Produced by acclaimed documentarians Kevin Brownlow and Patrick Stanbury, the documentary features interviews with notable figures such as Martin Scorsese, Angela Lansbury, Charlton Heston, Cecilia (DeMille) Presley (his granddaughter), adopted son Richard DeMille, composer Elmer Bernstein and Steven Spielberg. The documentary includes never-before-seen footage of how the parting of the Red Sea was shot in THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (1956), which Spielberg declared "the best special effects sequence of all time." Brownlow and Stanbury are available for interviews. Additional talent is available upon request.
Considered one of Hollywood's original pioneers, DeMille became one of the most famous directors of his time. Known around the world, his name above the title was as much of an attraction as those of his stars. Only two other directors, D. W. Griffith and Alfred Hitchcock, had the ability to attract the kind of box-office draw of DeMille. He was also one of the few directors to survive the transition from silent films to talkies and remained popular throughout his lifetime. DeMille was a born showman and had the uncanny knack of knowing what the public wanted to see. His style was entertaining, and he was not afraid to use provocative methods that had never been seen before, as well as the use of realism, which he often insisted on.
DeMille also had an incredible ability to choose unknown actors for their talent and was responsible for the launching the careers of Gloria Swanson, Wallace Reid, Bebe Daniels, and Charlton Heston. Jeanie MacPherson was another young and ambitious actor who he took under his guidance, and she became his closest professional confidant and collaborator, until her death in 1946. Though a taskmaster to all his actors, he was especially fond of his female actresses. He often pushed the envelope with sexual innuendo and provocative costumes for his leading ladies.
His films were diverse, but he is remembered primarily for his historical epics and Biblical spectacles. Most of his films employ the same winning formula: fantastic costumes, elaborate set designs, forbidden love and religious subject matter. DeMille was also famous in radio and became a household name by directing and hosting "Lux Radio Theatre" between 1936-1945. The show drew in more than 30 million listeners, and his voice became instantly recognizable. Additional information on DeMille will be featured on TCM's website. Kevin Brownlow and Patrick Stanbury have produced many documentaries for TCM, including Lon Chaney: A Thousand Face and Universal Horror.
