William Wyler's 1959 biblical epic, starring Charlton Heston as a Jewish nobleman who becomes a galley slave and a champion charioteer, won 11 Academy Awards — a record, since tied by "Titanic" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King."
But it wasn't the first adaptation of Lew Wallace's novel (there was a silent version in 1925), and it isn't the last.
Director Timur Bekmambetov ("Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter") is applying all the modern tricks to the classic story, including adding special effects to the trademark chariot race that (based on the advance footage) could rival Wyler's for white-knuckle action.
"For the first time in 3-D, we will tell this story to a new generation," actor Jack Huston, who plays Heston's old role, said at the recent CinemaCon in Las Vegas.
"Ben-Hur" hits theaters on Aug. 19. See the full list of movies set for this summer at www.sltrib.com/entertainment/3817653-155/summer-movie-preview-blasts-from-the .
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