The Ten Commandments

(Cecil B. DeMille, US 1923, 132 min., 35mm)

Cecil B. DeMille’s first production of The Ten Commandments features a contemporary story as well as representation of the Exodus. In 1920s San Francisco, brothers John and Dan McTavish (Richard Dix and Rod LaRocque) are both in love with Mary (Leatrice Joy). Mary decides to marry Dan, a building contractor who becomes wealthy through questionable business practices. As Dan continues to transgress, their life deteriorates, leading to a final act that demonstrates the cost of ignoring the commandments laid out in the first part of the film.