1. Messala & Ben-Hur's Relationship - Ben-Hur
And yet, arguably the ultimate cinematic instance of an actor being duly deceived is in William Wyler's classic Ben-Hur. Gore Vidal wrote the film's screenplay, and feeling that the source material was not substantial enough for an epic film such as this, decided to flesh the characters and story out, including adding in a gay subtext that cut throughout the picture, between Charlton Heston's titular character and Messala, played by Stephen Boyd. Wyler liked the idea, and felt that Heston's near-sighted Conservative attitude would mean that he would not cotton onto the ruse during production. Boyd also agreed to take part, and so the con was on; the actor was advised to play the role as if completely in love with Heston, whereas Heston would naturally play his part as though they were merely two male heterosexual friends, suggesting that his character was closeted and trying to forget. Naturally, when Heston later found out, he wasn't best pleased, and flat-out denied that reading of the film. Which act of actor deception was most successful? Let us know in the comments below.