D. W. Griffith

Responsible for five of the first eleven entries, D. W. Griffith really was the greatest innovator of early film. His films, though often filled with negative stereotypes, were mammoth undertakings that are breathtaking even by today's standards.

"Birth of a Nation" [1915]: This one is probably the one he will be remembered for most. The story of two families that live on opposite sides of the North-South conflict. It really does not get objectionable until the end of the Civil War, when actors in black-face portray the evil freed slaves that would ruin the nation, if not for the protectors of family values, the Ku Klux Klan. I know it sounds ridiculous and believe me it is as hard to watch as it is to write, but the production value of this first Hollywood epic cannot be denied. I think he really did not fully understand the reason behind the outrage that followed it's release. If you are easily offended, I might suggest watching the first half, after all, the Civil War from Harper's Ferry to Appomattox may have been part of the "birth of a nation", but the events of the last half of the movie do not justify such a heightened place in history.

"Intolerance" [1916] After being publicly demonized for "Birth of a Nation" he followed up with this story of love, hate and, yes, intolerance as four separate stories are played through from ancient Babylon, Judea, the French Renaissance to the streets of New York. May actually feature one of the first fake decapitation ever filmed. Though the miracle of digital technology, frame by frame crystal clear pause shows the secret to be rather crude, my first immediate response was surprise.

Broken Blossoms" [1919] The story of a young Chinese man, (stereotypically portrayed by Richard Barthelmess who is as Chinese as I am) who falls in love with a white girl (Lillian Gish). When she is severely beaten by her pugilist father, Barthelmess takes her into his room to heal. Unfortunately, the man's Buddhist upbringing does not sufficiently prepare him for the actions of the father. This one was not as large in scale as many other Griffith films but is still quite effective for this story.

"Way Down East" [1920] May actually be the lesser of the Griffith entries in "The Book". This story focuses on a young girl who is taken advantage of by an unscrupulous cad. Left to raise a child out of wed lock. Her hopes for love after past experience return but are almost shattered for reasons that I will not disclose.

"Orphans of the Storm" [1921]. Griffith returns to the epics that he does so well. France at the time of the revolution in this story of step-sisters, separated. One blind and forced to begging on the streets of Paris. With all that revolting going on, the streets are a dangerous place.