July 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, July 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2012
Original 1915 program for D.W. Griffin's ''The Clansman,'' which premiered in Los Angeles at Clune's Theatre on 8 February 1915. Quickly renamed ''The Birth of a Nation,'' this highly controversial silent film broke ground as the first American-produced feature-length film, though most would rather forget its racial subject matter which caused riots in northern cities. The potential for controversy is acknowledged on the program's rear cover, with part of the design reading: ''D.W. Griffith's Startling Picture'' above a figure of a KKK member on horseback. Based upon a novel by pro-slavery historian Thomas Dixon, the plot glorifies the Confederacy, although Griffith, as Director, is also recognized for his pioneering use of the close-up and parallel storylines. The first three pages of the program summarize the plot, list the cast and describe how ''The Clansman'' was produced (''explosive shells were used for the first time in he history of motion pictures''). The rest of the 16pp. program features a full page bio and photo of each of the stars, including D.W. Griffith and Lillian Gish. Program measures 5.5'' x 8''. Bumping to corners of covers with minor creasing, else near fine.
Program From the World Premiere Theatre of D.W. Griffith's 1915 Film ''The Clansman'' Later Renamed ''The Birth of a Nation'' -- Rare Program for Incendiary Silent Film
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