The Hollywood founding father Cecil B. DeMille was born 143 years ago today: Take a look at five of his best movies
Gloria Swanson famously said in “Sunset Boulevard”, “I am ready for my close up, Mr. DeMille.” The legendary director and producer was born in 1881 and was the top man in Hollywood from the dawn of cinema until his death in 1959
The Hollywood founding father Cecil B. DeMille was born 143 years ago today: Take a look at five of his best movies
Cecil B. DeMille stands today as one of the founding fathers of the American cinema and Hollywood, remaining the most commercially successful producer-director in film history. DeMille started his career as a Vaudeville stage actor in 1900, but quickly moved to writing and directing stage productions. He was on the forefront at the dawn of cinema, and his first movie was “The Squaw Man” from 1914. The now historical silent movie was the first feature film shot in Hollywood and its plot included an interracial love story, that made it commercially successful, and it first publicized Hollywood as the world capital of cinema. As he prolifically released more successful movies, it led to the founding of Paramount Pictures, which still stands today as one of the most famous in the world. During his career in cinema, between 1914 and 1918, Cecil B. DeMille made a total of 70 features, both silent and sound films and was awarded several times, including two Academy Awards, an Honorary Award for “37 years of brilliant showmanship” in 1950 and a Best Picture award in 1953 for the acclaimed “The Greatest Show on Earth”. Additionally, he was also nominated for the Best Director category at the 1953 Academy Awards for the same film and further nominated in the Best Picture category for the Epic “The Ten Commandments” at the 1957 Academy Awards.
Cecil Blount DeMille was born on August 12, 1881, in Ashfield, Massachusetts. He was raised in a family deeply involved in the arts; his father, Henry Churchill DeMille, was a playwright and educator, and his mother, Matilda Beatrice DeMille, ran a drama school. After his father’s death in 1893, DeMille’s mother moved the family to New York City, where she continued her involvement in the theater. DeMille attended the Pennsylvania Military College and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he studied acting and developed a deep interest in theater and storytelling.
DeMille began his career as a stage actor, appearing in various productions in New York. He transitioned to writing and directing, working with prominent figures in the theater world. However, the burgeoning film industry soon caught his attention. In 1913, DeMille partnered with Jesse L. Lasky and Samuel Goldwyn to form the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company, which later evolved into Paramount Pictures. DeMille co-directed his first film, The Squaw Man (1914), one of the first feature-length films ever made in Hollywood. The film was a success, establishing DeMille as a pioneer in the film industry.
Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, DeMille directed numerous silent films that showcased his flair for spectacle and drama. His ability to combine grandiose sets, elaborate costumes, and compelling narratives made him one of the most successful filmmakers of the silent era. Some of his early hits included The Cheat (1915), Joan the Woman (1916), and The Ten Commandments (1923). The latter, an epic biblical film, set a new standard for Hollywood productions with its massive scale and attention to detail.
DeMille was also instrumental in shaping the Hollywood studio system, advocating for the integration of storytelling, technical innovation, and mass appeal. His films were known for their visual extravagance and often featured themes of morality, sin, and redemption.
With the advent of sound in the late 1920s, DeMille successfully transitioned to “talkies,” continuing to produce films that were both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. In the 1930s, he directed a series of historical dramas and adventure films, such as The Sign of the Cross (1932), Cleopatra (1934), and The Crusades (1935). These films solidified his reputation as a master of epic storytelling.
In 1949, DeMille received an Academy Award for Best Picture for Samson and Delilah, another biblical epic that showcased his signature style. However, it was his 1956 remake of The Ten Commandments that became one of his most iconic works. Starring Charlton Heston as Moses, the film was a monumental success, both financially and culturally, and remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time when adjusted for inflation.
Cecil B. DeMille married Constance Adams in 1902, and they remained together until his death. The couple had four children, including Katherine DeMille, who became an actress. Despite his public persona as a larger-than-life director, DeMille was known to be a deeply private and conservative man. He was a devout Episcopalian and often incorporated religious themes into his work. DeMille was also involved in various civic and charitable activities, reflecting his strong beliefs in morality and social responsibility.
Cecil B. DeMille passed away on January 21, 1959, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 77, due to heart failure. His death marked the end of an era in Hollywood, as he was one of the last great directors who had been active since the early days of cinema. DeMille’s legacy as a pioneer of American cinema is undeniable. He directed over 70 films, many of which are considered classics. His work laid the foundation for the modern epic, influencing generations of filmmakers. He rests at the Hollywood Memorial Cemetery now known as Hollywood Forever.
DeMille’s contributions to the film industry were recognized with numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including an Academy Award for Best Director for The Greatest Show on Earth (1952). His films continue to be celebrated for their scale, ambition, and impact on the history of cinema. DeMille is remembered not only as a master of the epic film but also as one of the key figures who helped shape Hollywood into the entertainment capital of the world. Here’s five essential Cecil B. DeMille movies to watch while celebrating the 143rd anniversary of his birthday.
5 – “The King of Kings”, 1927
4 – “Male and Female”, 1919
“Samson and Delilah”, 1949
“The Greatest Show on Earth”, 1952
“The Ten Commandments”, 1956
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