The Ten Commandments (1923 film)

The Ten Commandments is a 1923 American silent religious epic film produced and directed by Cecil B. DeMille. It is divided into two distinct parts: a prologue dramatizing the biblical story of the Exodus and the giving of the Ten Commandments, followed by a modern story about two brothers and their differing interpretations and applications of the commandments in early 20th-century life.

The prologue, filmed in two-strip Technicolor, depicts the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt, Moses leading his people out of bondage, the parting of the Red Sea, and the revelation of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. This portion of the film was noted for its spectacular sets, costumes, and special effects, particularly the parting of the Red Sea.

The second part of the film focuses on the lives of two brothers, John and Dan McTavish, in modern-day California. John is an upstanding carpenter who adheres to the Ten Commandments, while Dan is a more worldly and cynical character who disregards them. The brothers' choices and the consequences they face illustrate the enduring relevance of the Ten Commandments in modern society. The modern story explores themes of greed, adultery, and the importance of moral responsibility.

The film was a commercial success, and it is considered to be one of DeMille's most ambitious and visually impressive early works. Its blend of biblical spectacle and modern drama proved popular with audiences and solidified DeMille's reputation as a master of epic filmmaking. The film was later remade by DeMille himself in 1956, using the same title. The 1923 version is now in the public domain.