Paul and Marya Ossipoff register at a university in Russia that is strictly for the proletariat, because Paul is determined to study science under Dr. Marinov, a brilliant surgeon and bacteriologist, who believes in free love and the abolishment of religion. Under the influence of Marinov’s doctrines, as well as those of Anya Sorina, Marinov’s beautiful assistant and lover, Paul’s marriage suffers. While they are working at a defunct chapel now serving as a clinic for children, an aged priest tells the story of the Ten Commandments. As he speaks, the story of Moses and the Israelites unfolds: The Israelites suffer as slaves to the Egyptians. When Moses demands of the Pharoah the release of his people, the Pharoah only increases their hard labor. Moses warns the Pharoah that as a result of his cruelty, all the firstborn Egyptians shall die. At night in every Egyptian home, newborn babies die. The Pharoah banishes Moses and the Israelites from Egypt and, vowing revenge against Israel, sends his army after the former slaves. The Israelites are saved when the Red Sea parts to allow them to cross to safety, but closes over the Egyptian army. Moses later hears the word of God, but his fellow Israelites forsake God and worship idols, so Moses brings the word of God to his people. As he finishes the story of Moses and the Israelites, the priest warns that the Russians have forgotten God as did the Israelites. Convinced that the only correct religion is the religion of the state, Dr. Marinov has the priest arrested. Because of this, Paul, who once believed in God, now believes in Marinov and feels free to have an affair with Anya. Later, Marinov is pleased to hear of Marya and Paul’s divorce, but he becomes enraged when he discovers Paul and Anya’s affair, despite his belief in free love. He rushes to Anya’s apartment and shoots them both, killing Anya instantly, and then escapes unnoticed. Marinov is forced to perform a delicate operation to save Paul’s life and afterward, confesses his crime and surrenders himself to the authorities. Marya and Paul are reunited and inherit Marinov’s scientific research work. More on Wikipedia
Watch Forgotten Commandments (1932)
