D. W. Griffith

Nationality:

Biography: D. W. Griffith was an American film director who pioneered many elements of film editing and narrative film. He is best known for directing "The Birth of a Nation" (1915), a controversial film which was nevertheless hugely successful.

When "The Birth of a Nation" led to widespread criticism for its portrayal of African Americans and the Ku Klux Klan, Griffith made his next film as a response: "Intolerance" (1916), which was also a hugely influential film.

Griffiths co-founded the studio United Artists in 1919, alongside Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks. The studio was intended to provide artists with a way to realize their films without interference from the major studios.

Born: January 22, 1875
Birthplace: LaGrange, Kentucky, USA
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: July 23, 1948 (aged 73)
Cause of Death: Cerebral hemorrhage

Married Life

1906-03-14 Film director D. W. Griffith (31) weds Linda Arvidson (21) at Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts
1936-03-02 Film director D. W. Griffith (61) divorces Linda Arvidson (50) after 30 years of marriage
1937-03-02 Film director D. W. Griffith (61) weds actress Evelyn Baldwin (26)
1947-11-01 Film director D. W. Griffith (72) divorces actress Evelyn Baldwin (37) after 11 years of marriage

Historical Events

1915-02-08 "The Birth of a Nation" the first 12-reel film in America, directed by D. W. Griffith, starring Lillian Gish and Mae Marsh, premieres at Clune's Auditorium in Los Angeles
1916-09-05 "Intolerance", silent film directed by D. W. Griffith, starring Vera Lewis and Ralph Lewis, is released
1919-02-05 Hollywood film studio United Artists founded by Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and D. W. Griffith