Which Biblical epic film released in 1953 was the first motion picture to be produced and released in the CinemaScope widescreen format?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge of classic cinema and film technology. In the early 1950s, Hollywood introduced new widescreen formats to compete with television and attract audiences back to theatres. One important innovation was CinemaScope, which used special lenses to create a much wider image. The first feature film released in this format was a Biblical epic that has become part of film history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The film is a Biblical epic.
• It was released in 1953.
• It holds the distinction of being the first CinemaScope feature.
• The options include several famous religious or historical epics.

Concept / Approach:
CinemaScope was developed by Twentieth Century Fox and marketed as a revolutionary widescreen process. The studio wanted a strong and visually impressive film to showcase the new format. The Robe, based on a novel about a Roman tribune who wins the garment of Jesus Christ, was chosen as the launch film. Although other Biblical epics such as The Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur are very well known, they were released later and used different technical processes or dates.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Look at the key clues: Biblical epic, year 1953 and first CinemaScope feature. Step 2: Recall that Ben-Hur is a famous Biblical epic but its well known large scale remake appeared in 1959, later than 1953. Step 3: The Ten Commandments, directed by Cecil B DeMille, was released in 1956, again not matching the given year. Step 4: Quo Vadis was released earlier, in 1951, but it was not the first CinemaScope film. Step 5: The Robe, however, was released in 1953 and widely advertised as the first feature in CinemaScope. Step 6: Therefore The Robe is the only option that satisfies all the conditions.

Verification / Alternative check:
Film history references and studio records clearly identify The Robe as the first CinemaScope feature produced and released by Twentieth Century Fox. It was used as a major showcase for the format, with marketing focusing heavily on the new wider image and immersive experience. Checking the release years of the other films confirms that none of them match both the year 1953 and the specific technical milestone mentioned in the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Ten Commandments is a grand Biblical epic, but it was released in 1956 and is not the first CinemaScope film. Ben-Hur, in its famous 1959 version, used a different widescreen process and came several years after The Robe. Quo Vadis, while a large scale Roman epic, was made earlier and predates the introduction of CinemaScope. King of Kings is another religious film but was released later and is not associated with this specific technical first.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often remember the huge popularity of Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments and may be tempted to select one of those titles. The key is to read the year carefully and notice that the question is about a technological first, not just about fame. Matching both the date and the CinemaScope innovation leads to the correct choice.

Final Answer:
The first Biblical epic produced and released in CinemaScope in 1953 was The Robe.