Still frame from Griffith’s “Abraham Lincoln” incorrectly attributed to “Birth of a Nation”

 

Still frame from Griffith’s “Abraham Lincoln” incorrectly attributed to “Birth of a Nation”

In fact, while the photo itself has the credit “Birth of a Nation” on the right at the very bottom of the image, this is incorrect. Although a number of sources in recent years have incorrectly attributed this to the 1915 spectacle, the photo is actually from Griffith’s next-to-last film, “Abraham Lincoln” (1930), in the memorable sequence depicting General Phil Sheridan’s ride during the Civil War. While this may be one of the more minor of the many errors plaguing the chronicling of Griffith and his legacy these days.

William M. Drew – Film Historian

Book Movies in America – incorrectly attributed to Birth of a Nation
Movies in America – Cover

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