Even then the parting of the Red Sea (in early colour) was impressive, but, with the benefit of more modern special effects, DeMille was able to turn in a really spectacular job, and the sequence won the film an Oscar.

The movie was also nominated as best picture of the year, but surprisingly lost out to Around the World in 80 Days.

The writing of the tablets in the wilderness is also a highlight of a film that remains a supreme example of vivid Hollywood story-telling at its best, with Charlton Heston in towering form as Moses.

Financially, too (unlike some of today's free-spending directors) DeMille knew exactly what he was about.

The film cost 13 million dollars, and grossed almost four times that amount.