Ben-Hur (MGM, 1926). Folded, Very Fine+. First Release Swedish One Sheet (28" X 39.5") Eric Rhoman Artwork.. ...

Description

Ben-Hur (MGM, 1926). Folded, Very Fine+. First Release Swedish One Sheet (28" X 39.5") Eric Rhoman Artwork.
The novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ written in 1880 by Lew Wallace became one of the most successful novels in American history. After a highly profitable stage adaptation, MGM felt it was time to make the first full-length feature on the silver screen. Unfortunately, the shoot was extremely troubled: shooting on location in Italy amid rising political tensions, stalled production, firings and hirings, an accident during the sea battle which saw extras jump ship, and the difficult chariot race scene which saw a stuntman and a mass of horses lose their lives. With the high production costs of nearly $4 million (over $60 million today), Ben-Hur was the most expensive silent film ever made, and it would not be until the 1931 rerelease that the film was able to turn a profit. While its 1959 remake is better remembered, this film is a wonderful early example of the lavish productions MGM is known for, establishing it as a studio that would ensure quality at any expense. The visual elements that created the memorable chariot race sequence (which is depicted on this fantastic Swedish one sheet) once reached a total of 200,000 feet of celluloid that was ultimately cut down to 750. A monumental success, the race's opening sequence was re-created shot-for-shot in the 1959 remake, copied in the 1998 animated film The Prince of Egypt, and imitated by the pod race scene in the 1999 Star Wars: Episode I- Phantom Menace. Paving the way for future films to come, this lavish artwork capturing the action-packed chariot scene is illustrated by an equally trendsetting illustrator, Eric Rohman. The artist began illustrating posters around 1915 and remained a prolific Swedish poster designer until the 1940s. Unrestored, this rare original Swedish one sheet for the campaign displays in outstanding condition. The poster has very light fold wear and a few soft handling creases.


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