There is nothing to indicate any connection between this Messalla, a Roman family name, and the fictional friend of the equally fictional "Prince of Hur."
General Wallace's 1880 book is on my shortlist of books from the era I look forward to reading soon, though I'm hip deep in the prose of Henry James at the moment. I happened on this information after watching the 1959 remake, earlier this week on TCM.
Very reluctantly, I have to agree the chariot race in the Frances X. Bushman-starring silent was better staged (on the same set).
I know everyone will be happy as a clam to learn that yet another remake is being filmed as we think over these things, to be released in 2016. Morgan Freeman has been cast to play Sheik Ilderim.
More encouraging, I have to think, is that the big-budget big production team includes Mark Burnett and Roma Downey (who also made the recent miniseries The Bible). Hopefully they will not include a silent, faceless Christ, more in line with General Wallace's Tale.
Starring as Ben Hur will be John Huston's grandson Jack.
Down Eros, Up Mars!
I think one of the disk sets around here has the silent production on the “extras”. Before it was made into a movie, it was a huge stage hit; there was a big treadmill prop that made it possible for the chariot race to use real running horses. It was a massive success and led both to a lawsuit (it was adapted for the stage without Wallace’s permission or remuneration) and eventually the film version(s).
These days, I would not have been surprised to hear they had cast Angelina Jolie in the Ben-Hur role with Messalla being played by Will Smith. . . to introduce a sex interest in their early friendship and rivalry. Pontius Pilate would be played by Rosie O'Donnell. Who would they cast as Jesus?
If you get the time to read Ben Hur, you wont regret it. The opening chapter where the 3 wise men meet is awesome, and really sets the tone of the book. I think it’s a shame that their tale of simple faith was left out of the film.