Johnny Alarimo was an assistant director on the classic masterpiece, Ben-Hur. The director, William Wyler, wrote him a letter of thanks. Charlton Heston drew his portrait on set and signed it “Chuck H.” But Alarimo received no credit, not for Ben-Hur nor any of the other numerous films he worked on because at the time studios only credited department heads. Johnny and many like him are lost to history.
Johnny was an old man living amongst relics of the so-called Golden Age of Hollywood when his second cousin, documentarian Joe Forte, showed up to make friends. Johnny’s lived a glamourous, star-studded life and had a successful career in film, but all that’s left is the dazzling detritus: a cigarette case engraved by Elizabeth Taylor, a stack of Christmas cards sent by Rock Hudson, a mention in a Gore Vidal book. Sure it’ll bring a bundle at auction, but it doesn’t keep you warm at night.
This film works on two levels: first and obviously, as a piece of film history. Johnny Alarimo saved lots of memorabilia from Ben-Hur and other sets, usually those filmed in Italy, where he provided invaluable translation. But it’s also just the story of two men, vaguely related, trying to forge a friendship. That’s harder than you might think considering one of them is a lonely old man. But it turns out that Hollywood may attract a certain kind of person: the kind of person who makes superficial friendship during the 3 or 4 months of shooting and then moves on. Johnny has never had a lasting relationship, and now, at the age of 89, does he have regrets?
I felt heart-broken for much of this film’s run time. Old people, like film credits before the 1970s, are often forgotten. He was the last surviving American crew member of Ben-Hur, but the L.A. Times refused to run his obituary because they choose not to honour those “behind the scenes.” This documentary very quietly shows you that you can have hundreds of bonafide celebrities on your rolodex but even all together they don’t add up to one real friend.
Film buffs will love this rare glimpse at little-seen memorabilia, but I think this movie speaks to all of us. The Man Who Saved Ben-Hur is available on VOD and with just an hour’s worth of viewing, you can do your bit to remember this man and his passion.
ASSHOLES WATCHING MOVIES 
I never knew this story, how depressing. I’ll have to look out for this.
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Great read! I’d love to see this. Passionate folks, especially those who work behind the scenes, are so often unseen or forgotten.
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I have to look this up. the long credits didn’t truly appear until the 1980’s I think when laws stated these people should be recognized. When I watch my Hollywood series (great series about silent film), I feel a sense of sadness for the stuntmen whom nobody knew but risked their lives and some paid the price.
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Just reading this makes me a little teary-eyed. I am sure I would be a bawling mess at the movie. Something about growing old and lonely just gets me every time.
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Yes I know, I’m the same way.
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Well things have sure changed with credits today! Even the limo drivers third wife’s brother is mentioned in today’s credits. They are almost as long as the film!
Johnny seemed to have loved his work which in Tubularsock’s belief system is far more significant than credit! But still, the behind the scenes people make it happen!
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It’s a weird thing.
Hollywood is usually so good at patting itself on its back. There are no credits at my work. No awards ceremonies. No press conferences. I manage to get by. But some people need constant recognition, and it must be lonely to be the person standing in the shadow of so many spotlights.
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I always thought there seemed like a lot less folk involved in older movies … who knew they just didn’t give folks credit? Shady Hollywood right there.
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In really old movies they played the credits first, up front. Just ‘The End’ at the end. Today, in special-effects-heavy movies especially, the credits go on and on. I guess I notice those because we often have to stick around for the annoying post-credits scene. I notice it at film festivals too – if there’s a Q& A with the film makers afterward, we politely pretend we’re sitting there rabidly reading each name, politely applauding those in attendance.
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I saw Marni Nixon passed away recently. Another uncredited behind-the-scenes Hollywood person. Of course, she did the singing for actresses that couldn’t (or wouldn’t), so she’s a bit better known. So much of old Hollywood got buried like that. Glad to know it’s not all forgotten.
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Yes, there are loads of forgotten voices actually – when “talkie” movies first came in, lots of silent film stars had horrendous voices and had to be dubbed.
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Oh I’d love to see this. Thanks for such an awesome review , I enjoyed reading every word of it Jay .
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Thanks, hun.
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Thank you for portraying a wonderful addition to the real Hollywood. He would have been a wonderful man to know.
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I can’t help but agree!
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