Ben-Hur is the fictional story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Judean aristocrat who, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus, is enslaved through the betrayal of his Roman friend Messala. Embittered and vengeful after regaining his freedom, he is redeemed after encountering Jesus and witnessing his crucifixion. Originally a Lew Wallace novel of 1880, the story has been adapted for stage, screen and radio numerous times.
Ben-Hur book, play and films:
There is also a BBC radio serialisation in four episodes, originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 1995 and subsequently rerun on BBC 7. The series featured Jamie Glover in the title role and Samuel West as Messala. The cast also includes Freddie Jones, Michael Hordern, Phyllis Calvert, Bernard Hepton and Michael Gambon.
