The Birth of a Nation

Name: The Birth of a Nation
Released: 1915-03-08T00:00:00-05:00

NR 1915 Drama, History, War · 3h 15m

Two families, abolitionist Northerners the Stonemans and Southern landowners the Camerons, intertwine. When Confederate colonel Ben Cameron is captured in battle, nurse Elsie Stoneman petitions for his pardon. In Reconstruction-era South Carolina, Cameron founds the Ku Klux Klan, battling Elsie's congressman father and his African-American protégé, Silas Lynch.

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About The Birth of a Nation

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction, The Birth of a Nation follows the intertwined fates of two families: the Stonemans from the North, representing abolitionist ideals, and the Camerons, Southern landowners clinging to their way of life. The war dramatically alters their lives, as Confederate Colonel Ben Cameron is captured. Elsie Stoneman, a compassionate nurse, intervenes, appealing for his pardon. However, in the tumultuous Reconstruction era, Ben Cameron's disillusionment leads him to establish the Ku Klux Klan. This puts him at odds with Elsie's father, a powerful congressman, and Silas Lynch, a rising African-American leader under his patronage, creating a volatile and dangerous conflict that threatens to tear the nation further apart.

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Cast and Characters

Directed by D.W. Griffith, The Birth of a Nation features a notable cast. Henry B. Walthall stars as Ben Cameron, a Confederate colonel who later becomes a leader in the Ku Klux Klan. Lillian Gish portrays Elsie Stoneman, a Northern woman whose compassion is tested by the war and its aftermath. Miriam Cooper plays Margaret Cameron, Ben's sister, who represents the ideals of the Old South. Mae Marsh appears as Flora Cameron, another sister whose tragic fate impacts Ben's actions. Mary Alden embodies Lydia Brown, a character representing the complexities of racial tensions. Ralph Lewis plays Austin Stoneman, Elsie's father, a powerful politician whose views clash with the South.

What people like about The Birth of a Nation

Early audiences were captivated by the film's scale and innovative techniques. The battle scenes were praised for their realism and dramatic impact. Griffith's use of close-ups and editing to create emotional intensity was also widely lauded. Many reviewers at the time highlighted the film's compelling narrative and its ability to evoke strong emotions, even while ignoring the underlying issues of racial prejudice.

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Movie Score

59%

Released

February 8, 1915

Director

D.W. Griffith

Film Series

The Life of a Nation Movies

Cast

Henry B. Walthall, Lillian Gish, Miriam Cooper, Mae Marsh, Mary Alden, Ralph Lewis

Genre

Drama, History, War

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