The Truth Behind Charlton Heston’s Chariot Ride in Ben-Hur

The iconic chariot race in Ben-Hur, the 1959 film produced by MGM, has become a legendary scene in cinema history. Many have wondered about the authenticity of Charlton Heston's participation in the thrilling chariot race, especially when viewing the close-up shots. This article explores the truth behind Charlton Heston's involvement in the chariot race, the stunt techniques used, the challenges faced during filming, and the historical and cultural impact of this iconic scene.

Close-Up vs. Long-Shot Stunts

It is indeed true that in the close-up shots, Charlton Heston played Judah Ben-Hur alongside Stephen Boyd's character, Messala, riding the chariots. To achieve such a memorable performance, Heston and his colleague Stephen Boyd underwent rigorous training for months to master chariot driving. This involved learning how to control a four-horse team, ensuring a believable and visually impactful chariot race.

However, when it comes to long shots, the chariots were not driven by the actors themselves. Instead, professional stuntmen were employed. Joe Canutt, the son of legendary stuntman Yakima Canutt, served as Charlton Heston’s stunt double. Yakima Canutt was responsible for choreographing the extensive chariot race sequence.

There is an urban legend circulating about a stuntman’s tragic death during filming. However, this is a myth. According to historical records, Joe Canutt did experience a dangerous incident. He was thrown from the chariot and landed on its edge. This unexpected event occurred when Yakima Canutt, ever vigilant, mistook his son for a fallen horseman, assuming the worst. Fortunately, Joe Canutt managed to get back into the chariot and suffered only a minor cut on his chin. This moment was captured in the final film, adding to its authenticity and drama.

Technical and Physical Realism

To ensure the authenticity of the scene, MGM spared no expense. The chariot race sequence was shot in a massive, five-story studio set, built at Cinecitta Studios in Rome. The set was an accurate replica of a Roman racing stadium in Israel, encompassing 2000 feet of track and 65 feet in width. To create the stony track, over 40,000 tons of white sand were imported from Mexico amidst intense Roman summers. The entire process took three months, with only 78 horses imported from Yugoslavia and Sicily being able to run about eight laps per day due to the heat.

The stadium was designed to seat 1500 extras for crowd shot scenes. The technical and physical realism of the chariot race demanded meticulous attention to detail, down to the costumes and the horses’ conditioning. Actors and stuntmen had to adapt to the scorching environment, ensuring the authenticity of the performance.

Behind-the-Scenes Costs and Achievements

The chariot race sequence was incredibly expensive to shoot and built. With a production budget of $15 million, this 11-minute sequence alone accounted for nearly 10% of the entire budget. For a film made in 1959, this was a remarkable expenditure, reflecting the importance and scale of the production.

Despite the exorbitant costs, Ben-Hur achieved extraordinary success at the box office. The film recouped its production costs multiple times, ranking as one of the biggest hits of all time. The film Ben-Hur earned 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Charlton Heston's physically daring performance. No other film has achieved as many Academy Awards, with only "Titanic" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" matching this record.

In conclusion, the truth behind Charlton Heston's chariot ride in Ben-Hur lies in the intricate blend of actor participation and skilled stunt work. From training to filming, every aspect of the chariot race was meticulously crafted to create a historically and cinematically accurate masterpiece.

Keywords: Chariot Race in Ben-Hur, Chariot Stunts, Charlton Heston