The Ten Commandments (1923) is a silent epic directed by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille. While many are familiar with his 1956 Technicolor remake, this original version is a unique “two-part” cinematic experiment that bridges the ancient world with the (then) modern day.
The Plot
The film is divided into two distinct acts:
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The Biblical Prologue: This segment recreates the Book of Exodus, focusing on the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt. It depicts the plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea, and Moses receiving the Tablets of Law on Mount Sinai. This portion was famous for its massive sets and early photographic effects that stunned audiences of the 1920s.
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The Modern Story: In a sharp narrative pivot, the film transitions to San Francisco in the 1920s. It follows two brothers, John and Dan McTavish, who have been raised by their strictly religious mother. John follows the path of the Commandments, while Dan rejects them, viewing the laws as outdated barriers to success. As Dan builds a corrupt construction empire, the film explores the idea that the Commandments are not just ancient history, but living laws with modern consequences.
Cast & Crew
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Director: Cecil B. DeMille
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The Biblical Cast:
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Theodore Roberts as Moses
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Charles de Rochefort as Ramesses II
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Estelle Taylor as Miriam
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The Modern Cast:
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Richard Dix as John McTavish
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Rod La Rocque as Dan McTavish
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Leatrice Joy as Mary Leigh
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Nita Naldi as Sally Lung
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A Monumental Production
DeMille spared no expense, building a massive “City of the Pharaoh” set in the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes of California. After filming, the sets were famously buried in the sand to prevent other filmmakers from using them—where they remained for decades until being partially excavated by archaeologists in recent years.
The film was a massive success, proving that religious epics were a goldmine for the fledgling Hollywood studio system.
