About
Cecil B. DeMille was a pioneering American filmmaker, known for his biblical and historical epics. Born in Massachusetts, he co-founded the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company in 1913, which became Paramount Pictures. He directed 70 feature films between 1914 and 1956, including 'The Squaw Man' (1914), 'The Ten Commandments' (1923 and 1956), and 'The King of Kings' (1927). He won the Academy Award for Best Picture for 'The Greatest Show on Earth' (1952) and received an Honorary Oscar in 1949. He was also known for his radio work and technical innovations.
* 1881-08-12 — † 1959-01-21
Major works
- The Squaw Man (1914)film
- The Ten Commandments (1923)film
- The King of Kings (1927)film
- The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)film
- The Ten Commandments (1956)film
Key milestones
- 1913Co-founded the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company, which became Paramount Pictures.
- 1952Won the Academy Award for Best Picture for 'The Greatest Show on Earth'.
- 1956Released his final film, 'The Ten Commandments', starring Charlton Heston.
Themes
Biblical epicsBlockbustersTechnical innovationSpectacleAmerican history
Sources: britannica.com · anb.org · newnetherlandinstitute.org