Cecil B. DeMille

The Profile

American film director and producer, a pioneer of large-scale epic cinema active in the silent and sound eras.

Launched and worked with major stars (review notes Gloria Swanson); appeared as himself in Sunset Boulevard; mentioned in reviews as a Freemason and as having supported anti-communist measures in Hollywood.

A measured, mildly admiring take on an early DeMille historical drama. The review praises mass scenes, scenography and costumes while finding leads and acting uneven. DeMille's importance as a pioneer of epic cinema is acknowledged.