Film The Ten Commandments (1956)
Based on the Holy Scriptures, with additional dialogue by several other hands, The Ten Commandments was the last film directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The story relates the life of Moses, from the time he was discovered in the bullrushes as an infant by the pharaoh’s daughter, to his struggle to free the Hebrews from slavery under the Egyptians.
Moses, played by Charlton Heston, starts off as Pharaoh’s adopted son but soon discovers his true Hebrew heritage and attempts to help his people. Banished by his jealous half-brother Rameses, Moses returns, warning the Egyptians of God’s message. After deadly plagues, Rameses relents, but then changes his mind at the Red Sea.
Moses, led by Divine intervention, parts the seas and receives the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai. Meanwhile, the Hebrews, led astray by Dathan, forget their religion. DeMille’s portrayal may lack subtlety but tells its story with clarity and vitality. The film, spanning 219 minutes, remains a significant cinematic event in the drama, action, adventure, spirituality, and philosophy genres.
MPAA Rating G
