Baka the Egyptian slave master that Moses murders is legendary horror actor Vincent Price in one of his few notable non-horror roles. The man was a great actor and it’s always nice to see him in a big-budget production like this. He got typecast for horror films because of his creepy voice but he was actually a very warm and funny man who loved cooking and collecting art. He even published several cookbooks during his lifetime.
Fraser Heston was indeed Charlton Heston's son in real life. Cecil B. Demille decided the timing was too perfect when he learned Heston's son was born during production. Little Fraser was 3 months old when his scenes were filmed. He's now 67 and is a writer, director and producer. He even wrote and directed for his dad a couple of times!
He also directed Needful Things with Max von Sydow. von Sydow played Jesus in The Greatest Story Ever Told. It's said that when Heston was directing a scene with von Sydow, one of the crew said "there's something you don't see every day: Moses telling Jesus how to play The Devil".
Back in the 1950s, when a film was advertised as having "a cast of thousands," it was almost literally true. These epic films were not done by halves. The studios went all out.
For the crowd scenes when the Israelites left Egypt, they literally had 14 thousand people on set! It was so huge that de Mille had to fire a gun in the air to get everyone’s attention before shooting a scene.
Say what you want about the studio system, those movies were mostly very good. And the actors knew how to act, on screen And in public. It was a part of their contracts. If this was still Old Hollywood, most today's actors would've been fired a long time ago for some of the nonsense they pull. Lookin' at you, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett
@@LA_HA You should listen to the podcast "You Should Remember This" and find out about how fucking awful and exploitative and abusive the Studio System was, even moreso than today. It was like if every single director and producer was Harvey Weinstein.
@@aerthreepwood8021 Yes, I already know. I'm not talking about that, though. That's why I led with "Say what you want about the studio system, but..." It wasn't all great, all good, all bad, and all evil. It was a great thing for millions of people over its tenure as the "old system." That's why millions more pour into Los Angeles every year looking to become a part of it, Even With the open secrets of sex, drugs, and power plays. Broadway is the same way. Music. Even certain aspects of every art and entertainment. Including adult entertainment, no surprise there. So, yeah, people sold their bodies, children, sanity, souls, and everything else they owned to be A Star. These systems aren't to blame for people's bad decisions and willful lack of accountability. They knew what it was and accepted the price. Complaining about it later is whatever. But, like it or not, Everyone knew.
@@OneTrueVikingbard DeMille was epic enough making his movies that The Waco Kid in "Blazing Saddles" said, "I must have killed more men than Cecil B. DeMille." ;o)
I saw this movie for the first time in a big theater. Epic films like this one, Ben Hur, Dr. Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia and many others featured an overture, before the curtain went up and the movie started. I always laugh when younger people say that they were confused why the music was playing and there was nothing to see. Spectacular productions like these were considered EVENTS, not merely another film and required the full treatment of a movie of this scale. So, there was an overture, then the credits, then the movie, followed by an Intermission, halfway through. You would have about 5 minutes to use the bathroom, or get a snack and get back to your seat. The film score would play again, warning the audience that the movie would start again in a minute or two. When the movie ended, it would close with a brief musical Coda, as folks were exiting the theater. Pretty classy, right? You won't see that in a movie theater anymore. Other epic films included Spartacus, The Robe, El Cid, The Bridge on the River Kwai, King of Kings and The Greatest Story Ever Told. I've probably left some out, I'm sure.
dave Dalton: I just wrote this in another thread. The older people in my family talked a lot about going to the movies back then. In my mind's eye, it was easy to imagine how incredible it was because it was such a special occasion for these kinds of epics. Speaking of that, she should watch The Purple Rose of Cairo, which is an ode to the early days of movie-going
I saw this in our town's movie theater when it came out. (I would have been seven.) Still remember so many scenes but the most amazing was the parting of the Red Sea. I'll wager that everyone in our church (and all the other churches in town) saw it too.
I agree but other Heston epics: "El Cid," "Khartoum" and "55 Days at Peking" also come to mind. These cinematic masterpieces could barely contain the on-screen presence of Charleton Heston.
When I first saw this movie at age 8, I thought of how intimidating Charlton Heston would have been as a father scolding his kid...imagine that dooming voice telling you something like "YOU HID your little brother's NEW TOY FIRE ENGINE. In the ATTIC! To play a CRUEL PRANK on him. He WEPT for TWO SOLID HOURS as YOU - GIGGLED about it! FOR SHAME!"
Charlton Heston was one of those actors that brought upon a huge evolution to the movie industry. He's part of some of the biggest stories in movie history and has some absolutely amazing quotes. Ben-Hur, Planet of the Apes, The Ten Commandments, The Omega Man, Soylent Green. He was an absolute star and has such a screen presence.
Yes. Seeing Edward G. Robinson as Dathan later joining Heston in Soylent Green reminds one these 'epic' casts were an ensemble of some of the best talent at that time. Heston's cameo as an ape in Tim Burton's movie was very clever.
Costumes here by Edith Head. Head is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential costume designers in film history. So much so that there is a tip of the hat to her in the animated film The Incredibles with the inclusion of the "Edna Mode" character. Edna Mode, fashion designer for the Supers, has Edith Head's trademark round black glasses and short stature (Head was 5' 1").
Yes. If she was British, you know she would've been Dame Edith. We're of Brit stock, so I'mma call her that anyway... mostly because my mother and sisters did as I was growing up. haha
Yul Brynner had a big year in 1956. Ten Commandments, The King and I, and Anastasia all came out that year. You may want to see them all as they are all classics.
Yul Brynner have did three amazing films of 1956 then those three movies have got animated film adaptation from "Anastasia" (1997) to "The Prince Of Egypt" (1998) to "The King and I" (1999).
@@dan_hitchman007 Yep. As the years went by, I started to find his "dramatic" scenes funnier and funnier. This whole story is actually fairly ridiculous, when you think about the logic of it. It took less than a month to get from Canaan to Egypt, yet 40 years in the other direction. Why Moses didn't just ask for directions once they got out of Egypt makes no sense. Must be a guy thing. But whatever I think of Heston's acting style, Brynner was superb. This movie is still one of the best ones ever made from a cinematic perspective. And that board game Nefertiri plays with Seti was, and is, a real one that's been around for thousands of years. It's called senet, and involves a symbolic journey to the afterlife.
@@Shan_Dalamani Your best bet: don't look for logic in religious texts. Besides, a lot of people think of the Hebrew crossing of the Red Sea based upon this movie (even though it's just a movie with special effects). It was nothing like that historically. The place that was crossed at the time was called the Reed Sea as it was kind of a marshy area, and you could actually wade across certain sections of it at particular times of the year without too much trouble.
@@dan_hitchman007 True. I've studied a lot of ancient and classical history, and am an atheist who decided to read the bible after getting involved in musical theatre and discovering there were references in a couple of rock operas I didn't understand (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar). And then I started reading a fiction series by Peter Danielson, called Children of the Lion. It combines various Old Testament stories with a fictitious caste of armorers, artisans, and mystics whose stories interweave from Genesis through Kings. When Danielson did the Moses story, he trimmed the 40-year timeline down to 10 years (much more realistic) and postulated that the "plagues" were really the consequences of the island of Thera blowing up (massive volcanic explosion in the Mediterranean, causing all sorts of havoc around the coastal areas). It made much more sense than "Goddidit."
I forgot just how incredible of an actor Yul Brynner (Ramesses ll) was. This makes me want to go watch The King and I now. I think you’d actually love that movie! Et cetera, et cetera!
The word you're looking for is "overture". Theater works like operas and musicals play music before they start, while people are still taking their seats. Back in the day movies did the same.
Another great Heston role is that of Michelangelo Buonorotti in "The Agony and the the Ecstacy". As a devoté of the artist, Heston's portrayal of him is just as epic and moving
I am 50 and have watched this film nearly every Easter of my entire life. Happy Easter and Blessed Passover. Thank-you, Cassie, for reacting to this and I wish you and your family a beautiful holiday.
@@drhkleinert8241 It really is a fitting movie for this time, not only remembering the first Passover, but also as we recognize that Jesus came to fulfill the promise of Passover for all those who believe in Him and receive God's gift of salvation. We like to watch The Ten Commandments, but then also Ben-Hur and the Jesus film (and sometimes, The Prince of Egypt, as well as The Robe, The Passion of the Christ, or another such film).
My grandpa would always get me to watch these old movies with him when I was a kid visiting. That and opera LOL. He’s gone and I miss those times. I’m really glad you’re watching these movies and that you’re different than every single other reactor doing all the same movies and shows. I keep coming back here :)
Lord_haven111: Same, except it was all of my elders -- grandparents, parents, older siblings. I really miss those times, too. I'm with Stevie Wonder, I Wish
When DeMille heard that Charlton and his wife had had a son his congratulatory note read “Congratulations, he’s got the part.” Yeah, that’s Charlton’s son.
@@OldGreyGryphon ……yes, & a lovelier couple you’d never encounter. I’d the great honour, & privilege to meet the Heston’s many times’ over three decades’. They were the most down to earth people, well read, & educated, great conversationalists’, & it was a joy to be in their company. They’re both gone now………RIP…..
Watch it every year. My father was a huge film buff, he raised his daughters to appreciate films of all years, genres, actors & actresses. You develop an immense appreciation for classic films because without them the current films wouldn’t exist.
Great movie!! We quote the “so it shall be written, so it shall be done” line in my house since at least the 80s when i was a kid. Happy Resurrection Day/Easter and Happy Passover!
@@tracymetherell8744 time to reclaim what rightfully belongs to Yahweh's people. Why are we celebrating pagan religiosity and ignoring that which was given for man to observe? Sha'ul said it best at the end of Romans 2 "For he is not a Yehudi who is so outwardly, neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But a Yehudi is he so inwardly and circumcision is that of the heart, in Spirit, not literally, whose praise is not from men but from Elohim." He was referencing Debarim 10:12-16 which says a person is Israel when they obey Yahweh and keep His covenant.
Charlton Heston, Yvonne De Carlo, Vincent Price, Yul Brynner, Edward Robinson, Clint Walker, John Carradine, I mean you just can't go wrong with a cast like that, it's genuinely no wonder how this movie has stayed a classic for nearly 70 years. I will watch this every year multiple times and it just never gets old, when was the last time you could say that about a movie from the past decade or so?
Yes he did. The kicker was that he asked that it not be shown until AFTER his death. I still remember that. The message started with "Now that I am gone..."
You ought to consider watching "El Cid". Its a 1961 film with Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren about the historical figure Rodrigo Díaz who was a Spanish knight during the high middle ages and part of the Reconquista. His life was epic, he was honorable to a fault and the film is pretty good. It's not the most historically accurate film but it's not the worst either. If you like Charlton Heston then you might like El Cid.
You gotta add in MAJOR DUNDEE, too, which tried to portray itself as an epic with a 'cast of thousands' but only had a couple of hundred. But like EL CID, "that's a mighty big thorn in yer side, there, pal..."
One of the greatest films ever made a true classic The Ten Commandments directed by Cecil B. DeMille starring Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner. Thank you so much Cassie for reacting this masterpiece excellent😊😊😊
Anne Baxter was a gorgeous woman. But Yvonne DeCarlo? My GOD she was luminous! By the way, I appreciate the reaction to this glorious film. I watch it every Holy Week since 1979. Never gets old to me. Epic cast, epic score, epic film!
The music at the beginning is called an overture. It was popular with a lot of epic movies up to the 70s. It’s purpose was to set the mood for the rest of the film, like a musical introduction.
I remember as a kid when i saw this and Ben Hur in Cinema with my dad, 1971 or so...with Ouverture, intermission and in an old big Theatre with balcony, big velvet curtain etc...
"What god do the Egyptians believe in?" During the time of Moses, the Egyptians believed in the following gods which became a focus for their role in Egyptian mythology (there were others as stated below): Hapi- Egyptian God of the Nile Heket- Egyptian Goddess of Fertility, Water, Renewal Geb- Egyptian God of the Earth Khepri- Egyptian God of creation, movement of the Sun, rebirth Hathor-Egyptian Goddess of Love and Protection Isis- Egyptian Goddess of Medicine and Peace Nut- Egyptian Goddess of the Sky Seth- Egyptian God of Storms and Disorder Ra- The Sun God Pharaoh- The Ultimate Power of Egypt The plagues were meant to strike at each of these particular Egyptian gods as ten is significant in Biblical numerology. Each plague gave Pharaoh a chance to reflect and change his mind but pride kept Pharaoh from releasing the Hebrews until after the tenth plague. Other gods include Amun, Amunet, Anubis, Anuket, Apep, Apis, Aten, Atum, Bastet, Bat, Bes, Horus, Heka, Horus, Khnum, Khonsu, Kuk, Maahes, Ma'at, Mafdet, Menhit, Meretseger, Meskhenet, Monthu, Min, Mnevis, Mut, Neith, Nekhbet, Nephthys, Nu, Osiris, Pakhet, Ptah, Qebui, Ra-Horakhty, Reshep, Satis, Sekhmet, Seker, Selket, Sobek, Sopdu, Seshat, Shu, Tatenen, Taweret, Tefnut, Thoth, Wadjet, Wadj-wer, Wepwawet, and Wosret.
Pharaohs weren't so much the 'ultimate power' but rather the living embodiment of the divine. At various times they'd be connected with Horus or Ra. Set, among his other roles, was also seen as the God of Foreigners, sort of a deity who'd take foreigners under his charge when in Egypt. The Egyptians used a lot of mercenaries in their armies, so it helped to have a local deity they could be encouraged to worship. Set's fairly complex as well: reviled as the murderer of Osiris, he's also the god who protects the chariot of the sun when it passes through the underworld and comes under attack by Apophis (Apep) the great serpent (which was never viewed as a god, but more as a destructive monster, hence why when the Greeks conquered Egypt and merged their pantheons Apophis would be equated to Typhon).
Egypt, like the rest of the world at the time, was Polytheistic. They had multiple gods to represent many facets of life; gods of war, fertility, rivers, sand, the sun. The Hebrew's god was not really a threat so much as a colorful toy, they were not slaves because of the monotheism, they were slaves because most societies up until recently had slavery in one form or another. The 19th dynasty advanced into to the Levant, so the people there, including these 'Hebrews', fell under their yoke and all the chaff became potentially free servants to the Egyptian Empire.
Don't forget Akhenaten, the pharoah who tried to make Egypt monotheist. He got kicked out of Egypt, replaced by his son King Tut. Many researchers, including Sigmund Freud, believed Akhenaten and the Moses in the Bible were one and the same.
Heston was usually bigger than life, but he did have more range than that. Go watch him playing the lead in the mostly small and character driven Western "Will Penny" which is said to have been his favorite performance. Good movie, too. Or catch him as Cardinal Richelieu in "The Three Musketeers". Subdued but intense and one of my favorite Heston roles.
I'm not a religious person ... but I LOVE the old Bible Epic films from the 50s and 60s. When I was a kid, all the network TV stations would play these films all day long on Easter ... King of Kings, The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, Samson and Delilah, The Greatest Story Ever Told, etc.
@Raylan Givens I couldn't agree more. Franco Zeffirelli's _Jesus of Nazareth_ is phenomenal! If I'm not mistaken, they made it a point to never have Jesus blink while on camera. It's a very subtle but effective thing to do in order to give him this otherworldly aspect. *EDIT:* And like *Daniel* noted above, I am no longer really terribly religious, but I was raised on these films and still love them to this day.
These were the big films of the day... Cleopatra, Quo Vadis, The Robe, Ben-Hur, Spartacus (1960 with Kirk Douglas), The Land of the Pharaohs, Samson & Delilah (1949), Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954), The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), Lawrence of Arabia, The Vikings (1958)... So many truly great films, long before the rubbish they turn out these days...
Few actors can command a scene the way Chuck Heston did. This movie and Ben Hur are personal favorites of mine, both are great examples of big-budget cinema in that time period that feels like going to the theather.
And watch all 5 even though Heston is only in the first two. The whole series had declining budgets and it shows, but don't let that discourage you. The message is what matters. The new Apes movies don't come close.
Wonderful.. just Wonderful.. Back when there were stories and acting not what they call "movies" or "acting" today.. movies like this will stay with you for the rest of your life.
He always managed to elevate any film because of his presence. I mean, he's got a Boss role in TRUE LIES, which is wonderfully minimal but his 2-3 scenes are all the more powerful because of him. SOYLENT GREEN - he's a star in that film and while that film isn't hailed as some epic, he once again elevates every one of his scenes. Even riding atop a garbage truck! And the thing is - I really don't like the man.
I used to watch this every year with my grandmother in the 80's. I still watch to this day, but more in remembrance to my grandmother rather the accuracy of the film. I love you grandma! 👵🏽😇
For his final directorial effort, the Paramount mountain becomes Sinai. Old C.B., the best-known director in his own right besides Hitchcock, was "Mister Paramount", from the early days of motion pictures.
Charlton Heston might play the 'straight bat' lead most of the time, but he has such an imposing presence on the screen. And an actor willing to do different types of movie genres - from biblical films, to historical films, to sci fi films, and everything in between whether it be a western, action or comedy.
I hope your Easter was beautiful, Cassie. We are all blessed for having access to your awesome channel which is my MVP channel here on TH-cam. God bless! 🙏🌹
Trivia: Cecil B. DeMille picked Charlton Heston for the role of Moses because he bore a resemblance to Michelangelo's statue of Moses in Rome, Italy. Heston played Michelangelo in "The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)."
@@ollietsb1704, I enjoyed KING OF KINGS as well. Really fleshed out a lot of the characters and story lines. Though, in probably unintentional irony, Jesus is among the least interesting characters in it.
It is an EPIC (in every sense of the word) movie, but every single Easter I watch it for just one line: "IT'S A *MAN!"* I don't know why, but ever since I first saw the movie - and every single time since, which is pretty much every single time it's been shown on TV at Easter - that line NEVER fails to crack me up. 😂 The rest of the film isn't bad either.
Nefretiri was the throne Princess of Egypt. Whoever Pharoah deemed worthy to be his heir, Moses or Rameses, would take Nefretiri as a wife and she'd become the next Queen of Egypt. Pharaoh loved Moses, treated him like a son and even favoured him over his own son.
Definitely a classic, and it still holds up after all these years. It was a tradition in my family to watch it every year at Easter but it's been many years since I've seen it. Thanks for the review.
NO WAY! I'm actually STOKED you reacted to this movie. I used to watch this with my mom every Easter when I lived at home. Glad to see people havent forgotten about this movie!
I have literally seen this movie every year since I was 10 yrs. old. So, I’ve seen it 64 times! The guy who plays Joshua is John Derek, he married Ursula Andrés (Honey Rider in James Bond), than married Bo Derek (where she got her name) from the movie “10” and than married Linda Evans of “Dynasty” and “High Chaparral” TV Series. Sefora (Yvonne de Carlo) played “Lily Munster” of “The Munsters”. One more little ditty. Charleston Heston has a very great Role in the Movie “Big Country”, I’m sure it was high in your choice of Best Western’s in you Poll. You must see it with Carley. It Stars Gregory Peck ( Addicus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird) and Heston. It’s just one of the greatest Movies ever made, Period!…. SanJoséBob
The Big Country is indeed great! Also, very cool that William Wyler worked with Gregory Peck on Roman Holiday, another all-time great film, then with Peck and Heston on The Big Country, and then finished off the '50s working with Heston on Ben-Hur.
If you think the relationships in the movie were confusing they're nothing compared to real relationships in Egyptian dynasties. It was quite common for sons of pharaohs to marry their sisters and then even their own daughters. Rameses II, played by Yul Brynner here, married at least two of his own daughters, Bintanath, and Meritamen. The Egyptians had many gods, although for a brief time, the Pharaoh Akhenaten established a single god religion but it didn't last because the priests had too much power, which is why Moses as pharaoh probably wouldn't have been able to free the slaves.
Indeed. For as bad as the Spanish Habsburgs were the Egyptian's were right up there. King Tut died so young; a lot of it was from the genetic conditions he had from his parents being so closely related.
heston was literally in every epic movie in those days. btw. this version of 10 commandments, is the one and only one you will ever need to see. they have made new ones, but they just don't compare.
I grew up with this being on TV every Easter, and Charlton Heston was so great as Moses that it was hard to think of him as anything else. Very confusing when I was a little older and Moses was fighting super-intelligent ape-men from the future.
Every year around Easter my dad would sit me down and watch The Ten Commandments and Jesus of Nazareth. I kind of hated it at the time but I appreciate it more as an adult and continue to watch them both around Easter.
That era of film didn't have much in the way of special effects, so they were heavily driven by the talent of its actors. It was a whole different world in Hollywood, and it was a different breed of stars. If you like this film and Ben Hur, then other notables from that time with similar stars are El Cid, Spartacus, Once Upon a Time in the West, and Planet of the Apes.
The beards of shellfish (byssus) were used to make Sea Silk! When treated with lemon juice, they would turn gold. They were super fine, light, and warm. (Shameless Wiki plug) Just another of those ancient crafts that have been forgotten by the world.
Cecil B. Demille actually had a lot of experience with The Ten Commandments. He made the same film in 1923 as a silent film in black & white. It was also EPIC. The 1956 version gave him the opportunity to have color AND sound. The actress who plays Zephirah is Yvonne De Carlo. She went on to portray Lily Munster of the TV series, The Munsters. There were more Heston's playing characters in The Ten Commandment than most know. In addition to Charlton Heston's son playing baby Moses, and Charlton playing the adult Moses, Heston was also the voice of God in the film. Charlton insisted that he get to be the voice of God. Demille thought it was odd but approved it.
"BEHOLD HIS MIGHTY HAND!" Definitely one of the greatest lines by Charlton Heston who did awesome playing as Moses. 😇✝️ Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" is one of my most favorite movie of all time along with Charlton Heston other movies "Ben-Hur" (1959) and "Planet Of The Apes" (1968).
Actually he says "Behold His Mighty Hand" (not hands). I consider Heston's best line to be "He is not flesh, but spirit...the Light of Eternal Mind." Closely followed by "There is no freedom without the Law."
@@josephhewes3923 Yup, Ben-Hur has won 11 Oscars awards including Best Picture trying with "Titanic" (1997) and "The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King" (2003)
Technically, The Passion of the Christ (2004) would be a more apt Easter film than Ten Commandments, but it's hard to turn down a Charlton Heston epic anytime of year. And The Passion of the Christ might be too brutal for a TH-cam reaction. Plus Ten Commandments is more spiritually uplifting whereas The Passion of the Christ is more emotionally draining. Great video, looking forward to part 2!
Not to argue but Passion of the Christ is more so for those of Catholic faith as some of it is based on extra writings. That is not to say its a bad movie of course, just some christians of other denominations would notice some flaws.
The passover is God foreshadowing the coming of Christ. Those who had blood on the doors of their house were passed by and spared from God's wrath. Christians today are saved by the blood of Christ and will not face God's wrath.
"The Time Machine" (1960), "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1959), and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (1954). A Technicolor A-list triple play from 1950s cinema, and I wouldn't call the effects from any of them cheesy. All were quality productions.
Heston is just magnificent in this, such presence, stature and wisdom that you believe he could actually free the Hebrews himself. Other actors haven't come close in this regard. One day when I grow up I would like to be so assured **casually looks up his DoB** for Pete's sake I'm already 10 years older than he was when he made this film. They don't make them like they used to!😀
THis, Ben Hur and Cleopatra, where the Holy Trinity of Peplums/Period dramas. Dreamworks did in the 90's an animated movie about Moses, called Prince of Egypt, and it is an amazing movie to watch.
Whaaaaaaaat! Finally! Someone reacts to this! I'm not even religious, but this movie is so good! I also did the Paramount tour and learned some cool things about its production. Nice.
It was Pharaoh's sister who found baby Moses floating down the river. She hired a Hebrew woman to be the nanny,; she did not realize it, but she hired his birth mother to take care of the baby.
Yes but its a complete different one, its a typical "End-Time" movie from that time,creepy but not that big. Better try Charthoum, 55 days of Peking or El Cid. Heston made many big Movies, Soylent green isnt that good, same league like The Omega Man/I am legend
Your reaction to this movie today, this very special day, is a gift and puts icing on the cake! I truly look forward to seeing the rest from you!! Thank you!! Happy Easter!!
Edward G. Robinson (Dathan) was, by the 50s, a nearly legendary actor. He began in the Yiddish theater but soon moved to Broadway and then to Hollywood. The film that made him a star was the 1931 crime drama _Little Caesar,_ which is widely regarded as the first important mobster movie.
This is one of those films Hollywood used to refer to as a "swords and sandals" movie. Some examples include: Land of the Pharaohs, The Robe, Intolerance, Joan the Woman, and 1923's The Ten Commandments. They didn't have CGI, but they did use effects such as rear projection (14:02), miniatures, and matte paintings. The effect that earned them the Oscar, though, will be in Part 2!
Yeah well, sword and sandal movies embrace all those Hercules and Sons of Hercules movies which starred actors like Steve Reeves, Gordon Scott. Reg Park, Dan Vadis, et al. Also the Sinbad and Jason and the argonaut flicks that helped pay Ray Harryhausen's property taxes back in the day. Biblical epics like this and King of Kings starring Captain Christopher Pike as Jesus and The Robe an so on do not really come under that category,
@@CassandrashadowcassMorrison I wrote "some" examples. You have included others. But, if you think Biblical epics don't also fall under the heading of "sword and sandal" movies, that is incorrect.
Yes, and Samson, The Robe, Quo Vadis, Cleopatra etc...and fun fact: Because Commandments failes at the Oscars and the Box office (Oscars was a big betrayal that year) Heston never want to do that kind of movie again and denied the role of Ben Hur...
The Egyptians had what is called a polytheistic syncretic religion. That means that they thought there were many gods, some attentive to certain people and some responsible for certain physical phenomena like the weather or earthquakes (polytheism). They also thought that any such god you might think of must actually exist and be worth worshiping, if it was working for (syncretic). The (real life at least) Egyptians would not have had a problem with the Hebrew god if their god didn't have a problem acknowledging the other Egyptian gods.
@@hernandemornay7559 I'm not sure which Disney movie you think I am reviewing by pointing out that the Egyptian religion was syncretic. I do note that you didn't answer my question, if it represented the solar system, what planet was Ma'at?
Saying her fabric was "spun from the beards of shellfish" could be true. Shellfish (such as clams) "beards," otherwise known as "Byssus filaments" were used to weave "sea silk," which (according to Wikipedia) is an "extremely fine, rare, and valuable fabric."
I'm so blown away. I came into this a month late, but I remember as a kid watching this around every Thanksgiving everytime we went to my grandmother's house back in Detroit (we lived in Cincinnati). This stoked so many childhood memories for me, just want to day thank you! I'm a big fan of your content, it keeps me grounded and unjaded to the world because of your innocence to experiences different from my own, my experiences and my realities. Keep up the FANTASTIC work
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Yul Brynner was also perfectly cast. The guy could deliver a line, that deep resonant voice, great actor.
He's amazing! Nobody could have performed Ramses so perfectly.
Loved him in The King and I
Baka the Egyptian slave master that Moses murders is legendary horror actor Vincent Price in one of his few notable non-horror roles. The man was a great actor and it’s always nice to see him in a big-budget production like this. He got typecast for horror films because of his creepy voice but he was actually a very warm and funny man who loved cooking and collecting art. He even published several cookbooks during his lifetime.
But he was good at what he did.
……he had the most magnificent voice!
Fraser Heston was indeed Charlton Heston's son in real life. Cecil B. Demille decided the timing was too perfect when he learned Heston's son was born during production. Little Fraser was 3 months old when his scenes were filmed. He's now 67 and is a writer, director and producer. He even wrote and directed for his dad a couple of times!
Yup, and Fraser Heston is happy to have a wonderful father throughout his life, all thanks to Ben-Hur blu-ray bonus feature.
My childhood favorite being Treasure Island.
He also directed Needful Things with Max von Sydow. von Sydow played Jesus in The Greatest Story Ever Told. It's said that when Heston was directing a scene with von Sydow, one of the crew said "there's something you don't see every day: Moses telling Jesus how to play The Devil".
cool
I had a college professor who joked about playing golf with Fraser Heston:
“I played golf once with the Baby Moses.”
The city is made of brick the strong make many, the weak few, and the dead make none" one of my favorite lines
Back in the 1950s, when a film was advertised as having "a cast of thousands," it was almost literally true. These epic films were not done by halves. The studios went all out.
For the crowd scenes when the Israelites left Egypt, they literally had 14 thousand people on set! It was so huge that de Mille had to fire a gun in the air to get everyone’s attention before shooting a scene.
Say what you want about the studio system, those movies were mostly very good. And the actors knew how to act, on screen And in public. It was a part of their contracts. If this was still Old Hollywood, most today's actors would've been fired a long time ago for some of the nonsense they pull. Lookin' at you, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett
@@LA_HA You should listen to the podcast "You Should Remember This" and find out about how fucking awful and exploitative and abusive the Studio System was, even moreso than today. It was like if every single director and producer was Harvey Weinstein.
@@aerthreepwood8021 Yes, I already know. I'm not talking about that, though. That's why I led with "Say what you want about the studio system, but..."
It wasn't all great, all good, all bad, and all evil. It was a great thing for millions of people over its tenure as the "old system." That's why millions more pour into Los Angeles every year looking to become a part of it, Even With the open secrets of sex, drugs, and power plays.
Broadway is the same way. Music. Even certain aspects of every art and entertainment. Including adult entertainment, no surprise there.
So, yeah, people sold their bodies, children, sanity, souls, and everything else they owned to be A Star. These systems aren't to blame for people's bad decisions and willful lack of accountability. They knew what it was and accepted the price. Complaining about it later is whatever. But, like it or not, Everyone knew.
@@OneTrueVikingbard DeMille was epic enough making his movies that The Waco Kid in "Blazing Saddles" said, "I must have killed more men than Cecil B. DeMille." ;o)
I saw this movie for the first time in a big theater. Epic films like this one, Ben Hur, Dr. Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia and many others featured an overture, before the curtain went up and the movie started. I always laugh when younger people say that they were confused why the music was playing and there was nothing to see. Spectacular productions like these were considered EVENTS, not merely another film and required the full treatment of a movie of this scale. So, there was an overture, then the credits, then the movie, followed by an Intermission, halfway through. You would have about 5 minutes to use the bathroom, or get a snack and get back to your seat. The film score would play again, warning the audience that the movie would start again in a minute or two. When the movie ended, it would close with a brief musical Coda, as folks were exiting the theater. Pretty classy, right? You won't see that in a movie theater anymore. Other epic films included Spartacus, The Robe, El Cid, The Bridge on the River Kwai, King of Kings and The Greatest Story Ever Told. I've probably left some out, I'm sure.
dave Dalton: I just wrote this in another thread. The older people in my family talked a lot about going to the movies back then. In my mind's eye, it was easy to imagine how incredible it was because it was such a special occasion for these kinds of epics.
Speaking of that, she should watch The Purple Rose of Cairo, which is an ode to the early days of movie-going
I saw this in our town's movie theater when it came out. (I would have been seven.) Still remember so many scenes but the most amazing was the parting of the Red Sea. I'll wager that everyone in our church (and all the other churches in town) saw it too.
Sounds like a play and symphony right at the same
MAKE MOVIES EPIC AGAIN.
These days, even for 2 hour movies, I could do with bathroom break where I didn't have to miss any of the movie! 🙂
When I hear the word “epic” my mind goes to Charlton Heston. 10 Commandments, Ben Hur and Planet of the Apes. Cinema at its very best.
He was in Hercules as a narrator in the very beginning.
I agree but other Heston epics: "El Cid," "Khartoum" and "55 Days at Peking" also come to mind. These cinematic masterpieces could barely contain the on-screen presence of Charleton Heston.
El Cid, still one of my favourites.
Don't forget mountain men
When I first saw this movie at age 8, I thought of how intimidating Charlton Heston would have been as a father scolding his kid...imagine that dooming voice telling you something like "YOU HID your little brother's NEW TOY FIRE ENGINE. In the ATTIC! To play a CRUEL PRANK on him. He WEPT for TWO SOLID HOURS as YOU - GIGGLED about it! FOR SHAME!"
It's hard to even dislike Ramses, because Yul Brynner is so damn good.
Made being bald cool. Like Bruce Willis.
Charlton Heston was one of those actors that brought upon a huge evolution to the movie industry. He's part of some of the biggest stories in movie history and has some absolutely amazing quotes. Ben-Hur, Planet of the Apes, The Ten Commandments, The Omega Man, Soylent Green. He was an absolute star and has such a screen presence.
Don't forget Wayne's World 2.
Yes. Seeing Edward G. Robinson as Dathan later joining Heston in Soylent Green reminds one these 'epic' casts were an ensemble of some of the best talent at that time. Heston's cameo as an ape in Tim Burton's movie was very clever.
Touch of Evil as well, I think
@@saigade1236 I second A Touch of Evil. What great moviemaking in that one.
Also,
THE WARLORD
Costumes here by Edith Head. Head is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential costume designers in film history. So much so that there is a tip of the hat to her in the animated film The Incredibles with the inclusion of the "Edna Mode" character. Edna Mode, fashion designer for the Supers, has Edith Head's trademark round black glasses and short stature (Head was 5' 1").
Yes. If she was British, you know she would've been Dame Edith. We're of Brit stock, so I'mma call her that anyway... mostly because my mother and sisters did as I was growing up. haha
Her dresses were stunning
The actress who portrayed his mother here also played his mother in BEN-HUR.
WOW 😳 never noticed that
@@ianbrewster8934 neither have I.
Yes, Martha Ellen Scott.
She was also Lilly Munster
@@matthewfryer5100 Sorry, but it was the actress Yvonne DeCarlo who played Moses' wife in this movie who later portrayed Lilly Munster on television.
Yul Brynner is fantastic in this movie. Can you think of anyone else more perfect for playing the role of an Egyptian Pharaoh?
Had the perfect mix of presence and arrogance...
Yul Brynner had a big year in 1956. Ten Commandments, The King and I, and Anastasia all came out that year. You may want to see them all as they are all classics.
In my opinion the greatest portrayal of Rameses....the majesty and command....floors me every time.
@@neilmartis17992 I agree, but (why ever) he gets the Oscar for The King And I...Commandments was hard betrayed that year
Yul was great in this, villains are usually the most memorable characters.
Yul Brynner have did three amazing films of 1956 then those three movies have got animated film adaptation from "Anastasia" (1997) to "The Prince Of Egypt" (1998) to "The King and I" (1999).
Villa Rides is good too!!!
One of the best movies ever made, with a superb acting cast & director, to say the least. Back when Hollywood was respectable & talented.
Where's the scene where Moses drops one of the slabs of the 15 Commandments?
@@ckobo84 history of the world part 1?
@@js8270 ikr
Respected? You cannot be serious!
This is one of the greatest movies ever made. It's a classic. Charlton Heston, and especially Yul Brynner, were incredible to watch.
The actress who played Neferteri is so bad ash. My mother and sisters love her character
Yul was much better in this than Heston. Heston seemed to be playing in a much earlier style of movie. A little too hammy.
@@dan_hitchman007 Yep. As the years went by, I started to find his "dramatic" scenes funnier and funnier.
This whole story is actually fairly ridiculous, when you think about the logic of it. It took less than a month to get from Canaan to Egypt, yet 40 years in the other direction. Why Moses didn't just ask for directions once they got out of Egypt makes no sense. Must be a guy thing.
But whatever I think of Heston's acting style, Brynner was superb. This movie is still one of the best ones ever made from a cinematic perspective. And that board game Nefertiri plays with Seti was, and is, a real one that's been around for thousands of years. It's called senet, and involves a symbolic journey to the afterlife.
@@Shan_Dalamani Your best bet: don't look for logic in religious texts. Besides, a lot of people think of the Hebrew crossing of the Red Sea based upon this movie (even though it's just a movie with special effects). It was nothing like that historically. The place that was crossed at the time was called the Reed Sea as it was kind of a marshy area, and you could actually wade across certain sections of it at particular times of the year without too much trouble.
@@dan_hitchman007 True. I've studied a lot of ancient and classical history, and am an atheist who decided to read the bible after getting involved in musical theatre and discovering there were references in a couple of rock operas I didn't understand (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar).
And then I started reading a fiction series by Peter Danielson, called Children of the Lion. It combines various Old Testament stories with a fictitious caste of armorers, artisans, and mystics whose stories interweave from Genesis through Kings. When Danielson did the Moses story, he trimmed the 40-year timeline down to 10 years (much more realistic) and postulated that the "plagues" were really the consequences of the island of Thera blowing up (massive volcanic explosion in the Mediterranean, causing all sorts of havoc around the coastal areas). It made much more sense than "Goddidit."
I forgot just how incredible of an actor Yul Brynner (Ramesses ll) was. This makes me want to go watch The King and I now. I think you’d actually love that movie! Et cetera, et cetera!
His portrayal of Rameses II floors me every time!
So let it be written
So let it be done.
Best Actor for the toughest and most successfull Pharao ever. Rameses died at the age of 90 and had 66 years of reign.
*waves hand* etc cetera
This movie was nominated for 7 Academy Awards as well as Best Picture and actually won Best Visual Effects. Great movie.
Like so many big budget pictures, they bought those awards.
The word you're looking for is "overture". Theater works like operas and musicals play music before they start, while people are still taking their seats. Back in the day movies did the same.
Yvonne De Carlo who plays Sephora, the wife of Moses is more known as Lily in the tv series "The Munsters"
Nice...every second post is about that...but Munsters are not well known in Europe...
And one of the most stunningly beautiful women ever...
@@drhkleinert8241yes it is. The Munsters were played a lot on British Television.
Another great Heston role is that of Michelangelo Buonorotti in "The Agony and the the Ecstacy".
As a devoté of the artist, Heston's portrayal of him is just as epic and moving
It’s Fantastic !👍
...And Rex Harrison as the Pope.
A sublime movie.
🙂 "When will you make an end?!"
"When it is finished!"
This and Ben-Hur are 2 Charlton Heston masterpieces that will be viewed in family's homes till the 2nd Coming.
I am 50 and have watched this film nearly every Easter of my entire life. Happy Easter and Blessed Passover. Thank-you, Cassie, for reacting to this and I wish you and your family a beautiful holiday.
Nice...a big Easter Movie without Jesus...
@@drhkleinert8241 It really is a fitting movie for this time, not only remembering the first Passover, but also as we recognize that Jesus came to fulfill the promise of Passover for all those who believe in Him and receive God's gift of salvation. We like to watch The Ten Commandments, but then also Ben-Hur and the Jesus film (and sometimes, The Prince of Egypt, as well as The Robe, The Passion of the Christ, or another such film).
"Life of Brian" is the one to watch every easter!!
My grandpa would always get me to watch these old movies with him when I was a kid visiting. That and opera LOL. He’s gone and I miss those times. I’m really glad you’re watching these movies and that you’re different than every single other reactor doing all the same movies and shows. I keep coming back here :)
Lord_haven111: Same, except it was all of my elders -- grandparents, parents, older siblings. I really miss those times, too. I'm with Stevie Wonder, I Wish
When you only have a couple of channels you tend to watch this movie every year...love watching this movie every time.
There is no way I can watch this without picturing Mel Brooks coming down off Mt. Sainai with the 15... uhh... 10... 10 COMMANDMENTS!
When DeMille heard that Charlton and his wife had had a son his congratulatory note read “Congratulations, he’s got the part.”
Yeah, that’s Charlton’s son.
……his wife’s name was Lydia. She was an actress, wife, mother, & professional photographer…………
@@elizabethroberts6215 A renaissance woman with a renaissance man. One of the few healthy marriages in Hollywood.
@@OldGreyGryphon ……yes, & a lovelier couple you’d never encounter. I’d the great honour, & privilege to meet the Heston’s many times’ over three decades’. They were the most down to earth people, well read, & educated, great conversationalists’, & it was a joy to be in their company. They’re both gone now………RIP…..
Watch it every year. My father was a huge film buff, he raised his daughters to appreciate films of all years, genres, actors & actresses. You develop an immense appreciation for classic films because without them the current films wouldn’t exist.
Great movie!! We quote the “so it shall be written, so it shall be done” line in my house since at least the 80s when i was a kid.
Happy Resurrection Day/Easter and Happy Passover!
Chag Pesach
Yeah my brother and I would say that joking around a lot.
I still have this on blu ray disc recently.
My mom used to say that too!
@@tracymetherell8744 time to reclaim what rightfully belongs to Yahweh's people. Why are we celebrating pagan religiosity and ignoring that which was given for man to observe? Sha'ul said it best at the end of Romans 2 "For he is not a Yehudi who is so outwardly, neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But a Yehudi is he so inwardly and circumcision is that of the heart, in Spirit, not literally, whose praise is not from men but from Elohim." He was referencing Debarim 10:12-16 which says a person is Israel when they obey Yahweh and keep His covenant.
I grew up watching this movie every year . I'm 55 now and actually have it on DVD. God bless everyone and Happy Easter!
Charlton Heston, Yvonne De Carlo, Vincent Price, Yul Brynner, Edward Robinson, Clint Walker, John Carradine, I mean you just can't go wrong with a cast like that, it's genuinely no wonder how this movie has stayed a classic for nearly 70 years.
I will watch this every year multiple times and it just never gets old, when was the last time you could say that about a movie from the past decade or so?
....and John Derek, Anne Baxter.
Try getting all those stars in this movie on today's wages, it would never happen. The salaries alone would bankrupt a studio.
And Debra Paget!
And Michael Ansara who was in Abbott and Costello meet the Mummy and he was married to Barbara Eden.
And John Derek went on to marry Bo as in Bo Derek (10)
Yul Brenner died of lung cancer in the mid-1980's. He filmed a public service announcement. "Don't smoke. Whatever you do, don't smoke."
Yes he did. The kicker was that he asked that it not be shown until AFTER his death. I still remember that. The message started with "Now that I am gone..."
Yuls last performance was a revival of The King And I on Broadway ❤
The cast for this movie is amazing! Fun fact, Moses's wife would later become Lily Munster from the Munsters.
Really? That is indeed fascinating. 😮
Yvonne DeCarlo!
I always thought she looked familiar
Morticia. What an awesome character
@@LA_HA Lily Munster. Morticia was Carolyn Jones.
You ought to consider watching "El Cid". Its a 1961 film with Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren about the historical figure Rodrigo Díaz who was a Spanish knight during the high middle ages and part of the Reconquista.
His life was epic, he was honorable to a fault and the film is pretty good. It's not the most historically accurate film but it's not the worst either.
If you like Charlton Heston then you might like El Cid.
I'd agree... if we could get it! It's still not available on Blu Ray, or 4K or Streaming. What's the studios problem?
El Cid is an interesting story and a good movie, bonus points for Sofia Loren.
You gotta add in MAJOR DUNDEE, too, which tried to portray itself as an epic with a 'cast of thousands' but only had a couple of hundred. But like EL CID, "that's a mighty big thorn in yer side, there, pal..."
One of the greatest films ever made a true classic The Ten Commandments directed by Cecil B. DeMille starring Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner. Thank you so much Cassie for reacting this masterpiece excellent😊😊😊
Anne Baxter was a gorgeous woman. But Yvonne DeCarlo? My GOD she was luminous!
By the way, I appreciate the reaction to this glorious film. I watch it every Holy Week since 1979. Never gets old to me. Epic cast, epic score, epic film!
No lies detected. Yvonne DeCarlo was otherworldly.
Baxter was more hot, DeCarlo looks to Hollywood Glamour
@@drhkleinert8241 Baxter is beautiful but she's too campy for most straight guys. She's a gay icon for a reason.
Did not realize that was Mrs. Munster. Mind blown.
The music at the beginning is called an overture. It was popular with a lot of epic movies up to the 70s. It’s purpose was to set the mood for the rest of the film, like a musical introduction.
Its purpose was also to entertain the audience as they were taking their seats before the film started
I'm missing that ... and the kind of movies made back then ...
Yep. I think the last movie of the 70s to do this was Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
I remember as a kid when i saw this and Ben Hur in Cinema with my dad, 1971 or so...with Ouverture, intermission and in an old big Theatre with balcony, big velvet curtain etc...
@@drhkleinert8241 What a special memory, and that is a fantastic way to see those movies!
"What god do the Egyptians believe in?"
During the time of Moses, the Egyptians believed in the following gods which became a focus for their role in Egyptian mythology (there were others as stated below):
Hapi- Egyptian God of the Nile
Heket- Egyptian Goddess of Fertility, Water, Renewal
Geb- Egyptian God of the Earth
Khepri- Egyptian God of creation, movement of the Sun, rebirth
Hathor-Egyptian Goddess of Love and Protection
Isis- Egyptian Goddess of Medicine and Peace
Nut- Egyptian Goddess of the Sky
Seth- Egyptian God of Storms and Disorder
Ra- The Sun God
Pharaoh- The Ultimate Power of Egypt
The plagues were meant to strike at each of these particular Egyptian gods as ten is significant in Biblical numerology. Each plague gave Pharaoh a chance to reflect and change his mind but pride kept Pharaoh from releasing the Hebrews until after the tenth plague. Other gods include Amun, Amunet, Anubis, Anuket, Apep, Apis, Aten, Atum, Bastet, Bat, Bes, Horus, Heka, Horus, Khnum, Khonsu, Kuk, Maahes, Ma'at, Mafdet, Menhit, Meretseger, Meskhenet, Monthu, Min, Mnevis, Mut, Neith, Nekhbet, Nephthys, Nu, Osiris, Pakhet, Ptah, Qebui, Ra-Horakhty, Reshep, Satis, Sekhmet, Seker, Selket, Sobek, Sopdu, Seshat, Shu, Tatenen, Taweret, Tefnut, Thoth, Wadjet, Wadj-wer, Wepwawet, and Wosret.
Pharaohs weren't so much the 'ultimate power' but rather the living embodiment of the divine. At various times they'd be connected with Horus or Ra. Set, among his other roles, was also seen as the God of Foreigners, sort of a deity who'd take foreigners under his charge when in Egypt. The Egyptians used a lot of mercenaries in their armies, so it helped to have a local deity they could be encouraged to worship. Set's fairly complex as well: reviled as the murderer of Osiris, he's also the god who protects the chariot of the sun when it passes through the underworld and comes under attack by Apophis (Apep) the great serpent (which was never viewed as a god, but more as a destructive monster, hence why when the Greeks conquered Egypt and merged their pantheons Apophis would be equated to Typhon).
Egypt, like the rest of the world at the time, was Polytheistic. They had multiple gods to represent many facets of life; gods of war, fertility, rivers, sand, the sun. The Hebrew's god was not really a threat so much as a colorful toy, they were not slaves because of the monotheism, they were slaves because most societies up until recently had slavery in one form or another. The 19th dynasty advanced into to the Levant, so the people there, including these 'Hebrews', fell under their yoke and all the chaff became potentially free servants to the Egyptian Empire.
Your comment reminds me of Prince of Egypt:
By the power Ra, Mut, Nut,
I always wondered which plague attacked which god, but your explanation gives me a clue.
Don't forget Akhenaten, the pharoah who tried to make Egypt monotheist. He got kicked out of Egypt, replaced by his son King Tut. Many researchers, including Sigmund Freud, believed Akhenaten and the Moses in the Bible were one and the same.
Heston's melodramatic delivery was perfect for this film. A true masterpiece.
Heston was usually bigger than life, but he did have more range than that. Go watch him playing the lead in the mostly small and character driven Western "Will Penny" which is said to have been his favorite performance. Good movie, too. Or catch him as Cardinal Richelieu in "The Three Musketeers". Subdued but intense and one of my favorite Heston roles.
I think Yul Brynner even out melodrama-ed him though. No one chews scenery better. And Anne Baxter matched them both perfectly.
@@janleonard3101 Ever see Brynner in "Taras Bulba" (1962)? Go big or go home!
@@paintedjaguar No, I'll have to check it out!
@@janleonard3101 Pharaohs and kings are entitled to chew scenery. After all, it's their scenery.
Fun Fact, the director also directed his first Ten Commandments which was in black and white and silent film
I'm not a religious person ... but I LOVE the old Bible Epic films from the 50s and 60s. When I was a kid, all the network TV stations would play these films all day long on Easter ... King of Kings, The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, Samson and Delilah, The Greatest Story Ever Told, etc.
@Raylan Givens I couldn't agree more. Franco Zeffirelli's _Jesus of Nazareth_ is phenomenal! If I'm not mistaken, they made it a point to never have Jesus blink while on camera. It's a very subtle but effective thing to do in order to give him this otherworldly aspect.
*EDIT:* And like *Daniel* noted above, I am no longer really terribly religious, but I was raised on these films and still love them to this day.
These were the big films of the day... Cleopatra, Quo Vadis, The Robe, Ben-Hur, Spartacus (1960 with Kirk Douglas), The Land of the Pharaohs, Samson & Delilah (1949), Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954), The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), Lawrence of Arabia, The Vikings (1958)...
So many truly great films, long before the rubbish they turn out these days...
Yul Brenner was a great actor. played a great Evil guy here.
He was great in The Magnificent Seven also!
Few actors can command a scene the way Chuck Heston did. This movie and Ben Hur are personal favorites of mine, both are great examples of big-budget cinema in that time period that feels like going to the theather.
For more Charlton Heston I suggest the Original "Planet of the Apes" from 1968! It's a Classic You have to watch!
Film critic Roger Ebert consider Ten Commandment, Ben-Hur, and Planet Of The Apes are the best movies with Charlton Heston.
Indeed
"Soylent Green" too dark for cassie?
And watch all 5 even though Heston is only in the first two. The whole series had declining budgets and it shows, but don't let that discourage you. The message is what matters. The new Apes movies don't come close.
@@stevenspringer1599 I almost gave aways the spoiler! I want her to watch Conan The Barbarian with her sister. 🤣
This has got to be one of the greatest movies ever made, it certainly was not cheap, cost ran up in the millions.
I’ve watched this every year with my family growing up and it’s by far one of the best movies when the Passover holiday rolls around. Great watch!
Wonderful.. just Wonderful.. Back when there were stories and acting not what they call "movies" or "acting" today.. movies like this will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Charlton Heston was one of the greats that never made a bad movie.
He always managed to elevate any film because of his presence. I mean, he's got a Boss role in TRUE LIES, which is wonderfully minimal but his 2-3 scenes are all the more powerful because of him. SOYLENT GREEN - he's a star in that film and while that film isn't hailed as some epic, he once again elevates every one of his scenes. Even riding atop a garbage truck! And the thing is - I really don't like the man.
The older rancher in Tombstone that put up Doc Holiday before Holiday met and killed Johnny Ringo was Heston
I used to watch this every year with my grandmother in the 80's. I still watch to this day, but more in remembrance to my grandmother rather the accuracy of the film. I love you grandma! 👵🏽😇
I've seen 10 Commandments like 20 times, looking forward to Cassie's take on it. Hurray!!! Looking forward to it
For his final directorial effort, the Paramount mountain becomes Sinai. Old C.B., the best-known director in his own right besides Hitchcock, was "Mister Paramount", from the early days of motion pictures.
The music from this movie still gives me chills.
The great Elmer Bernstein! Though for a fun little game, watch this movie and then watch "Airplane!" right afterwards.
@@BigAl72ZGE 😆😆
Charlton Heston might play the 'straight bat' lead most of the time, but he has such an imposing presence on the screen. And an actor willing to do different types of movie genres - from biblical films, to historical films, to sci fi films, and everything in between whether it be a western, action or comedy.
"He's the worst brother ever" 😂
This cast was amazing. Yul Brynner, Ramses, won a Tony award for The King And I, a colossally huge hit on Broadway.
I highly recommend the movie "Colossus: The Forbin Project" from 1970!
Yes !! No one has reviewed it !! It def holds up !!!!
That is a great Sci Fi Recommendation.
Yes
Though i only saw it once
I hope your Easter was beautiful, Cassie. We are all blessed for having access to your awesome channel which is my MVP channel here on TH-cam. God bless! 🙏🌹
There were 15 commandments until Mel Brooks dropped one of the tablets.
15...oy. 10, 10 commandments
There's a joke that goes like this (no offense meant):
"Commandments? How much are they?"
"They're free."
"Uh, OK, I'll take ten of them."
Trivia: Cecil B. DeMille picked Charlton Heston for the role of Moses because he bore a resemblance to Michelangelo's statue of Moses in Rome, Italy. Heston played Michelangelo in "The Agony and the Ecstasy (1965)."
One of the best Biblical epics, if not the best. And I'm not even religious.
I remember seeing KING OF KINGS a year or two later and it was - is - barely memorable. In the name, that's it.
@@ollietsb1704, I enjoyed KING OF KINGS as well. Really fleshed out a lot of the characters and story lines. Though, in probably unintentional irony, Jesus is among the least interesting characters in it.
It is an EPIC (in every sense of the word) movie, but every single Easter I watch it for just one line:
"IT'S A *MAN!"*
I don't know why, but ever since I first saw the movie - and every single time since, which is pretty much every single time it's been shown on TV at Easter - that line NEVER fails to crack me up. 😂
The rest of the film isn't bad either.
They show this movie every year on NBC during Easter
Indeed
Two of my favorite actors in this one. Chuck Heston as Moses and Vincent Price as Baka. Commandments was 1956 and Ben Hur was 1957.
What an awesome movie! I looked forward to it every year on TV as a kid in the 70s!!
Nefretiri was the throne Princess of Egypt. Whoever Pharoah deemed worthy to be his heir, Moses or Rameses, would take Nefretiri as a wife and she'd become the next Queen of Egypt. Pharaoh loved Moses, treated him like a son and even favoured him over his own son.
Definitely a classic, and it still holds up after all these years. It was a tradition in my family to watch it every year at Easter but it's been many years since I've seen it. Thanks for the review.
NO WAY! I'm actually STOKED you reacted to this movie. I used to watch this with my mom every Easter when I lived at home. Glad to see people havent forgotten about this movie!
The eldest Sister and Mose's wife is actually Lilly Munster.
AH HA! I knew she looked familiar! Gorgeous woman.
I have literally seen this movie every year since I was 10 yrs. old. So, I’ve seen it 64 times! The guy who plays Joshua is John Derek, he married Ursula Andrés (Honey Rider in James Bond), than married Bo Derek (where she got her name) from the movie “10” and than married Linda Evans of “Dynasty” and “High Chaparral” TV Series. Sefora (Yvonne de Carlo) played “Lily Munster” of “The Munsters”. One more little ditty. Charleston Heston has a very great Role in the Movie “Big Country”, I’m sure it was high in your choice of Best Western’s in you Poll. You must see it with Carley. It Stars Gregory Peck ( Addicus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird) and Heston. It’s just one of the greatest Movies ever made, Period!…. SanJoséBob
The Big Country is indeed great! Also, very cool that William Wyler worked with Gregory Peck on Roman Holiday, another all-time great film, then with Peck and Heston on The Big Country, and then finished off the '50s working with Heston on Ben-Hur.
If you think the relationships in the movie were confusing they're nothing compared to real relationships in Egyptian dynasties. It was quite common for sons of pharaohs to marry their sisters and then even their own daughters. Rameses II, played by Yul Brynner here, married at least two of his own daughters, Bintanath, and Meritamen. The Egyptians had many gods, although for a brief time, the Pharaoh Akhenaten established a single god religion but it didn't last because the priests had too much power, which is why Moses as pharaoh probably wouldn't have been able to free the slaves.
Indeed. For as bad as the Spanish Habsburgs were the Egyptian's were right up there. King Tut died so young; a lot of it was from the genetic conditions he had from his parents being so closely related.
heston was literally in every epic movie in those days. btw. this version of 10 commandments, is the one and only one you will ever need to see. they have made new ones, but they just don't compare.
I grew up with this being on TV every Easter, and Charlton Heston was so great as Moses that it was hard to think of him as anything else. Very confusing when I was a little older and Moses was fighting super-intelligent ape-men from the future.
Well, Nova and her tribe had to be led out of bondage from among the apes. Sounds like a job for Moses to me.
@@flatebo1 Let my people go, you damn dirty apes!
Every year around Easter my dad would sit me down and watch The Ten Commandments and Jesus of Nazareth. I kind of hated it at the time but I appreciate it more as an adult and continue to watch them both around Easter.
That era of film didn't have much in the way of special effects, so they were heavily driven by the talent of its actors. It was a whole different world in Hollywood, and it was a different breed of stars. If you like this film and Ben Hur, then other notables from that time with similar stars are El Cid, Spartacus, Once Upon a Time in the West, and Planet of the Apes.
The effects in this movie are pretty damn awesome.
Planet of the Apes was much later. Like DECADES later
@@tracymetherell8744 This was 1956. Planet of the Apes came out in 1968. 12 years is hardly "decades later".
@@googlesucks2449 Maybe she's only familiar with the remakes.
The beards of shellfish (byssus) were used to make Sea Silk! When treated with lemon juice, they would turn gold. They were super fine, light, and warm. (Shameless Wiki plug) Just another of those ancient crafts that have been forgotten by the world.
One of the best movies of its time. Amazing dialogue and acting, and effects! And oh yeah, MUSIC!
Cecil B. Demille actually had a lot of experience with The Ten Commandments.
He made the same film in 1923 as a silent film in black & white.
It was also EPIC.
The 1956 version gave him the opportunity to have color AND sound.
The actress who plays Zephirah is Yvonne De Carlo.
She went on to portray Lily Munster of the TV series, The Munsters.
There were more Heston's playing characters in The Ten Commandment than most know.
In addition to Charlton Heston's son playing baby Moses, and Charlton playing the adult Moses, Heston was also the voice of God in the film.
Charlton insisted that he get to be the voice of God.
Demille thought it was odd but approved it.
The original one was pretty different plot wise and serting
"BEHOLD THE ANGEL OF DEATH" best line in the movie coolest scene in the movie
Also the inspiration for one of the coolest heavy metal songs, "Creeping Death" by Metallica
Cassie hissing "Dathan!" is the best thing I've seen today.
"BEHOLD HIS MIGHTY HAND!" Definitely one of the greatest lines by Charlton Heston who did awesome playing as Moses. 😇✝️ Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" is one of my most favorite movie of all time along with Charlton Heston other movies "Ben-Hur" (1959) and "Planet Of The Apes" (1968).
Actually he says "Behold His Mighty Hand" (not hands). I consider Heston's best line to be "He is not flesh, but spirit...the Light of Eternal Mind."
Closely followed by "There is no freedom without the Law."
@@CassandrashadowcassMorrison "Those Who Will NOT Live By The Law, Shall DIE By The Law" another one of my favorite Charlton Heston lines.
The Ten Commandments is good for what it is, but Ben-Hur is a far superior film.
@@josephhewes3923 Yup, Ben-Hur has won 11 Oscars awards including Best Picture trying with "Titanic" (1997) and "The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King" (2003)
Time stamp? Searching and can't find it..first time seeing it. Already finished but can't remember where it is 😂
Technically, The Passion of the Christ (2004) would be a more apt Easter film than Ten Commandments, but it's hard to turn down a Charlton Heston epic anytime of year. And The Passion of the Christ might be too brutal for a TH-cam reaction. Plus Ten Commandments is more spiritually uplifting whereas The Passion of the Christ is more emotionally draining.
Great video, looking forward to part 2!
Not to argue but Passion of the Christ is more so for those of Catholic faith as some of it is based on extra writings. That is not to say its a bad movie of course, just some christians of other denominations would notice some flaws.
passion of the christ is somethign I can only watch once every two years. It's a tough watch and I can't handle seeing it too often.
The passover is God foreshadowing the coming of Christ. Those who had blood on the doors of their house were passed by and spared from God's wrath. Christians today are saved by the blood of Christ and will not face God's wrath.
Or the movie Paul Apostle of Christ, which is takes place after the Resurrection.
Go with “Jesus of Nazareth”. Then have a few drinks and watch the “Life of Brian”. It’s a…umm…companion movie.
This movie is pretty darn epic
It's almost Biblical
I like that you have split this movie into 2 parts and you use the intermission to discuss the themes of the first half.
I highly recommend the movie "The Time Machine" from 1960!
Yes! Cheesy special effects, but a really terrific acting job from Rod Taylor!
Just watched it yesterday...
"The Time Machine" (1960), "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1959), and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (1954). A Technicolor A-list triple play from 1950s cinema, and I wouldn't call the effects from any of them cheesy. All were quality productions.
Heston is just magnificent in this, such presence, stature and wisdom that you believe he could actually free the Hebrews himself.
Other actors haven't come close in this regard. One day when I grow up I would like to be so assured **casually looks up his DoB** for Pete's sake I'm already 10 years older than he was when he made this film. They don't make them like they used to!😀
THis, Ben Hur and Cleopatra, where the Holy Trinity of Peplums/Period dramas.
Dreamworks did in the 90's an animated movie about Moses, called Prince of Egypt, and it is an amazing movie to watch.
Great reactions to a very powerful movie. Amazing what they could do with movies so many years ago.
Whaaaaaaaat! Finally! Someone reacts to this! I'm not even religious, but this movie is so good! I also did the Paramount tour and learned some cool things about its production. Nice.
Brandocritic posted an abbreviated reaction as well on his youtube channel.
I hope you come to be. :)
It was Pharaoh's sister who found baby Moses floating down the river.
She hired a Hebrew woman to be the nanny,; she did not realize it, but she hired his birth mother to take care of the baby.
For another Heston film try Soylent Green. It also has Edward G Robinson in it.
Yes but its a complete different one, its a typical "End-Time" movie from that time,creepy but not that big.
Better try Charthoum, 55 days of Peking or El Cid. Heston made many big Movies, Soylent green isnt that good, same league like The Omega Man/I am legend
Your reaction to this movie today, this very special day, is a gift and puts icing on the cake! I truly look forward to seeing the rest from you!!
Thank you!! Happy Easter!!
Edward G. Robinson (Dathan) was, by the 50s, a nearly legendary actor. He began in the Yiddish theater but soon moved to Broadway and then to Hollywood. The film that made him a star was the 1931 crime drama _Little Caesar,_ which is widely regarded as the first important mobster movie.
This is one of those films Hollywood used to refer to as a "swords and sandals" movie. Some examples include: Land of the Pharaohs, The Robe, Intolerance, Joan the Woman, and 1923's The Ten Commandments. They didn't have CGI, but they did use effects such as rear projection (14:02), miniatures, and matte paintings. The effect that earned them the Oscar, though, will be in Part 2!
Yeah well, sword and sandal movies embrace all those Hercules and Sons of Hercules movies which starred actors like Steve Reeves, Gordon Scott. Reg Park, Dan Vadis, et al.
Also the Sinbad and Jason and the argonaut flicks that helped pay Ray Harryhausen's property taxes back in the day.
Biblical epics like this and King of Kings starring Captain Christopher Pike as Jesus and The Robe an so on do not really come under that category,
@@CassandrashadowcassMorrison I wrote "some" examples. You have included others. But, if you think Biblical epics don't also fall under the heading of "sword and sandal" movies, that is incorrect.
Yes, and Samson, The Robe, Quo Vadis, Cleopatra etc...and fun fact: Because Commandments failes at the Oscars and the Box office (Oscars was a big betrayal that year) Heston never want to do that kind of movie again and denied the role of Ben Hur...
Dathan snidely: “I’ll take the water girl too!”
Cassie: _snort of derision!_
The Egyptians had what is called a polytheistic syncretic religion. That means that they thought there were many gods, some attentive to certain people and some responsible for certain physical phenomena like the weather or earthquakes (polytheism). They also thought that any such god you might think of must actually exist and be worth worshiping, if it was working for (syncretic). The (real life at least) Egyptians would not have had a problem with the Hebrew god if their god didn't have a problem acknowledging the other Egyptian gods.
No many gods but an antropomorph representation of the solar system
In Christian version is replaced by the apostles
@@hernandemornay7559 Well if that's so, which planet was Ma'at?
@@localroger is not my opinión is basic history ,you must check out the information beyond Disney movies
@@hernandemornay7559 I'm not sure which Disney movie you think I am reviewing by pointing out that the Egyptian religion was syncretic. I do note that you didn't answer my question, if it represented the solar system, what planet was Ma'at?
Yul Brynner had his own tv show in 1928. In 1928, WRGB, then W2XB, was started as the world's first television station in Schenectady, NY.
Cassie, Happy Easter and day of resurrection. Glad you're enjoying a true Epic. This movie never gets old.
Yvonne DeCarlo who plays Moses' wife would later be known for playing Lily Munster in the Munster T.V. series.
Saying her fabric was "spun from the beards of shellfish" could be true. Shellfish (such as clams) "beards," otherwise known as "Byssus filaments" were used to weave "sea silk," which (according to Wikipedia) is an "extremely fine, rare, and valuable fabric."
Sadly there is only one woman who still knows how to make sea silk. It is quite beautiful.
@@gl15col only ONE? That is fascinating and sad.
I'm so blown away. I came into this a month late, but I remember as a kid watching this around every Thanksgiving everytime we went to my grandmother's house back in Detroit (we lived in Cincinnati). This stoked so many childhood memories for me, just want to day thank you! I'm a big fan of your content, it keeps me grounded and unjaded to the world because of your innocence to experiences different from my own, my experiences and my realities. Keep up the FANTASTIC work
Fun Fact: the voice of God was performed by Charlton Heston himself! So when he's talking to the Burning Bush he's literally talking to himself!
They used the same technique in Prince of Egypt. Val Kilmer voiced both Moses and God.