mental_floss magazine
SUBSCRIBE >
GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS >
DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS >
subscriber services >
Ransom’s great post on the anniversary of “Talkies” got me in an anniversary mood. Yesterday, Cecil B. DeMille’s epic, The Ten Commanments, celebrated its 50th, believe it or not. So in honor of old Cecil, I present today’s stumper, which I think you’ll find a bit harder than those from past weeks.
Rules: as always, no lookin nuttin’ up nohow, nowhere!
Question #1:The Ten Commandments was nominated for seven Oscars but it only won one. For what?
Question #2: Cecil B. DeMille directed 80 films between 1914 and 1956. The Ten Commandments was his last film, though it was based on another film he’d already made in 1923? What was its name?
Question #3: Speaking of The Ten Commandments, list them from 1 to 10 in order.
Bonus Question: A couple weeks ago, I had a humorous send-up of the commandments called Covenant Schmovenant published by our good friends, TheMorningNews.org. In it, I state that the language of the covenant is different from the rest of the writings found in the Old Testament, more similar in style to standard legal contracts of the era. Is this true or false?
if you want a humourouse send-up of that movie, check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffOGibLrSsY
(YouTube - “10 things I hate about commandments”)
posted by JaneFan on 10-6-2006 at 4:10 pm
It won the Oscar for Best Special Effects. His early film that he based The Ten Commandents on, had the same title: The Ten Commandments. Redundant,redundant.
Thalt shall not have other gods before me.Do not make a sculpted image or any likeness of what is in the heavens above. hou shalt not swear falsely by the name of the Lord. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.Thou shalt honor your father and your mother. Thou shalt not murder. hou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor. Thou shalt not covet your neighbor’s house.
Bonus: Wow, I can’t believe I remember this, but yeah, that is true.
posted by Abby on 10-8-2006 at 5:14 pm
nice linkage, Jane, thanks! and it only took 48 hours, but we do have a winner! congrats Abby on nailing ‘em all, even the bonus.
posted by David on 10-8-2006 at 6:28 pm