"THE BIRTH OF A NATION."

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2862, 29 August 1916, Page 7

"THE BIRTH OF A NATION."

OPENING TO : NIGHT. That the'sensatiun created by the masterpiece moving-picture, "The Birth of a Nation," has spread to Wellington is evidenced, by the great interest which is being taken in the opening performance. " The picture will bo presented at the main Town Hall for a 6eason of nine nights, commencing this, evening at 8 o'clock sharp. The firm'of .TV C. Williamson, Ltd-.-, have left no effort unturned to make tho presentation a memorable one. The picture is described as being at once educative and historic, and deals in a most thrilling and realistic manner with the stirring eveilts of the American Civil War and the sanguinary battles that were fought .to unito and solidify the nation and for ever free it from the curse of coloured slavery. ' The opening sconcs -will show the growth of the nation from the petty and parochial jealousies engendered by sovereign States into the saner national spirit which was fanned into flame by Daniel Webster's immortal words, "Liberty! and-union, one and inseparable, now and for ever." Tho beautiful homesteads of the Southern planters wIU be depicted, and the 'unique revels of the apparently happy negroes will give rise to much laughter, the darker side' with,-its Simon, Legreo in the foreground not being presented. The divided interests gave rise to bjttqr jealousies, and ultimately the war clouds burst, and families in which had hitherto dwelt peace and sweet accord woro rudely rent asunder and horrible war spread death and desolation nil around. The scenes of night fighting ore said to provide a glorious and awesomo spectacle, the death-dealing desolation being luridly, illuminated by destructive fires and the flash of artillery doing its deadly work. One of the most sonsational incidents will be that showing a raid on a Southern town, and tho swift retribution meted out to the raiders by the Klu Klux lilan, a forco organised b}; tho white.? for tho protection of their women folk. The historic 6ceno of tho surrender of General Lee to tho vetoran General Grant at the courthouse at Appomattox on 'April 9, 1865, will also bo depicted. Tho last great tragedy of tho war, the assassination of President Lincoln in. Ford's Theatre, is described as most dramatic in its realism.

The second half will be devoted to the doings of the Klu Klux Klan, w'ho, unddr tho ' leadership of tho "Little Colonel," indulge in many a thrilling fight in their' struggle for liberty, until (aftor many bitter experiences) tho faith and steadfastness of tho noble-hearted martyr President find a reward in tho unity of a people and "Tho Birth of"a Nation." Tho incidental music is specially selected, and serves to emphasise tho dramatic effect produced by the many thrilling episodes. On Saturday next will be given tho only matinee of the season, when children will bo admitted at half-price. The box plan is now on view at the Bristol.