The Birth of a Nation

The Birth of a Nation is a controversial, though highly influential and innovative silent film directed by D.W. Griffith, based on Thomas Dixon's novels The Clansman (also a play) and The Leopard's Spots. It was released in 1915 and has been credited with securing the future of feature length films (any film over an hour in length) as well as solidifying the codes of film language. The film premiered on February 8, 1915 in Los Angeles, California under the title The Clansman, but three months later was retitled with the present title at its world premiere in New York.

Related Topics:
Silent film - D.W. Griffith - Thomas Dixon - The Clansman - The Leopard's Spots - 1915 - February 8 - Los Angeles, California - New York

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The controversy of the film revolves around its premise of a post-Civil War America, (also referred to as the Reconstruction) where the Ku Klux Klan successfully redeems the South from "carpetbaggers" and "mulattos," perceived in the film as evil. The film glorifies the Ku Klux Klan and portrays them as the saviors of the war torn South. Even at the time of the film's release, people vigorously protested the film. However, the success of the film made Griffith a wealthy man. Griffith was surprised by the harsh criticism and his next major project, Intolerance tried to address the issues raised. The film has been strongly linked to the creation of the second version of the Ku Klux Klan, which, after having been practically non-existent since the 1870's, was revived in the year of this movie's release.

Related Topics:
Civil War - America - Reconstruction - Ku Klux Klan - Carpetbagger - Mulatto - Evil - Intolerance

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The Birth of a Nation was at one time the highest grossing film of all time, taking in more than $10 million at the box office. It remained the highest grossing film until 1925 when the film The Big Parade surpassed it.

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The film has also been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

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Some of the film's cast members are:

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• Sam De Grasse
• Lillian Gish
• Mae Marsh
• Miriam Cooper
• Wallace Reid
• Blanche Sweet
• Henry B. Walthall
 
The Birth of a Nation: Political influence ►