The Ten Commandments Moses Negative Film Movie Still Photo

In the film, the first part 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 Dan used shoddy materials to construct a cathedral.

This 8×10 photo originates from the Howard Lakes, Minnesota collection (as presented with other items in this auction). This individual one showing Moses holding his staff with his people came out of a group of 10 which are also in auction. The group had the original mailing envelope (dated post-1926) as shown by the picture but is not included with this item. After the initial release date passed, stills like these were produced by Paramount in 1956 from the original negatives by request for promotion and sent out to theaters by the studio.

Interesting background reveals that famed American Indian photographer Edward S. Curtis was an uncredited assistant cameraman and the still photographer for the film (in order to finance his own projects). He worked with Cecile B. DeMille on the film “Adam’s Rib” as well.

Photo grades as VG with expected aging/handling wear due to vintage.