In its general effect "America" is the most powerful moving-picture that has been seen since the production if "The Birth of a Nation", many years ago. And once again D. W. Griffith is responsible. His film is probably the most highly emotional, vivid and grandiose spectacle that theatre goers have ever seen. It bristles with a spirit of the fighting patriotism of the Revolution, and blends with it an intense love story of one Massachusetts Captain and the daughter of a Virginian Tory; adding battle-scenes, breathless rides, and hairbreadth rescues. It is high melodrama with the power which Mr. Griffith knows how to give.

Pictures Historical Scenes First

The first part of the picture is hardly more than a succession of historical scenes, vividly pictured, and joined together by a thin thread of actual plot. The beauty of the photography and the turbulence of the action carry it through. George III is pictured as the king "who ever warred with freedom and the free," George Washington is remarkably acted by Arthur Dewey without undue exaggeration; and Samuel Adams and John Hancock are brought forth as the guiding spirits of the Northern Colonies. Paul Revere's ride and the Battle of Lexington are as vivid as screen art can make them. And finally, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the winter spent at Vally Forge picture the indomitable spirit of "America."

Second Part Produces Great Affect

But in the second part the Drama opens out, freeing itself from the strictness of absolute history, Nathan Holden--acted by Neil Hamilton, and Nancy Montague (Carol Dempster) hold the chief interest. Nell Hamilton proves by his work in this picture that he is worthy of being classed with the greatest of cinema actors. This film should make his fame, as "The Four Horsemen" made that of Rudolph Valentino. Then, besides the leading couple, Lionel Barrymore is effective as the cruel Captain Butler, who directs the Iroquois raids, and ravages the American outposts. About these three a rapidly shifting melodrama of death, pasion, and mad action revolves with bewildering intensity. Indian raids, banquets, panoramic rides of rescue, fort-storming, and cavalry charges of fighting patriots succeed each other. Deep touches of pathos, and fleeting moments of humor--some ridiculous, some gruesome--are mixed through. The scenes are all emotional to the extreme. When the play is over there is hardly a normal heart in the theatre. The effect is much the same as that of a football game, leaving every spectator limp from exhaustion.

The two elements which stand out most vividly in later perspective are the perfect photography, and the fine acting of Nell Hamilton. But the effect of the whole is what makes the picture the "super film" that it is.