- The one Arab of consequence is Sheik Ilderim, a jovial, horse-mad desert chieftain; he exists to supply the hero with a chariot team and comic enthusiasm for the race against Messala. The film's Romans and Jews carry the drama; its Arab is the entertainment.
Ben-Hur (1959)
film · 1959 American epic historical drama film by William Wyler
- Director
- William Wyler
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Distributors
- Loews Cineplex Entertainment, Netflix
- Runtime
- 222 min
- Genres
- epic film, drama film, action film, sword-and-sandal film
- Cast
- Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, Stephen Boyd
Findings (2)
- Sheik Ilderim, the film's one substantial Arab role, is played by the Welsh actor Hugh Griffith in dark makeup. The performance won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor: the year's most honored Arab character on screen was a white actor's impression of one.