Press Release

For more info contact: Oldham Co. History Center/502-222-0826

D.W. Griffith Birthday Party

Come to the history center on January 22 and help us celebrate movie director, D. W. Griffith's 130 th birthday ( b. Jan. 22, 1875, d. July 23, 1948). An Oldham County native, D. W. Griffith has been called a pioneer in the film industry. During one year he produced over 400 short silent movies. As his career progressed he began to lengthen his films that became the forerunner for the type of movies that are made today. He was one of the first to develop large sets for panoramic scenes that included Civil War battles, temples and ancient cities with casts of thousands.

He is well-known for his endeavors to depict the human strife that occurs during wars, labor movements and social injustices. The most controversial film he produced was Birth of a Nation that examines the breakdown of the South after the Civil War where he romanticizes the role of the Klu Klux Klan. The film caused riots in American cities and was a disappointment for many African Americans who were struggling to overcome racial discrimination in schools, industry and day-to-day living conditions. In other films he explored more progressive issues such as the hardships of the labor movement, child abuse and interracial marriage.

During most of his career he had his film company known as Biograph and his own troupe of Biograph actors that included Lillian Gish, Lionel Barrymore, Carol Dempster, Richard Barthelmess, Arthur Howard, Tyrone Power, Sr., Charles Satterly and Edward Peil. Griffith was truly a pioneer and the elements of his work were fresh and youthful during his time. Griffith 's Biograph films have been isolated as the only worthwhile production from the pre-1914 period. His use of backlighting, reflectors, and theatrical movements allowed his work to be known not only for its entertainment but for its art.

Films to be shown in the 1880s Presbyterian Church Annex:

1 p.m. Birth of a Nation

2:30 p.m. Broken Blossoms

(popcorn and soft drinks provided, there is seating but may want to bring a blanket)

Other films will be shown throughout the museum. Cake will be served at noon until we run out.

Contact for more information: Nancy Theiss or Ann Zimlich 502-222-0826
The Oldham County History Center
106 N. Second Avenue
LaGrange , KY 40031
Phone: 502-222-0826/Fax: 502-222-7115
www.oldhamcountyhistoricalsociety.org
email: ochstryctr@aol.com
Museum Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 4pm
Closed Sundays and Mondays