The 1959 epic film Ben-Hur is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made. Starring Charlton Heston in the title role, it is known for its iconic chariot race scene. The question remains, did Heston really drive the horses in Ben-Hur? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question, and look at the other aspects of this film that make it so iconic.
Facts about Ben-Hur
- Ben-Hur was released in 1959 and was an instant hit, winning 11 Academy Awards.
- It was directed by William Wyler and based on the novel by Lew Wallace.
- Charlton Heston stars as the Jewish nobleman Judah Ben-Hur, and Stephen Boyd plays his Roman enemy Massala.
- The famous chariot race scene cost $1 million to produce and took three months to film.
Charlton Heston and Ben-Hur
Charlton Heston had been a well-known actor for some time before he was cast in Ben-Hur. He had starred in a number of films, such as The Ten Commandments and Touch of Evil, and was known for his strong presence on the screen. He was the perfect choice to play the lead character in Ben-Hur, and his performance was praised by critics and audiences alike.
Did Charlton Heston Drive the Horses in Ben-Hur?
The answer to this question is both yes and no. The chariot race scene in Ben-Hur was extremely complex and dangerous, and it was decided that it would be too risky to have Heston driving the horses himself. Instead, a stunt driver, Joe Canutt, was hired to take his place.
Stunt Driving in Ben-Hur
Joe Canutt was the son of famed stuntman Yakima Canutt and had been performing stunts since the age of 14. He had worked on several films, including The Ten Commandments and The Greatest Show on Earth. For Ben-Hur, he was hired to drive the chariot and perform the dangerous stunts in the race. He was so skilled that he was able to perform the stunts without any safety devices or trainers.
Stunt Double for Charlton Heston
In addition to Canutt, a stunt double for Heston was hired. This stunt double was Bob Anderson, who was an experienced stuntman and fencer. He was used in the chariot race scene to double for Heston and perform the stunts that the actor was unable to do himself.
The Iconic Chariot Race Scene
The chariot race scene in Ben-Hur is one of the most iconic scenes in film history. It was an incredible feat of filmmaking, with hundreds of extras and a large array of props and sets. It took three months to film and cost $1 million to produce.
The scene was filmed in Rome, and it was so intense that Heston and Canutt were both injured during filming. Despite the danger and the complexity of the scene, the final result was a masterpiece of cinema.
The Legacy of Ben-Hur
Ben-Hur has gone down in history as one of the greatest films ever made. It was a huge success at the box office and won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is still considered to be one of the best films of all time, and its iconic chariot race scene is one of the most memorable in cinema history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, did Charlton Heston really drive the horses in Ben-Hur? The answer is both yes and no. While Heston did perform some of the stunts in the chariot race scene, it was too dangerous for him to do all of them. Instead, a stunt driver and a stunt double were hired to take his place. Despite the danger and complexity of the scene, the final result was an iconic cinematic masterpiece that still stands the test of time.