''Ben-Hur'', 1959 - art by Reynold Brown

by Retro Movie Posters

Title

''Ben-Hur'', 1959 - art by Reynold Brown

Artist

Retro Movie Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Posters

Description

A vintage movie poster reprint of ''Ben-Hur'', a 1959 epic historical film directed by William Wyler, starring Charlton Heston in the title role of Judah Ben-Hur and Jack Hawkins in a supporting role. This adaptation of Lew Wallace's 1880 novel "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" is one of the most iconic and beloved films in cinematic history.

The film follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince living in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus Christ. Betrayed by his childhood friend, Messala (played by Stephen Boyd), Judah is falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to a life of slavery on a Roman galley. His journey for revenge against Messala intertwines with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

"Ben-Hur" is celebrated for its epic scale and spectacular set pieces, most notably the thrilling chariot race sequence. This legendary sequence remains one of the most iconic and heart-pounding action scenes in cinematic history, featuring breathtaking stunts and intense competition.

Charlton Heston delivers a powerful and Oscar-winning performance as Judah Ben-Hur, capturing the character's physical and emotional transformation, from a wronged man seeking revenge to a man who finds redemption and forgiveness through his encounters with Jesus Christ.

The film's production values are remarkable, with grandiose sets, intricate costumes, and extensive attention to detail. The scale of the production, which includes the recreation of ancient Jerusalem and the massive coliseum for the chariot race, added to the film's epic nature.

"Ben-Hur" also explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and redemption through its portrayal of Jesus Christ, played by Claude Heater. The film's religious elements are intertwined with the larger narrative, providing depth and spiritual resonance.

Upon its release, "Ben-Hur" was a critical and commercial triumph, winning a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Its impact on the cinematic landscape is undeniable, as it set new standards for epic filmmaking and remains an enduring classic.

"Ben-Hur" is celebrated not only for its breathtaking action sequences and grand spectacle but also for its timeless themes of faith and redemption. Charlton Heston's iconic performance and the film's enduring legacy continue to captivate audiences to this day, making it one of the greatest achievements in the history of cinema.

About the artist:

William Reynold Brown (October 18, 1917 – August 24, 1991) was an American realist artist who painted around 250 Hollywood film posters. He was also briefly active as a comics artist and he worked as a technical artist at North American Aviation during World War II.

Following the war, Brown drew paperback book covers along with advertisements and illustrations for numerous magazines including Argosy, Popular Science, Saturday Evening Post, Boys' Life, Outdoor Life, and Popular Aviation.

Brown taught at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles before he started creating film posters. Among the dozens he designed was an original painting for The Alamo, which hung for years at the actual Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. Some of his other well-known posters at the time included How the West Was Won, The Incredible Shrinking Man, Dr. Zhivago, Ben Hur, Spartacus, Mutiny on the Bounty, and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Today, he is best remembered for his posters for The Creature From the Black Lagoon and the cult classic Attack of the 50-Foot Woman.

Brown's posters imparted a sense of cinematic adventure to movie theater lobbies across the country. The posters became popular due to his ability to portray movie scenes using a dramatic collage effect. Unlike earlier poster designers, he based his illustrations and compositions not on traditional graphic design but on the dynamic nature of popular filmmaking.

Although his posters were widely recognized and contributed to the success of many popular films, Brown, like other movie poster artists, was contracted to maintain his anonymity and could not sign his work.

In 1953, Brown cofounded the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles. He suffered a stroke in 1976, after which he spent the remaining years of his life on a 180-acre plot of land in Nebraska.

In 1994, a documentary about Brown was broadcast on television, titled The Man Who Drew Bug-Eyed Monsters. In addition, a book with many of his artworks was published in 2009, “Reynold Brown: A Life in Pictures.” According to a movie reviewer in Nebraska, as a result of the documentary, Brown and his colleagues are beginning to get the recognition they deserve, not only as talented artists but for their broader impact on popular culture.

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April 20th, 2021

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