The Birth of a Nation

The story

Two families, abolitionist Northerners the Stonemans and Southern landowners the Camerons, intertwine. When Confederate colonel Ben Cameron is captured in battle, nurse Elsie Stoneman petitions for his pardon. In Reconstruction-era South Carolina, Cameron founds the Ku Klux Klan, battling Elsie's congressman father and his African-American protégé, Silas Lynch.

Cast & crew

Lillian GishStoneman's Daughter Elsie

Mae MarshFlora Cameron

Henry B. WalthallCol. Ben Cameron

Miriam CooperMargaret Cameron

Mary AldenStoneman's Housekeeper Lydia

Ralph LewisLeader of the House Hon. Austin Stoneman

George SiegmannLieut. Governor Silas Lynch

Walter LongGus

Robert HarronTod

Wallace ReidJeff, the Blacksmith

Joseph HenaberyAbraham Lincoln

Elmer CliftonStoneman's Elder Son Phil