The Ten Commandments (1956) – Anne Baxter’s Role and Story Overview

The Ten Commandments (1956), directed by Cecil B. DeMille, is an epic biblical drama that tells the story of Moses, the Hebrew prophet who leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. The film is renowned for its grand scale, stunning visuals, and powerful performances. Anne Baxter plays the pivotal role of Nefretiri, the Egyptian princess who is deeply entangled in the story’s central conflicts.

Story Overview:

The film begins with the Hebrews enslaved in Egypt under the rule of Pharaoh Rameses I. A prophecy foretells the birth of a deliverer who will free the Hebrews, prompting the Pharaoh to order the killing of all newborn Hebrew boys. However, Moses, a Hebrew child, is saved when his mother places him in a basket on the Nile River. He is discovered and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, Bithiah, and raised as an Egyptian prince.

As Moses grows up, he becomes a beloved leader in Egypt, unaware of his true heritage. Nefretiri, played by Anne Baxter, is the beautiful and ambitious princess who is in love with Moses. However, her love is complicated by her betrothal to Rameses (Yul Brynner), Moses’ rival for the throne. When Moses learns of his Hebrew origins, he renounces his royal status and chooses to stand with his people. This decision devastates Nefretiri, who feels betrayed and abandoned.

After being exiled from Egypt, Moses encounters God in the form of a burning bush and is commanded to return to Egypt to free the Hebrews. He confronts Rameses, now Pharaoh, and demands the release of his people. When Rameses refuses, Egypt is struck by a series of plagues, culminating in the death of the firstborn sons. Finally, Rameses relents, and Moses leads the Hebrews out of Egypt, parting the Red Sea in a miraculous display of divine power.

Anne Baxter’s Role:

As Nefretiri, Anne Baxter delivers a complex performance, portraying a woman torn between love, jealousy, and ambition. Her character’s unrequited love for Moses and her manipulative relationship with Rameses add emotional depth to the epic narrative. Nefretiri’s actions, driven by passion and pride, ultimately contribute to the film’s dramatic tension and tragic undertones.