Cecil B. DeMille

Description: (One of the Most Commercially Successful Producers & Directors in Film History)

Cecil Blount DeMille was a legendary American filmmaker. He is considered a founding father of Hollywood. His trademark films were the Biblical and historical dramas remarkable for their larger than life portrayal and big-budget scale productions along with his cinematic showmanship. Most of his films were almost invariably box office gold thus making him one of the most commercially successful director-producer in the history of cinema. The genres he treaded in films include Westerns, historical spectacles, social dramas, ethical plays, farcical plays and comedy stories. Beginning his acting career on stage he gradually forged ahead with writing and directing stage productions. His directorial debut ‘The Squaw Man’ remains the first feature film shot in Hollywood. With ‘The Ten Commandments’ (1923), he marked his debut in Biblical epics. The film not only garnered commercial and critical success but also held a revenue record for Paramount Pictures for 25 long years. ‘The King of Kings’ a biopic on Jesus Christ, directed by him became one of the most commercially successful films of the silent era. His other notable films include ‘Cleopatra’, his first film that bagged a nomination for ‘Academy Award for Best Picture’; ‘Samson and Delilah’, a block-buster; ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, a circus drama that bagged ‘Oscar’ for best picture; and ‘The Ten Commandments’ (1956), which is presently the 7th highest grossing film of all times. Apart from other awards and recognition he received ‘Academy Honorary Award’ in 1950 for making invaluable contribution to cinema.

Overview

Birthday August 12, 1881 (Leo)
Born In United States
Alternative names Cecil Blount DeMille
Died on January 21, 1959
Spouse/Ex- Constance Adams DeMille (m. 1902–59)
Parents Henry Churchill DeMille
Mathilda Beatrice Samuel DeMille
Children Cecilia DeMille, John DeMille, Katherine DeMille, Richard de Mille
Relatives William C. deMille (brother)

Did you know

What were some of Cecil B. DeMille's most famous movies? Cecil B. DeMille is known for directing epic films such as "The Ten Commandments," "Cleopatra," "Samson and Delilah," "The Greatest Show on Earth," and "King of Kings."
How did Cecil B. DeMille contribute to the development of Hollywood? Cecil B. DeMille was a pioneering filmmaker who played a significant role in shaping the early film industry in Hollywood. He was known for his grand and spectacular productions that helped establish Hollywood as the entertainment capital of the world.
What was Cecil B. DeMille's approach to filmmaking? Cecil B. DeMille was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his grandiose style of filmmaking. He was a perfectionist who spared no expense in creating lavish sets and costumes for his films.
Did Cecil B. DeMille face any challenges during his career? Cecil B. DeMille faced several challenges during his career, including financial setbacks, studio conflicts, and changing audience tastes. However, he persevered and continued to make successful films that have stood the test of time.
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