go. - Can I offer you fruit? I've been told they're
sweeter than Dionysis himself. Taste. - Thank you, kind lady. I'm not hungry. - Mmm, why not? - You remind me of
my beautiful Esther whom I may never see again. (dramatic music)
(cheering) - Run, fly! Do you hear, my children? They are desert born
like yourselves. - Who is that man? - Sheik Ilderim. A mighty man of the desert. Owner of great Arabian horses, descended from the
stable of the Pharoahs. - Catch them, quick! Fool! Fool I was to put my
trust in a Roman driver. Grrr. (dramatic music)
(cheering) - It cannot be! My friend, my enemy. Messala. - Look at his camel. It's white as snow. - Who owns such a rare beast? He must have great riches. (whinnying)
(screaming) - Make way! - Have mercy. - Whoa. (whinnying) - Don't you know who I am? I am a Roman Centurion. - I could never
forget you, Messala. - Judah? Judah Ben-Hur? - Hello, friend. It's been a long, long time. - I thought you were-- - I have one request of you. Where is my family? Are they alive? Dead? (laughing) - I'm surprised you
survived, Judah, really I am. But your family, I'm
sorry, I have no idea. - Tell me! I'd kill you now if only
you didn't hold the secret. - Where is your god now, Judah? Even he couldn't save them. - Oh, oh, young man,
I owe you my life. I am Balthazar of Egypt. You handle horses well. Can you drive a chariot? - I can. - The Roman drivers have
no passion, no soul. My Arabians are
faster than the wind. They require a driver who
understands their fire, their wild desert spirit. - Your driver knew
not how to pace them. - As I told them
many, many times. - The reins were too
loose at the start and too tight at the finish. - Ah, so true! Balthazar, where did
you find this man? - I told you. - Ah, who cares? Next Saturday is
the chariot race against that dog, Messala and
I am looking for a driver. - Against Messala? - Yes, the Roman,
do you know him? - Messala is an
old enemy of mine. If you're willing,
I'll drive for you. - An enemy? Ha, even better. I will show you my
beauties tomorrow. If they take to you,
you shall be my driver. - My friend Ilderim
is a bit eccentric, but he has a great heart. - I can tell. - Do you know the stars, Judah? - I'm afraid I don't. - Once, I followed a star all the way to Bethlehem. It led me to a child of God. Born King of the Jews. - King of the
Jews, are you sure? - I knew Him from the
moment I laid eyes on Him. I pray that I shall
see Him again. - Who is He? Does He seek servants,
soldiers in His army? - No, Judah, for His
kingdom is on the earth, but not of it. Not of men, but of men's souls. - What do you mean? - He is the King of our hearts, of love and
forgiveness, not war. - I still don't understand. - Perhaps someday you will. (laughing) - They are horses of
the pastures of Persia, of measureless sands
and timeless mountains. Named after the stars
under which they were born. (whistling) Come, my beauties! Rigel, Altair,
Aldebaran, Antares, what do you think of
your new driver, eh? (whinnies) (laughing) Yes, I quite agree. Ha, shall I get the chariot? - No, I'll drive them like this. - Like this? - Yes, all I need are the reins. - Are you sure? No chariot? - Quite sure. - But, how will you drive them? - I'll drive them like this. (dramatic music) - Careful, Judah! They are fast like the wind
and stronger than thunder! Judah! Judah! - What do you think? - Oh, you have the job. Are you nervous? - No. - Are you sure
you're not nervous? Oh, look, there they are. (dramatic music) (cheering) Look! There are spikes on his wheels! It is illegal! - On your mark. - They must stop. Look at his chariot. - Silence, everyone! - Come to ride in the
little race, Judah? - Easy, easy. (laughing) - Where's your whip, Judah? You'll need it! (dramatic music) (cheering) - Careful, Judah,
hold them back. (screaming) (gasping) Bah! I can't see! I can't see! (crashing)
(screaming) (groaning) - My beauties! (cheering) Go, go, go! - Pull away, you must! - Never! (crashing)
(screaming) - Messala. - You will go down in history as the swiftest horses on Earth. You are as timeless as the stars I named you by. Judah, where are you going? - How is he? Will he survive? - If he lives, he'll
never walk again. - You did this to me. - No, Messala. (melancholy music) - Judah. - Leave me alone,
Balthazar, please. - There's a young
woman here to see you. - Then tell her to go. - But, Judah, she
says she knows you. - Judah! - Esther, I thought
you were dead. - No, no, I thought
you were dead. - But they sealed up the house. There's no way you
could have survived. - But I did survive, Judah. And I've lived there ever since. Judah, I have traveled so
long and far to find you. - Esther. Can you be real? - Can you? - Esther. What of my mother and sister? Have you heard news of them? I've come back to find them. - Judah. They are dead, both of them. - What? How did you hear this? - I, I saw it, with my own eyes. - Oh, I know in my
heart they are alive. It cannot be. - They are gone, Judah. - No, no. (weeping) - [Charlton Heston] Grief
stricken by the news of his mother and sister's
death, Judah returned home with Esther to
Jerusalem, to the house that had once known so
much joy and laughter that now knew only sorrow. Esther tried everything
she could to console him, with her love, with
prayer but nothing could lift Judah
from his despair. (melancholy music) And all the while, Esther
secretly knew the truth. Every morning, she would
steal out to the well to bring food for
Miriam and Tirzah. She had given them her word that Judah would never know, now nothing could make
her break her promise. Then, one day a visitor arrived. - Judah. - Balthazar, what
brings you here? - Judah, I bring wonderful news! I have found Him in the desert. - Who? - The Christ. He is here now, among us. (weeping) - Esther, why do you weep? - I fear I shall
never see you again. - We must put our faith
in God now, Esther. - Please be careful, Judah. The desert is no place
for a young prince. - I am no longer a prince. - Oh, but you are my prince. - God be with you. - [Charlton Heston]
For days on end, Judah and Balthazar
traveled the farthest reaches of the desert in search of the man who would
be called Christ. (dramatic music) - Don't be discouraged, Judah. We will find Him. - How will we know
Him when we see Him? - We will know. - Will He ride with
a great procession? Will He have an army? - He will not arrive
clothed in purple with a golden scepter. Instead, look for one poor,
humble and indistinguishable. - You talk in riddles
again, Balthazar. - Do I? Ah, He's not a king,
but a savior of souls. He will lead mankind
into eternal life. - I want to be a
soldier in His army. I will help put an end
to the Roman Empire once and for all. - We shall see. (angelic music) I would know Him anywhere. Behold! The Lamb of God, who taketh
away the sins of the world. - Balthazar. Surely, I've seen
this man before. - Pray with me, Judah. It is He. - [Charlton Heston]
They followed Jesus to Capernaum and Galilee
where He gathered 12 men as His disciples. - Follow me, and I shall
make you fishers of men. (chattering) - [Charlton Heston] They
listened as He taught the multitudes love and
kindness, rather than war. - Blessed are the meek, for
they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger
and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. - [Charlton Heston]
He healed the lepers, the sick and the lame. - Oh, Lord, if Thou wilt. - I will. Be clean. (gasping) - [Man] It is a miracle! - [Charlton Heston] His fame
spread throughout the land, but once again, not
all were pleased. The Hebrew priests
felt threatened by His fame with the people and came to Pontius
Pilate, governor of Judea, for an order to arrest Him. - Who is this man,
this Jesus of Nazareth? - The people say
He heals the sick, casts out devils
and raises the dead. (chuckling) - No man can do this. It must be trickery. - Some say He has
come to deliver them. They call Him King and Messiah. - What? A king? - That is what they say. - And what do you think we
should do about this Jesus? - He must be arrested. - Why? What harm has this man done? - He is a troublemaker, my lord. He incites the
people against Rome, and against you. - Then put Him on trial
before the people, but I wash my hands of this. - Very well. I will have the guards
arrest him at once. - No, it is the Passover feast. Let Him celebrate with
the people tonight. Afterwards, bring Him to me. - With pleasure, my lord. - [Charlton Heston] And so
it came to pass that Jesus and His disciples
returned to Jerusalem for the Passover feast
and Judah returned home. - Judah, it's you. - I know in my heart
He is the Son of God. He has come to deliver us. - But how do you know? - Esther, if you
could only have seen. He has performed such miracles. - It is true! He raised a man from the dead, and restored sight to the blind. - He even cured the lepers
with a single touch. I saw it with my own eyes. - Oh, God, the lepers? - Esther, what's wrong? - Are you sure of this,
that he healed the lepers? Cured them completely? - Yes, completely. They walked away
in perfect health. Why do you look so pale? - Oh, Judah. There's something
I've kept from you. - What is it? - I didn't mean to
lie, it was a promise. I swore to them. - To who? - Your mother and
your sister are alive. - What? Can it be? - I swore to them
you would never know. They are lepers. (melancholy music) - Drink, Tirzah, you must. - I can't. Let me die. - We must not lose hope. God is with us. - It can't be them. Tirzah, Mother! You live. - No, Judah, stay back. Unclean! Unclean! We are lepers! Judah! Oh, dear God! Have mercy. - Don't be afraid, Mother. Tirzah. - Judah. You are doomed, like us. - No, have faith. There is a man you must meet. He's called the Messiah. - The Messiah? - I'll take you to Him! (stomping) - [Charlton Heston] Judah
took them through the streets in Jerusalem, searching
for any sign of Jesus, but to no avail, for it was the night
of the Passover feast and Jesus and His
disciples gathered together for the Last Supper. - Verily I say unto you,
one of you shall betray me. - Master, say it isn't so. - Is it I? - Is it I? - You have said it. Take, eat. This is my body. Drink, for this is my
blood of the New Testament. - [Charlton Heston]
That night, Pilate's men prepared to arrest Him, for
He was already betrayed. - How much will I get for it? - 30 pieces of silver. - I will lead you to Him. It is done. (stomping) - Judah, I'm frightened. Why are there so many guards? - Stay close,
Tirzah, take my hand. We should go back home. - Judah, look. - Judah, I found you. - Balthazar, what's wrong? - It's Jesus of Nazareth. They have orders to arrest him. - On what grounds? - Sedition, heresy,
Judah, I fear something terrible will happen. - Balthazar, you must gather
a band of the strongest men, an army of the faithful. If He is captured,
we will set Him free. Go, there's no time. I must warn Him. - Be careful, Judah. (melancholy music) - Master, they have
orders to arrest you. Hurry, they're here for you. - Whom seek ye? - Jesus of Nazareth. - I am he. - Hail, Master. (kisses)
(dramatic music) - Judas betrayest thou the
Son of Man with a kiss. - Bind him. - No, you can't bind Him. This man has done nothing wrong. - Ah! - Put up thy sword
into thy shield. The cup which my
Father hath given me. Shall I not drink it? - Why doesn't His God save Him? If He is truly the
Messiah, let Him rise up. - He is traitor to
the Roman Empire. - Master, do you go
of your own whim? Tell me, for I
will gather an army of soldiers to save you. - He is one of them. Club Him, kill Him. - Go, my son. It is my Father's will. - [Charlton Heston]
Jesus was condemned to death by crucifixion. But Judah did not lose hope. The next morning, he scanned
the streets of Jerusalem, seeking all the faithful
to join his army. - Balthazar, where
are the others? - The rest do but
follow the priests. - Seeking what? - To kill Him. - And this is all? This is my army? - The rest would not come. - There must be more. - I will go with you. - He's a cripple. What can he do? - Messala! - Can you ever forgive me? (crowd chattering) - Oh, Judah. - Dear Lord, it is a
dreadful day for the world. - Unnh! (laughing) - He is the one who offered
me drink when I lost hope. - Judah, no. (melancholy music) - I cannot bear to look. - Oh, God. - See? I told you, he's only a man! (laughing) If He is truly the Son of God, why doesn't His God save Him? - Quiet! - Look away, shhh. Look away. - I witnessed His birth. I never dreamed I
would see His death. The sky turns black at noon. Good God! - I'm frightened. - Something terrible
is about to happen. (weeping) - Forgive them, Father. They know not what they do. - Dear Lord, how could they? (tense music)
(thunder rolling) - Messala. - Judah. - Tirzah, have faith. - But it's terrible. How can I have faith? - Pray with me, Tirzah,
Esther, Mother, everyone. Pray. It is done. (thunder booming)
(rain pattering) No, Esther, don't look up. Keep praying, keep praying. - Judah, look. - What is it? - Is it a miracle? (weeping) - Oh, praise God. - Praise God. Judah, we are healed. - Mother, Tirzah. (laughing) Praise be to God. - [Charlton Heston] And
Judah's faith was fulfilled. Three days later, Jesus arose
from the tomb, resurrected. (weeping) - Woman, why do you weep? - Master, you are alive. - [Charlton Heston] He
appeared before His disciples, and restored their faith. - Peace be unto you. - Master. - [Charlton Heston] He
taught them the true meaning of the scriptures
and blessed them, and 40 days later, Jesus
Christ lifted up his hands in prayer, and
ascended to Heaven amid the voices of angels. And so it was that many
years later joy and laughter filled the Hur
household once again, and Judah and
Esther were married. - The children are waiting. - [Charlton Heston]
And every year, Judah would gather
the children together and tell them the
tale of Christ, so that they might
know and remember and tell the story for
generations to come. (dramatic music) - Ben-Hur is a tale of love,
forgiveness, redemption and the power of faith. It's author, Lew Wallace, died
in Crawfordsville, Indiana in 1905, but his story lives on. Five years after his
death, the state of Indiana honored him with a
statue in the capitol. It's been said that
Ben-Hur brought millions to their feet to cheer
and more millions to their knees to pray. I hope you enjoyed it as well. I'm Charlton Heston. Thank you for watching. (dramatic music)
