The Ten Commandments (1956)
Cecil B. DeMille's monumental biblical epic brings the story of Moses to life in one of Hollywood's grandest and most enduring spectacles.
The Ten Commandments - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Ten Commandments
- Release Year: 1956
- Directed by: Cecil B. DeMille
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 3h 40m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 5, 1956 (United States - G), July 17, 1972 (United Kingdom), February 17, 1958 (Germany - 12), January 17, 1958 (France - TP), December 12, 1958 (Australia - G), January 4, 1957 (Brazil - L), November 8, 1962 (Mexico), June 29, 1957 (Italy), December 22, 1962 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: De Tien Geboden (NL), Los diez mandamientos (MX), Los diez mandamientos (ES), Les 10 Commandements (FR), Os Dez Mandamentos (BR), De tio budorden (SE), Os Dez Mandamentos (PT)
- Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Motion Picture Associates
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Ten Commandments - Plot
Escaping death, a Hebrew infant is raised in a royal household to become a prince. Upon discovery of his true heritage, Moses embarks on a personal quest to reclaim his destiny as the leader and liberator of the Hebrew people.
The Ten Commandments - Trailer
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The Ten Commandments - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Cecil B. DeMille
Main Cast
- Charlton Heston
- Yul Brynner
- Anne Baxter
- Edward G. Robinson
- Yvonne De Carlo
- Debra Paget
- John Derek
- Cedric Hardwicke
- Nina Foch
- Martha Scott
Writers
- Jack Gariss
- Fredric M. Frank
- Jesse Lasky Jr.
- Æneas MacKenzie
Producers
- Cecil B. DeMille
The Ten Commandments - FAQs
What is The Ten Commandments about?
The Ten Commandments follows Moses, a Hebrew infant raised as an Egyptian prince, who discovers his true heritage and dedicates his life to freeing the enslaved Hebrew people. Directed by Cecil B. DeMille, the film dramatizes the biblical Exodus story with breathtaking spectacle, from the plagues of Egypt to the parting of the Red Sea.
Does The Ten Commandments feature the parting of the Red Sea?
Yes, and it remains one of cinema's most iconic sequences. The parting of the Red Sea was achieved through a combination of practical water effects and in-camera tricks — no CGI existed in 1956. The sequence took months to perfect and still impresses audiences nearly seven decades later.
Where can you stream The Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Plex. It's a perennial Easter and Passover television staple, so keep an eye on broadcast schedules too.
What is The Ten Commandments about thematically?
Beyond the biblical narrative, the film is a meditation on freedom versus tyranny, identity, and faith. Moses's journey from privileged prince to humble shepherd to divine messenger resonates as a universal story of purpose. DeMille also wove in Cold War-era themes about liberty that spoke directly to 1950s audiences.
Who stars in The Ten Commandments alongside Charlton Heston?
Charlton Heston leads as Moses opposite Yul Brynner's commanding Rameses. The cast is stacked with Hollywood talent: Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson, Yvonne De Carlo, Debra Paget, John Derek, Cedric Hardwicke, Nina Foch, and Martha Scott all deliver memorable performances in this epic ensemble.
Was The Ten Commandments a box office success?
Absolutely. Made on a then-staggering budget of $13 million, the film grossed over $122 million worldwide — making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time when adjusted for inflation. It was the top-earning film of 1956 and cemented Cecil B. DeMille's legacy as Hollywood's master of spectacle.
Did The Ten Commandments win any Academy Awards?
The film earned seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won one Oscar — Best Visual Effects for John Fulton's groundbreaking work. The Red Sea parting sequence was the centerpiece of that win, recognized as a technical marvel that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on screen.
Is The Ten Commandments based on a true story?
The film is based on the biblical account of Moses found in the Book of Exodus, drawing also from historical sources and novels including Prince of Egypt by Dorothy Clarke Wilson. While the core narrative follows scripture, DeMille took dramatic liberties — particularly in depicting Moses's Egyptian court life and his rivalry with Rameses.
More About The Ten Commandments
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