“THE BIRTH OF A NATION”

New Zealand Times, Volume XLI, Issue 9442, 31 August 1916, Page 6

“THE BIRTH OF A NATION”

The Town Hall was again crowded last evening, when the stupendous spectacular motion picture products*. "The Birth of a Nation/' was again presented. This amazing film embodies a powerfully human story entwined in actual historic events closely associated with the struggle between Northern and Southern States of America and the woeful aftermath occasioned by treacherous concessions and pandering to the ignorant and arogant coloured population by a Northern political opportunist. D. W. Griffith, whose master mind has been responsible for so many colossal cinema portrayals, has easily eclipsed all previous efforts. He reincarnates whole armies, who again meet in the terrific clash that marked the nililess and bitter battles in which untold deeds of heroism were enacted. From the dim past of half a century ago he conjures up historic scenes, faithful in detail according to reliable authorities, with a vividness and atmosphere of startling realism. One of the most impressive scenes is the re-enactment of the assassination. of Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre, Washington, bv Booth, the half-crazed actor. Then there are the deliriously exciting and weird night rides of the brave Ku Klux Klan. whose motive was the removal of the tyrannay of the blacks over the whites a-t a time when the Southern States were in the slough of despond through maladministration bv the North. The utmost enthusiasm was frequently aroused last evening, and the concluding scenes evoked prolonged applause. “The Birth of a Nation" will bo screened again thig evening. At the matinee on Saturday children will be admitted to all parts at half-price.