Chariots of Heston

We've all heard the rumor: While filming the famous chariot race scene in Ben-Hur (1959), Stephen Boyd's stunt double died when he was run over by a chariot, and they kept the scene in the final cut of the film. Exciting, no? But is it true? Snopes.com and IMDB attempt to debunk the rumor, but I guess it's possible they're being paid off by some rich studio exec. The only way to really be sure is to watch it for yourself on the big screen. Luckily, Angelika Plano is hosting an Oscar series, showing classic films that won Academy Awards back in the day. (Ben-Hur took home 11, count 'em, 11 statues in 1960.) See gun-lovin' Charlton Heston in all his glory at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are $9. Call 972-943-1300 or visit angelikafilmcenter.com.
Thu., Feb. 21, 2008