THE BIRTH OF A NATION

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The Birth of a Nation is a very famous silent film directed by David W. Griffith, based on Thomas Dixon's play The Clansman. 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 Ángeles, California (USA).

The success of the film made Griffith a famous man. The film has been accused of reviving the modern Ku Klux Klan, which was revived on the year of this movie's release.

The Birth of a Nation is the highest grossing silent film in cinema history, taking in more than $10 million at the box office in 1915.

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

Plot Synopsis:

The Camerons live in the mythical city of Piedmont, South Carolina. The family consists of Dr. Cameron, Mrs. Cameron and their children, their oldest son Ben, daughters Margaret and Flora, and their two younger sons Wade and Duke (who die fairly quickly).

The Stoneman household is headed by Austin Stoneman (who is based on Thadeus Stevens, a Congressman who is often blamed for many of the problems encountered by the South following Lincoln's assassination). Stoneman has a daughter, Elsie (who is Bens' love interest) and two sons Phil (who is Margarets' love interest) and Todd.

The two families friendship is interrupted by the Civil War. The film features several battle scenes which were historically accurate. Near the war's end Ben leads an heroic charge against the Union Army and is rescued by his old friend Phil (hey, otherwise we would not have a movie). Eventually he is taken to a military hospital in Washington where he is nursed back to health by the banjo playing Elsie. Later he is given a Presidential pardon by Lincoln. He and Elsie spend time together and coincidentally end up at Fords theater in time to see Lincoln get shot.

Following Lincoln's assassination Stoneman becomes a power in Washington and has an arrogant mulatto, Silas Lynch, appointed Lieutenant Governor. Lynch falls in love with Elsie and unbeknownst to her father plans to marry her.

Another black, Gus (a negro) has become attracted to Flora and follows her in to the forest. When confronted by Gus Flora eventually jumps to her death but lives long enough to identify Gus to her brother Ben. The title card superimposed over Flora's death reads, "For her who had learned the stern lesson of honor we should not grieve that she found sweeter the opal gates of death" (in Dixon's novel both Flora and her mother return to the cliff and jump to their deaths). Following Flora's death Ben organizes the KU KLUX KLAN and the capture and (following a suitably short trial) he is castrated - a scene that is implied in the film - and his lifeless body is deposited on Silas Lynch's doorstep. Dr. Cameron is then arrested when KKK uniforms are found in his home.

There follows a series of quick cuts as we see Cameron's rescue and Elsie's capture and eventual rescue from Lynch who wants to force her to marry him. The film concludes with a dramatic Parade through the streets of Piedmont by the KKK and the singing of the national anthem complete with a color tinted American flag.

For God, Race and Nation - God bless the Ku Klux Klan!