Resource | Moses at the Movies | Lectionary 30 A | Deuteronomy 34:1-12

The Ten Commandments (1956).

Featuring Charlton Heston (Moses) and Yul Brynner (Rameses II).

The death of Moses is foreshadowed in the final scene of Cecil B. DeMille’s epic, the final film he directed before his death in 1959. Forbidden by the Lord to enter the Promised Land, Moses says good-bye to his wife, known in this film by her Greek name “Sephora” (Yvonne De Carlo). Passing leadership to his successor, Moses gives his staff and mantle to Joshua. As Moses lays his hands on Joshua’s head, he responds, “As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Moses instructs Aaron (John Carradine) to give Eleazar (Paul De Rolf) the Books of Law to put in the Ark of the Covenant. Moses sends the Israelites (and movie viewers) out with the commission: “Go! Proclaim liberty throughout all the lands to all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10).

Resource | Moses at the Movies | Lectionary 27 A | Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20

The Ten Commandments (1923)

Featuring Theodore Roberts (Moses).

The story of Moses makes up the first part of Cecil B. DeMille’s silent film, a precursor to the 1956 epic film.  Moses receives the Ten Commandments in dramatic fashion. Each is “written with the finger of God” through primitive--but impressive--special effects. Moses then inscribes them on tablets.  You can watch clips at www.tinyrurl.com/MosesMovie07.