Wth its cast of thousands and imaginative use of early special effects, director Cecil B. DeMile’s original silent 1923 version of The Ten Commandments is truly one of the greatest epics to come out of 1920s Hollywood. Its unique storyline moves back and forth in time to show the reievance of its Old Testament morality to contemporary (circa 1923) immorality. Complementing DeMille’s powerfiul screen drama is Gaylord Carter’s digitally recorded score, perfonned on a magnificent Wurlitzer organ.

Over 30 years later, DeMille — now at the pinnacle of his profession via such hits as Samson and Delilah (1949) and The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) — topped the pageantry and excitement of his original silent film with his sweeping 1956 retelling of The Ten Commandments.

 

Filmed in Egypt and the Sinai, and featuring one of the biggest sets ever constructed for a motion picture, this star-studded, Technicolor extravaganza tells the story of the life of Moses (Charlton Heston), who turned his back on a privileged life to lead his people to freedom. This classic screen epic was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture of 1956.