screenshots / Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ / 1925 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

This silent film classic stars Mexican actor Ramon Novarro (The Pagan) in the lead role of Judah Ben-Hur after he replaced athlete George Walsh (With Stanley in Africa) who was orginally cast.

Appearing as extras during the chariot race are such notables as John Barrymore, Douglas Fairbanks, Harold Lloyd, Joan Crawford and Mary Pickford.

Promoted by MGM as a "Latin lover" Ramon Navarro began his film career in 1917 and would become known as a "sex symbol" following the death of Rudolph Valentino.

Filming began in Rome, Italy in 1923 and then moved to the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios in Culver City, California.