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Quizzes > Entertainment & Pop Culture > Movies

Think You're a Ben-Hur Expert? Take the Trivia Quiz!

Put Your Ben-Hur Movie Quiz Skills to the Test!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Ben-Hur trivia quiz featuring iconic scenes on a teal background

Calling all classic film fans! Ready for the ultimate ben hur movie quiz? Our free ben hur trivia test brings you ben hur trivia questions on every iconic moment - from Judah's epic chariot race to the film's powerful themes. Dive into comprehensive ben hur film trivia, see how your knowledge stacks up, and enjoy a seamless ben hur quiz online experience that challenges and entertains. Think you've memorized every line? Jump in now to prove your mastery! If you're after more cinematic quizzes, give gladiator trivia a whirl or switch to action movie trivia .

Who directed the 1959 film Ben-Hur?
John Ford
Cecil B. DeMille
David Lean
William Wyler
The 1959 epic film Ben-Hur was directed by William Wyler, who won his third Academy Award for Best Director for this movie. Wyler was known for his attention to detail and ability to manage large-scale productions. His direction in Ben-Hur is celebrated as one of the defining achievements in epic filmmaking. Ben-Hur (1959 film)
What event is central to the film's climax?
Crucifixion
Naval battle
Desert chase
Chariot race
The climactic chariot race is the most famous sequence in Ben-Hur and serves as the film's dramatic apex. It displays the rivalry between Judah Ben-Hur and Messala and is noted for its thrilling action and technical achievement. This scene took several months to shoot and remains a benchmark for action sequences. Chariot race
Who portrays the title character Judah Ben-Hur?
Hugh Griffith
Jack Hawkins
Charlton Heston
Stephen Boyd
Charlton Heston stars as Judah Ben-Hur, the Jewish prince-turned-charioteer, in the 1959 film. Heston's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. His portrayal is iconic and helped cement his status as a leading actor in Hollywood epics. Cast
In what century is the 1959 film Ben-Hur set?
3rd century AD
2nd century AD
1st century BC
1st century AD
Ben-Hur is set during the early 1st century AD, a time that overlaps with the life of Jesus Christ. The film's narrative weaves Judah Ben-Hur's personal story with Biblical events, placing key scenes in the context of Roman-occupied Judea. This historical setting is crucial to the film's themes of faith and redemption. Historical accuracy
What is the name of Ben-Hur's childhood friend who becomes a Roman officer and nemesis?
Messala
Sheik Ilderim
Pontius Pilate
Quintus Arrius
Messala Severus is Ben-Hur's boyhood friend turned rival, serving as a Roman tribune. Their friendship deteriorates when Messala accuses Judah of treason and exploits his power under Rome. The conflict between the two drives much of the film's drama. Messala Severus
Who composed the iconic musical score for the film?
Ennio Morricone
Bernard Herrmann
John Williams
Miklós Rózsa
Miklós Rózsa composed the sweeping and highly praised score for Ben-Hur, earning him an Academy Award for Best Music. His orchestration and use of leitmotifs underscore the film's epic scope and emotional moments. The soundtrack is considered a masterpiece of film music. Miklós Rózsa Filmography
In the film, what is Esther's relation to Judah Ben-Hur?
Wife
Cousin
Childhood friend
Adoptive sister
Esther is the adoptive daughter of Simonides and thus raised alongside Judah Ben-Hur like a sister. Their bond is a source of emotional depth, and Esther's support is pivotal throughout Ben-Hur's struggles. She sacrifices much to help Ben-Hur in his quest for justice. Ben-Hur Cast
How does Ben-Hur secure victory in the famous chariot race?
He uses a shortcut
He damages Messala's wheel yoke
He starts the race late
He bribes the other charioteers
During the climactic race, Ben-Hur maneuvers his chariot to clip Messala's wheel yoke, causing Messala's chariot to crash and securing his own win. This tactical move demonstrates Ben-Hur's skill and resourcefulness. The sequence is a hallmark of cinematic action direction. Ben-Hur Chariot Race
The chariot track in the film is modeled after which ancient Roman structure?
Baths of Caracalla
Colosseum
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Circus Maximus
The chariot race arena in Ben-Hur was designed to evoke the Circus Maximus in Rome, the largest and most famous chariot racing venue of antiquity. The set construction at Cinecittà Studios replicated its tiered seating and long racing spina. This attention to historical detail added authenticity to the spectacle. Circus Maximus
Which actor portrayed Sheik Ilderim in the film?
Sam Jaffe
Jack Hawkins
Hugh Griffith
Stephen Boyd
Hugh Griffith delivers a memorable performance as Sheik Ilderim, the Bedouin who provides Ben-Hur with horses for the chariot race. His role earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Griffith's charisma and energy enliven key moments of the film. Hugh Griffith
Where was the majority of the film shot?
Cinecittà Studios in Rome
Universal Studios in Hollywood
Paramount Studios in Los Angeles
Pinewood Studios in England
Much of Ben-Hur was filmed at Cinecittà Studios in Rome, where large-scale sets like the chariot arena were constructed. The studio's vast spaces allowed Wyler to stage the epic sequences with hundreds of extras. This location contributed to the film's grandiose scale and historical authenticity. Cinecittà Studios
Which innovative filming technique did William Wyler employ for dialogue scenes?
360-degree pans
Undercranking
Three-camera setup
Steadicam shots
William Wyler often used a three-camera setup to shoot dialogue scenes, capturing multiple angles simultaneously. This method helped maintain performance continuity and enabled dynamic editing. It was relatively uncommon at the time and showcased Wyler's innovative approach. American Cinematheque
Who served as the stunt coordinator for the legendary chariot-racing sequence?
Hal Needham
Bob Simmons
Yakima Canutt
Jack Armstrong
Yakima Canutt, a pioneering stuntman and second unit director, coordinated the dangerous chariot race stunts in Ben-Hur. His expertise in horse and carriage work was critical to safely executing the high-speed maneuvers. Canutt's innovations in stunt safety and technique influenced generations of action filmmaking. Yakima Canutt
Before its final edit, what was the film's approximate original runtime?
3 hours 30 minutes
2 hours 45 minutes
5 hours 5 minutes
4 hours 17 minutes
The rough cut of Ben-Hur ran approximately 4 hours and 17 minutes before trims reduced it to the final 3 hours 32-minute version. William Wyler and the editing team made substantial cuts to improve pacing while preserving the epic's narrative. This editing process was crucial to balancing scope with audience engagement. TCM: Ben-Hur
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Key Plot Events -

    Recall and sequence the film's most pivotal scenes, from Judah's betrayal to the climactic chariot race.

  2. Identify Memorable Characters -

    Identify main characters - Judah Ben-Hur, Messala, Esther - and understand their motivations and relationships within the story.

  3. Analyze Cinematic Techniques -

    Examine the film's groundbreaking cinematography, score, and staging to appreciate why scenes like the chariot race remain iconic.

  4. Sharpen Trivia Skills -

    Apply detailed knowledge to ace ben hur trivia questions and prove your expertise in this ultimate Ben-Hur movie quiz.

  5. Bolster Historical Context -

    Understand the historical and cultural backdrop of Roman Judea to deepen appreciation of the film's narrative and character arcs.

  6. Engage in Friendly Competition -

    Use your newfound insights to challenge friends, host your own ben hur quiz online, and share fun facts as the ultimate movie buff.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Historical and Literary Roots -

    Ben-Hur trivia often begins with its source material: Lew Wallace's 1880 novel, which drew on Roman imperial records and biblical history (see Library of Congress archives). Remember the mnemonic "Romans & Redemption" to link the film's epic scope with its real-world inspirations, a handy tip for any ben hur trivia questions.

  2. Epic Production Scale -

    The 1959 film was shot at Rome's legendary Cinecittà Studios using over 300,000 extras and a custom-built arena - details documented by the American Film Institute. When facing a ben hur movie quiz, recall that it took nearly a year of planning and five days to film the famed chariot sequence, illustrating its record-breaking production scale.

  3. Legendary Chariot Race -

    This 11-minute sequence was captured with 40 cameras in continuous takes, a feat highlighted in USC School of Cinematic Arts studies. For ben hur film trivia, remember the figure "40" (cameras) and "5" (days of shooting) to ace questions about its groundbreaking cinematography.

  4. Oscar-Winning Score -

    Composer Miklós Rózsa earned an Academy Award for his sweeping soundtrack, one of nine Oscars the film won (source: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences). A quick mnemonic - "ROS" for Rózsa Oscar Score - helps you nail any ben hur trivia about its musical triumphs.

  5. Judah's Heroic Journey -

    Charlton Heston's portrayal of Judah Ben-Hur moves from prince to galley slave to redeemer, blending historical drama with spiritual themes (refer to J. Film Studies Journal). Use the acronym "PGGR" (Prince, Galley, Grace, Redemption) to lock in key plot points for your ben hur quiz online.

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