ENTERTAINMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9082, 27 August 1917, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS.

"THE BIRTH OF A' NATION."

The spectacular representation of I). W. Griffith's film masterpiece, 'The Birth of a Nation," will be screened for a two-night season at His Majesty's Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday. The picture is a I dramatio spectacle that depicts the post-slavery days of America. They were the days of terror and tragedy, i and if ever a national lesson were in a picture, it is contained in the film depicting the struggle between the white and black man in tlie Southern States of the Union. The production is an impressive statement upon America's national policy of race purity. The masterstroke of the white meny following upon the liberation .of the ngro, and his ascendancy in the Legislatures of .the Southern States', was the organisation of the Ku.' Klux Clan. Griffith seized-upon this for .his spectacle He took the widely-read story of Rev. Thomas Dixon, "The Clansman,''; as'the* basis of his; scenario,^ and .worked upon it to dramatic purpose. ;The X" Klux Clan; saved the; white Southerners from the fear of an African massacre. Accompanying the production to New^Zeaiand are a stage: j director,;■■ ai musical, conductor, and" Lthreev^technical -^xperts; "The; Birth' of a. Nation" will be presented right through' :New: Zealand.' '". Mr ..GeorgeBowles, who represents Mr D. W. Griffith, .the great picture producer who was responsible for the production of "The, Birth of a Nation," said that the success of the enterprise in Australia had exceeded all expectations. "When I cabled to Mr Griffith informing him to this effect, he cabled back that it was the best piece of news he had rever had regarding 'The Birth of a Nation.' We had been given.to understand, before I left New York," explained Mr Bowles, "that Australia was a fine field for picture-attractions, but would be very difficult, to run at prices higher than those charged for ordinary picture shows. However, the success achieved has been remarkable."

As the picture takes nearly three hours to present, patrons are requested to be in their seats at 8 p.m., so as not to miss, the introductory scenes. The box plans are now on view at the Bristol.