Directing · LaGrange, Kentucky, USA · Born January 22, 1875
David Llewelyn Wark Griffith was a premier pioneering American film director. He is best known as the director of the controversial and groundbreaking 1915 film The Birth of a Nation and the subsequent film Intolerance (1916). Griffith's film The Birth of a Nation made pioneering use of advanced camera and narrative techniques, and its immense popularity set the stage for the dominance of the feature-length film. It also proved extremely controversial at the time and ever since for its negative depiction of Black Americans and their supporters, and its positive portrayal of slavery and the Ku Klux Klan. Griffith responded to his critics with his next film, Intolerance, intended to show the dangers of prejudiced thought and behavior. The film was not the financial success that its predecessor had been, but was received warmly by critics. Several of his later films were also successful, but high production, promotional, and roadshow costs often made his ventures commercial failures. Even so, he is generally considered one of the most important figures of early cinema.
TVHollywood Black
2024
as Self (archive footage)
MovieMary Pickford a Blessing and a Curse
2023
as Self
MovieCharlie Chaplin, The Genius of Liberty
2020
as archive footage
MovieFlashback: The First World War
2014
as Self (archive footage)
MovieMary Pickford: The Muse of the Movies
2008
as Self (archive footage)
MovieWhy Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema
2007
as Self (archive footage)
MovieThe Tramp and the Dictator
2002
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
MovieStar Power: The Creation Of United Artists
1998
as Self (archive footage)
MovieThe First 100 Years: A Celebration of American Movies
1995
as Self (archive footage)
MovieThe Making of 'The Birth of a Nation'
1993
as Self (Archive footage)
TVAmerican Experience
1988
as Self
MovieThe Legend of Rudolph Valentino
1961
as Self (archive footage)
MovieSan Francisco
1936
as Orchestra Conductor (uncredited)
Movie1930 Prelude to "The Birth of a Nation"
1930
as Self
MovieScreen Snapshots (Series 1, No. 20)
1921
as Himself
MovieEnoch Arden
1915
as Mr. Ray
MovieTwo Daughters of Eve
1912
as At Stage Door
MovieThe Adventures of Billy
1911
as On Bench
Movie1776, or The Hessian Renegades
1909
MovieAt the Altar
1909
MovieThe Politician's Love Story
1909
as Man - First Couple
MovieThe Girls and Daddy
1909
as At Black & Tan Ball
The Heart of O Yama
1908
as Footman
The Red Girl
1908
as Man on Footpath
MovieBalked at the Altar
1908
MovieThe Fatal Hour
1908
as Policeman
MovieA Calamitous Elopement
1908
as Policeman
MovieDeceived Slumming Party
1908
as Reginald O.C. Wittington
MovieThe Black Viper
1908
as Rescuer
The Stage Rustler
1908
as Phil Bowen
The Kentuckian
1908
At the Crossroads of Life
1908
as Suitor
At the French Ball
1908
as Husband
The Man in the Box
1908
as Station Agent
MovieThe Invisible Fluid
1908
as Mailman
'Ostler Joe
1908
as Lover
MovieWhen Knights Were Bold
1908
MovieThe Sculptor's Nightmare
1908
MovieThe Music Master
1908
The King's Messenger
1908
as Messenger
Hulda's Lovers
1908
as Handy Hank
King of the Cannibal Islands
1908
as Cannibal in top hat
A Famous Escape
1908
as Prisoner
Old Isaacs, the Pawnbroker
1908
as Doctor, Charity worker
Caught by Wireless
1908
as Policeman
MovieHer First Adventure
1908
as Father
The Yellow Peril
1908
as Mr. Phlipp
MovieCupid’s Pranks
1908
as Extra at ball
The Princess in the Vase
1908
as Lover
Classmates
1908
as Extra
MovieRescued from an Eagle's Nest
1908
as Father
MovieFalsely Accused!
1908
as Cop in Court
Professional Jealousy
1908
as Extra on stage
