The Birth of a Nation (David W. Griffith Corp., 1915), One Sheet Poster and Newspapers (2).... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

The Birth of a Nation (David W. Griffith Corp., 1915), One Sheet Poster and Newspapers (2). Vintage original 29.5" x 41.5" locally produced one sheet poster from The Birth of A Nation's original release in Baltimore. The Birth of a Nation (1915), directed by D.W. Griffith, was a landmark in film history for its innovative techniques-such as cross-cutting, close-ups, and large-scale battle scenes-but it also sparked immediate and lasting controversy for its portrayal of Reconstruction and its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan. Beyond its content, the film broke new ground in how it was released. Rather than opening nationwide all at once, The Birth of a Nation followed a staggered roadshow release model that stretched across 1915 and into 1916. It premiered in Los Angeles in February 1915, followed by a prestigious engagement at New York's Liberty Theatre in March, where it ran for months with reserved seating, live orchestral accompaniment, and ticket prices far higher than typical film admissions. This deliberate rollout continued city by city, treating the film more like a theatrical event than a typical movie, which helped build national anticipation and maximize profits. Baltimore's Ford's Theatre hosted a seven-week run of The Birth of a Nation in March and April, 1916. The success of this strategy influenced future blockbuster releases and helped establish film as a form of high cultural spectacle. This poster, printed on cloth and backed on linen, shows fold wear, toning, creases, and other overall signs of wear, but has received only minimal restoration. Also included in this lot is a contemporaneous newspaper advertisement for the film, which exhibits toning and brittleness. Very Good/Fine condition. Comes with an LOA from Heritage Auctions.

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