Part 8/11:
The emotional depth of the characters' relationship became most evident in the extended wine-drinking sequence, which was initially nearly two minutes long but ultimately cut to a brief 45 seconds, following MGM executives' intervention. Despite Wyler's efforts to preserve key moments, about 40% of the original footage was removed, limiting the exposure of the intimate layers that Vidal had embedded within the film.
However, the underlying emotional charge remained palpable and resonated with audiences during its premiere in 1959. "Ben-Hur" became a monumental success, not just in terms of box office numbers—with a gross of $74 million (equivalent to around $600 million today)—but also through its ability to connect with audiences on both religious and emotional levels.