The Bible in film in Genesis was the 1904 French film "Joseph Vendu Par Ses Frères" ("Joseph Sold by his Brothers"). Enrico Guazzoni's 1913 Italian epic "Quo Vadis?" is often considered the first successful feature-length motion picture and one of the first films with over two hours running time. Cecil B. DeMille specialized in extravagant epics throughout a career that spanned both the silent and sound eras. His 1923 silent version of "The Ten Commandments" (1923) included spectacular special effects for the parting of the Red Sea. De Mille followed "The Ten Commandments" in 1927 with "King of Kings", a lavish, reverential life of
Carmen (1915 Cecil B. DeMille film) Carmen (1915 Cecil B. DeMille film) Carmen is a 1915 American silent drama film directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The film is based on the novella "Carmen" by Prosper Mérimée. The existing versions of this film appear to be from the re-edited 1918 re-release. Don José, an officer of the law, is seduced by the gypsy girl Carmen, in order to facilitate her clan's smuggling endeavors. Don José becomes obsessed, turning to violent crime himself in order to keep her attention. DeMille had intended to film a musical version of George Bizet's opera "Carmen", but its libretto was under copyright