Ben-Hur: Different Time, Different Time

Toby Kebbell, who plays Messala in the latest adaptation, said the 1959 version - which won a record 11 Oscars - was made at a time when "the gay context was very important".

Claims of homosexual overtones in 1959's Ben-Hur emerged after the late screenwriter Gore Vidal said the title character - played by Heston - and Messala - played by Stephen Boyd - were former lovers.

Heston dismissed the claim.

Speaking at the premiere in Los Angeles, Kebbell said: "It wasn't something we avoided but it wasn't something we had.

"In 1959, the gay context was very important. They needed a voice. You shouldn't have to hide in the dark about something you feel and you're grown with.

"That was their own thing they wanted to portray and we didn't need to. It's a different time, thankfully."...

Express. 

PS Quite interesting Guardian piece