The Ten Commandments (1923): South West Silents

Pound Arts proudly presents 100 Years of Silents. In partnership with South West Silents, we’re showing three all-time-classic silent films that turn 100 years old in 2023. Each screening is accompanied by a live piano score, performed by BFI South Bank’s resident pianist Meg Morley, to help transport you back to 1923.

The first part of Cecile B. DeMille’s historical epic tells the story of Moses leading the Jews from Egypt to the Promised Land, his receipt of the tablets, and the worship of the golden calf. The second part shows the efficacy of the Commandments in modern life through a story set in San Francisco. Two brothers, rivals for the love of Mary, also come into conflict when John discovers that Dan used shoddy materials to construct a cathedral.