The claim is made (under the heading "Personal Life) that DeMille was in negotiations with MGM to direct Ben-Hur at the time of his death in January, 1959. In fact, principal photography had already been completed by then (the film was released in November, 1959). Charlton Heston had already completed his part in Italy and was sailing back from Europe when he learned of DeMille's death while at sea. DeMille was never under consideration as the director of Ben-Hur. Heston has written that DeMille offered to recommend him for the title role, but there is no documentation that he did, in fact, get to make such a recommendation. (See "Chalton Heston's Hollywood" for reference.)

Matt Richey fotomatt@sbcglobal.net