S.L. to Spark Area Run Of 'Ben Hur'

"Ben Hur," MGM's film version of the world's best selling work of fiction, will begin its Intermountain Area showing Wednesday, March 2, at Salt Lake's Centre Theatre.

This was announced Wednesday by John N. Krier, vice president and general manager, Intermountain Theatres, who signed the contract for the motion picture with Herman L. Ripps, western division sales manager, and Carl P. Nedley, manager, Salt Lake area sales department for MGM.

"Ben Hur," in wide screen and color, stars Charlton Heston in the title role, with a screen newcomer Haya Harareet in the leading feminine role.

In preparation for the showing, the Centre Theatre will be equipped with a new screen - the biggest indoor screen in Utah and one of the largest in the United States - and new projection equipment, that will permit the showing of any of the new large film pictures so far developed, Mr. Krier said.

Admission will be on a reserved seat basis, with daily showings at 8 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday.