LYRIC THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1421, 19 July 1917, Page 30

LYRIC THEATRE.

ANOTHER GRIFFITH MASTERPIECE. “THE BIRTH OF A NATION.” With the picture mind still running in the groove -of mighty spectacles as the outcome of “Intolerance,” it is only fitting that it should be followed up by that other D. W. Griffith masterpiece, “The Birth of a Nation,” and arrangements are. being made to screen it at the Lyric Theatre next Monday (July 23). “The Birth of a Nation,” it will be remembered, was shown here last year, but at that time there was a slight feeling on the part of a section of the public against the attitude of America in the war. Now that America is one with us, that feeling is, of course, removed, so “The Birth of a Nation”—the greatest picture in the world from a showman’s point of view—will naturally stand in a different light. Mr. Griffith has requested his brother (Mr. A. L. Grey), who is looking after his interests out here, to remain in Auckland and put on the production exactly as he did at Drury Lane, London, with all its environments — a full orchestra and stage effects, plantation songs, back stage, etc. As Mr. Grey emphasises, it was shown in Auckland before practically as a picture. This time it will be put before the public as a gigantic dramatic and awe-inspiring spectacle! Covering data of historic interest and bearing on a war of civilisation, it has features which commend it

to the notice of schools, giving children a quicker insight into American history in three hours than they could acquire in three years’ study. In “The Birth of a Nation,” history is revived and shown in the making. The players who enact the roles have studied the minute descriptions both from photographs and intimate life studies, and with this framework they make these wonderful characters live again. The entire action ranges over three centuries. It begins with the importation of the first African slave, and it ends with the settlement of that question in the freedom of the enslaved. But before this end is reached the nation passed through the throes of internecine strife, and these struggles are vividly enacted. Great battles are fought before your eye. Cities are destroyed by fire. Thousands of horsemen dash in wild rides across bloodstained plains. The human note weaves in and through the entire thread, and lends itself to the mightiest story ever unfolded.