Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

The Sixth Commandment

The Sixth Commandment is a four-part drama television , written by and directed by . It dramatises the real-life deaths of and retired headmistress Ann Moore-Martin in the village of , , between 2015 and 2017, and the subsequent police investigation and trial of Ben Field. The series stars as Farquhar, Éanna Hardwicke as Field, as Moore-Martin, and as Barbara Moore-Martin. Produced by New Pictures in association with for , it premiered on 17 July 2023 and concluded on 25 July 2023, receiving critical acclaim for its performances and storytelling.

Production

Development

The story for The Sixth Commandment originated from a written by Arthur Hoerl, which was adapted into a screenplay by Merritt Crawford, who handled the title cards for the . The film was directed and produced by , marking his shift toward independent productions after earlier roles in the silent era, including serving as on D.W. Griffith's in 1915. At its core, the project explored moral dilemmas drawn from the biblical , "," weaving these into a dramatic centered on themes of , , and the specter of . Developed in as an independent venture under Cabanne's oversight, the film emerged during a period when silent cinema increasingly incorporated moral and ethical explorations to appeal to audiences navigating post-World War I social changes.

Casting and Filming

William Faversham was cast in a leading role, drawing upon his renowned stage background to infuse the production with dramatic intensity. A veteran of the theater since the 1890s, Faversham had starred in numerous productions, including roles in plays like The Royal Rival and The Squaw Man, which honed his ability to convey emotion through gesture and expression—essential for silent . Key supporting roles were filled by actors such as Charlotte Walker, who portrayed Mrs. Calhoun, and John Boles, who played John Brant in what marked his screen debut. Boles, then an emerging talent from , would later gain prominence in musical films like (1929) and Rio Rita (1929), but his early dramatic work here showcased his versatility before transitioning to sound musicals. Filming for The Sixth Commandment was completed in 1924 under the direction of for the independent production company Encore Pictures, emphasizing a modest, efficient style characteristic of low-budget silent-era independents. William H. Tuers (also credited alongside Philip Armand in some records) handled the visuals, capturing the story across six reels. The production occurred at unspecified studios, aligning with the era's common practice for cost-effective shooting. The resulting film runs approximately 60 minutes, a typical length for contemporary silent dramas that prioritized concise .

Plot

Synopsis

The Sixth Commandment is a 1924 silent film centered on John Brant, a devoted who harbors a secret love for Marian Calhoun, a engaged to the unfaithful Robert Fields. As Brant conceals his feelings out of respect for her commitment, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Fields' , which comes to light and shatters Marian's engagement, forcing her to confront the betrayal. As a , the following synopsis is reconstructed from contemporary reviews and summaries. The central conflict escalates when Brant enlists in , returning home blinded and grappling with profound personal and spiritual turmoil. Marian steps in to care for him, reigniting their unspoken connection amid his vulnerability, but this sets the stage for intense moral temptations tied to the Sixth Commandment—""—as Brant navigates ethical boundaries in his crisis of faith and potential for violence. The story builds to a confrontation where characters face pivotal choices about loyalty, forgiveness, and redemption, highlighting the personal implications of biblical principles in everyday strife.

Themes

The Sixth Commandment employs the biblical edict "Thou shalt not kill" as a metaphor for both emotional and physical restraint, particularly within romantic entanglements fraught with moral peril. The protagonist, a devoted minister named John Brant, exemplifies this through his suppressed affection for Marian Calhoun while she remains engaged to another, demonstrating self-denial rooted in ethical duty and religious conviction. This internal conflict intensifies upon his return from war, blinded and reliant on Marian's care, yet he urges her toward reunion with her former fiancé out of a sense of propriety, highlighting the film's portrayal of love as a force demanding disciplined forbearance to avoid transgression. Central to the narrative is a critique of infidelity and the pervasive social hypocrisy of 1920s America, where outward respectability often concealed personal failings. Robert Fields, Marian's unfaithful suitor, embodies this duplicity, his interest in other women underscoring the era's tensions between progressive social mores and lingering Victorian ideals of marital fidelity. The minister's confrontation with Robert, culminating in the latter's accidental death during a physical altercation, exposes these hypocrisies when John faces a murder accusation, forcing society to reckon with the consequences of unchecked moral lapses. This reflection mirrors broader cultural anxieties in post-World War I America, where rapid modernization clashed with traditional values. The film offers a broader commentary on religion's integral role in shaping personal ethics, positioning the as a figure navigating the interplay of , human frailty, and —a hallmark of silent-era moral dramas. Through John's and ultimate with Marian, the story affirms as a guiding force for redemption amid ethical turmoil.

Cast

Principal Cast

The principal cast of The Sixth Commandment (1924) features William as David Brant, a supporting role in this silent drama. Faversham, a stage actor and early matinee idol who rose to prominence on in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, brought his extensive theatrical experience to the film, marking one of his notable film appearances late in his . John Boles portrays John Brant, the protagonist and devoted minister torn between faith and forbidden love for Marian Calhoun. This marked Boles's film debut. Kathleen Martyn portrays Marian Calhoun, the lead female character whose vulnerability underscores the emotional stakes of her engagement to another . As an emerging actress in silent films, Martyn's highlights the film's exploration of romantic tension and moral dilemma. Neil Hamilton plays the antagonist Robert Fields, Marian's fiancé and a rival to the , in a role that exemplifies his early screen work as a charismatic yet obstructive figure. Hamilton, who began his career in 1918 and gained popularity as a in the before transitioning to supporting roles in sound films including his iconic portrayal of Commissioner Gordon in the Batman television series, delivered a pivotal performance here at the outset of his ascent.

Supporting Roles

In The Sixth Commandment, Charlotte Walker portrayed Mrs. Calhoun, serving as a maternal figure who influences the protagonist's decisions throughout the narrative. The film's ensemble depth is highlighted by minor characters such as Consuelo Flowerton as Helen Brooks, alongside other performers including and Breese, reflecting the collaborative nature of the production's cast of around 12 credited actors.

Release

Premiere and Distribution

The Sixth Commandment, a silent drama with a runtime of approximately , was released on June 1, 1924, by Associated Exhibitors. Associated Exhibitors, formed in 1920 by a coalition of independent theater owners, distributed the film to a network of around 8,000 independent theaters across the , offering an alternative pathway for non-studio productions to reach audiences. The involved a limited rollout primarily in urban areas of the U.S., lacking the grand fanfare and wide premieres common to major studio releases of the era. As an production, the film's distribution encountered challenges in the highly competitive market, where dominant studios like and exerted control over prime exhibition venues through and practices, limiting access for smaller distributors.

Marketing

The marketing campaign for The Sixth Commandment (1924) focused on leveraging the film's moral and dramatic elements, drawing from the biblical theme of the sixth commandment ("") and the star appeal of veteran actor William in his film role as the devoted minister John Brant. Advertisements in trade publications such as prominently featured Faversham's established reputation from his long stage career, positioning the film as a compelling moral drama suitable for discerning audiences. For instance, an August 3, 1924, insert in showcased the ensemble cast—including Faversham, Charlotte Walker, John Boles, and Neil Hamilton—while teasing the story's blend of romance, , and wartime sacrifice to emphasize its ethical depth. A subsequent September 14, 1924, advertisement in the same publication highlighted supporting players Kathlene Martyn and alongside the commandment motif, underscoring the narrative's exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and to attract viewers interested in uplifting stories. These trade ads were instrumental in promoting the film to exhibitors following its June 1924 release, targeting them with promises of broad appeal through its star-driven production and thematic resonance. Promotional posters and lobby cards for the era's silent dramas typically accentuated romantic tension and moral intrigue, with The Sixth Commandment following suit by visually tying its imagery to the commandment's ethical stakes, such as scenes of love triangles and personal sacrifice, to entice theatergoers. In the pre-Hays Code period, such materials were designed without strict content guidelines, allowing bolder depictions of human frailty while promoting the film as family-oriented entertainment. The campaign strategically targeted religious and family audiences by capitalizing on the film's centering of a protagonist and its modernist theological undertones, aligning with Hollywood's efforts to collaborate with mainline churches in using to disseminate accessible moral messages to lay viewers. This approach reflected broader industry trends where religious-themed silents served as vehicles for edification, appealing to conservative demographics wary of in early motion pictures.

Preservation

Status as Lost Film

The Sixth Commandment is classified as a , with no known surviving complete prints due to the inherent degradation of -based used in its production. The film was shot on highly flammable , a standard material for independent productions in the that was prone to chemical breakdown, , and destruction during storage or reuse for its silver content. Released in 1924 through Associated Exhibitors, its last documented public screenings took place in theaters during the late , coinciding with the industry's shift to sound films and the subsequent neglect or disposal of many silent-era works. No copies are held in major archival institutions, including the , confirming its status as irretrievably lost as of 2025.

Archival Efforts

In the 1970s and , as awareness of the extent of lost silent films grew, film historians and preservation programs, including the American Film Institute's archive initiatives in the late 1960s and , aimed to catalog and recover early American cinema. In the 2000s and into the , digital initiatives have expanded recovery attempts through crowd-sourced appeals and online databases. Organizations like the Silent Film Still Archive have facilitated public contributions of stills and ephemera for lost films. The National Film Preservation Foundation has also supported broader silent era recovery projects. No new discoveries related to The Sixth Commandment have emerged as of 2025.

References

  1. [1]
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2022/cast-announced-for-bbc-one-drama-the-sixth-commandment-as-filming-begins
  2. [2]
    The Sixth Commandment: Don't Murder | Theology of Work
    Jul 15, 2009 · When interpreted in the context of the Hebrew law, the sixth commandment prohibits a person from killing another human being, either with malice ...
  3. [3]
    Chart: Comparing the Ten Commandments - Beliefnet
    Protestants, Jews, and Catholics number the commandments in slightly different ways. A guide to the three versions.
  4. [4]
    The Ten Commandments - Aseret Hadibrot - Chabad.org
    Indeed, if you add up all the (Hebrew) words on the second tablet, you'll arrive at the number 26, the numerical value of G‑d's ineffable name. Below the ...Reading the Ten... · Two Versions of the Ten... · The Giving of the Ten...
  5. [5]
    The Ten Commandments - Catholic News Agency
    1. I, the Lord, am your God. · 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain. · 3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's day. · 4. Honor your father and ...
  6. [6]
    The Meaning of the Sixth Commandment - Perspective Digest
    Apr 1, 2020 · The purpose of the sixth commandment was to prohibit any kind of illegal killing that was contrary to the will and the best interests of the community.
  7. [7]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0015338/
  8. [8]
    How does the sixth commandment speak to our culture? - ERLC
    Nov 29, 2018 · The sixth commandment prohibits suicide. There is almost no topic more painful than suicide for those who have experienced it with family or friends.
  9. [9]
    The Sixth Commandment: Life Is a Precious Gift
    Feb 14, 2011 · The Sixth Commandment reminds us that God is the giver of life, and He alone has the authority to take it or to grant others permission to take ...
  10. [10]
    Called to Uplift Life: The Sixth Commandment | Core Christianity
    Sep 9, 2024 · In a positive sense, this command not only speaks of restraining evil against our neighbor but of actively promoting their welfare. The Puritan ...
  11. [11]
    The Birth of a Nation (1915) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    The Birth of a Nation (1915) - Cast and crew credits, including actors ... Christy Cabanne. assistant director (uncredited). Elmer Clifton · Elmer Clifton.
  12. [12]
    The Sixth Commandment (1924) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Director · Christy Cabanne · (as William Christy Cabanne) ; Writers · Merritt Crawford · titles ; Producer · Christy Cabanne · producer ; Cinematographers · Philip Armand.
  13. [13]
    The Sixth Commandment (1924) - IMDb
    Rating 6.4/10 (17) The Sixth Commandment: Directed by Christy Cabanne. With William Faversham, Charlotte Walker, John Boles, Kathleen Martyn. John loves Marian, engaged to ...
  14. [14]
    https://letterboxd.com/film/the-sixth-commandment/
  15. [15]
    The peak of silent cinema | Sight and Sound - BFI
    Aug 13, 2020 · 15 key films to represent the highpoint of the silent cinema, between 1926 and 1930, when the form reached a zenith of poetic expression and ...
  16. [16]
    William Faversham - Other works - IMDb
    William Faversham. Actor: The Man Who Lost Himself. William Faversham was born in London on February 12, 1868. After attending Hill-Martin College, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  17. [17]
    John Boles - IMDb
    He starred in a few lavish musicals in the early days of sound movies, notably The Desert Song (1929), Rio Rita (1929), and Song of the West (1930). In 1930 ...
  18. [18]
    The Sixth Commandment (1924) - Turner Classic Movies
    Cast & Crew ; William Christy Cabanne. Director ; William Faversham. David Brant ; Charlotte Walker. Mrs. Calhoun ; John Bohn. John Brant ; Kathleen Martyn. Marian ...
  19. [19]
    The Sixth Commandment (1924) - Technical specifications - IMDb
    Runtime. 1h(60 min) · Sound mix. Silent · Color. Black and White · Aspect ratio. 1.33 : 1 · Film Length. 6 reels · Negative Format. 35 mm · Cinematographic Process.
  20. [20]
    ‎The Sixth Commandment (1924) directed by Christy Cabanne ...
    Synopsis. John Brant, a devoted minister, is in love with Marian Calhoun, but must keep it a secret because she is engaged to Robert Fields. However is playing ...
  21. [21]
    [PDF] Skin and Redemption: Theology in Silent Films, 1902 to 1927
    This dissertation analyzes theological concepts in silent moving pictures made for commercial distribution from 1902 to 1927, and examines how directors and ...
  22. [22]
    William Faversham - Hollywood Walk of Fame
    William Faversham was a legendary movie and stage actor from England who made his name on Broadway when he starred as Algernon in the original production of The ...
  23. [23]
    Kathleen Martyn - IMDb
    Kathleen Martyn. Actress: Bluebeard's Seven Wives. Kathleen Martyn is known for Bluebeard's Seven Wives (1925), When Love ... The Sixth Commandment (1924). The ...
  24. [24]
    Neil Hamilton - Silent Era : People
    Neil Hamilton began his film career in 1918, and worked early on in D.W. Griffith films, including America (1924). A popular leading man throughout the 1920s ...
  25. [25]
    https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-film-preservation-board/documents/Lost%20silent.updated_122916.pdf
  26. [26]
    The Sixth Commandment - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide
    Director · Christy Cabanne ; Writer · Arthur Hoerl ; Producer · Christy Cabanne ; Cinematographer · William H. Tuers ; Editorial Department · Merritt Crawford.Missing: film | Show results with:film
  27. [27]
    NEW FILM COMPANY HAS 8000 THEATRES; Associated Exhibitors ...
    The Associated Exhibitors, Inc., is represented as being the largest of a number of organizations of exhibitors with practically the same purpose. Another large ...
  28. [28]
    The Associated Exhibitors, Incorporated - Silent Era
    The Associated Exhibitors, Incorporated, productions were distributed through Pathé Exchange, Incorporated (circa 1925). References: FilmYearBook-1923 p. 384.
  29. [29]
    Film History of the 1920s - Filmsite.org
    Foundations of the Prolific Film Industry: Films really blossomed in the 1920s, expanding upon the foundations of film from earlier years.Missing: challenges | Show results with:challenges
  30. [30]
    Before Movie Previews, There Were Lobby Cards
    Jan 11, 2023 · These lobby cards were used to advertise the 1924 film Three Weeks, a romance based on Elinor Glyn's infamous novel of the same name.
  31. [31]
    None
    Summary of each segment:
  32. [32]
    Survey finds most of America's silent films lost forever - CBS News
    Dec 4, 2013 · Nitrate film stock's vulnerability to fire and deterioration contributed to the losses, along with the movie industry's practice of neglecting ...Missing: degradation | Show results with:degradation
  33. [33]
    Our Silent Film Heritage—Missing, Believed Lost
    Dec 5, 2013 · The reasons that most American silent feature films no longer survive include the use of nitrate film, which can decompose or catch fire, the ...Missing: stock degradation
  34. [34]
    https://www.silentfilmstillarchive.com/aboutme.htm
  35. [35]
    [PDF] view - National Film Preservation Foundation
    Mar 30, 2001 · In creating the NFPF in 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized $250,000 annually starting in 2000 to support national film preservation efforts.