The Ten Commandments

This epic silent film tells two interwoven stories: the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and a modern-day tale of two brothers, one righteous and one sinful, whose lives are guided by the Ten Commandments. The film contrasts the consequences of breaking God's laws with the rewards of adherence.

As a pioneering epic of the silent era, 'The Ten Commandments' was lauded for its spectacular production values, ambitious scope, and moral message. Cecil B. DeMille's direction was praised for its dramatic staging and visual grandeur, setting a new standard for biblical epics.

• Praised for its grand scale and impressive visual effects for its time.

• Commended for its ambitious narrative structure, weaving biblical and modern tales.

• Lauded for its clear moral messaging and impactful directorial vision.

Google audience: Audience reception for this silent film is difficult to gauge through modern metrics. However, its enduring legacy suggests it was viewed as a monumental and spiritually significant cinematic achievement.

None notable (as Academy Awards were not yet established)

Cecil B. DeMille famously had a real parting of the Red Sea filmed using a combination of wind machines, glycerine, and a transparent screen effect for the parting and drowning sequences.