Each year, the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum presents a new exhibit to explore the life and legacy of Lew Wallace. We are excited to announce the opening of Building a Blockbuster: The 1925 Ben-Hur, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the iconic silent film’s release.
In the decades before the highly anticipated debut of MGM’s1925 film, Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel had already become a worldwide sensation, and the bestselling novel in the world. Its immense popularity led to a stage adaptation that captivated audiences, with an estimated 20 million people attending performances during its 21-year run. This success sparked a growing demand for a film version, and the nascent movie industry sought to capture the novel’s spectacle. One early filmmaker attempting to produce the film without the rights, was sued by the Wallace estate, resulting in a landmark Supreme Court case over copyright law in the film industry.
In 1921, Lew Wallace’s son, Henry, sold the film rights for a groundbreaking $600,000, the largest sum ever paid for film rights up to that point. With numerous setbacks, including costly delays and challenges, the film’s production moved from Italy to California following the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer merger. When released, the film proved to be a breakout role for Ramon Navarro as Judah Ben-Hur. The final budget reached a staggering $4 million, making Ben-Hur the most expensive film of the silent era. When it opened on December 30, 1925, the film received critical acclaim, though it only returned a modest profit after expenses. Nevertheless, the film cemented MGM’s status as a dominant force in Hollywood.
Building a Blockbuster will be on display through December 2025. The exhibit is free to visit and open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.