Ten Commandments Movie Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Family News in Focus ^ | March 20, 2006 | Terry Phillips

[Borges]

It is campy and Charlton Heston is a rather Aryan looking Moses. :-) However, a four hour movie that isn't boring for a minute is an achievement in and of itself. DeMille's showmanship and storytelling savvy is sorely lacking these days. It's twice as long as Gladiator and goes by twice as fast. And you have to love Edward G. Robinson's 'Brooklyn-born Ancient Israelite' schtick.

[EveningStar]

a four hour movie that isn't boring for a minute is an achievement in and of itself

That is what has always amazed me about this film. I agree with you.

[HairOfTheDog]

I don't think it's campy! Some of the sets look like matte paintings, but I sortof expect that in a movie of that era. You're right, it's not ever boring, no matter how many times I've seen it.

[Alamo-Girl]

Indeed, a whole movie could have been made of the manna and the water from the Rock. Thank you for your insights!

[decal]

"Charlton Heston is a rather Aryan looking Moses."

Ever seen the silent version (also directed by DeMille)? Chuck is practically a caricature Semite compared to Theodore Roberts ;)

Nevertheless, I may actually prefer the earlier 10 C - 2 hours shorter and it has a modern-day story illustrating what happens to those who don't keep the Commandments.

[tob2]

I love this movie! When I was in grade school, we had a class trip to New Haven, CT to see it. I'm sure the tv remake will not be anywhere nearly as good.

[Borges]

Yeah the 1923 version was directed by DeMille as well. He was once asked if he was influenced by earlier film makers when he started making movies...he replied correctly that there were no earlier filmmakers.