The Fall of Babylon

After three years of worldwide box office returns from his "Intolerance" (1916) did not make up for its obvious cost, director D.W. Griffith released two of the film's interlocking stories as separate features. Those viewers familiar with "Intolerance" will immediately be able to identify which two of the stories could stand alone. They became "The Fall of Babylon" (comprising the film's opulent "Babylonian Story"), and "The Mother and the Law" (comprising the film's outstanding "Modern Story" segments). For both features, Mr. Griffith re-visited film cut from the original presentation; and, reedited the stories to include discarded footage. And, for both films, new 1919 footage was created.

"Intolerance" didn't meet box office expectations, but was immediately recognized as a classic. Much praise was given the stunning "Babylon Story" production; however, the "Modern Story" was, and still is, the main story. The release of "The Mother and the Law" does much better as a stand-alone film, and actually compliments the "Intolerance" story. This is not the case with "The Fall of Babylon"; there are only a few pieces which add any significant knowledge to the original. More importantly, this film alters the "Intolerance" version dramatically. Since he did not have the optimistic "Modern Story" ending, Griffith's newly shot footage gives "The Fall of Babylon" a happier ending.

The 1919 New York, George M. Cohan premiere was accompanied by several live stage interludes, where dancers and feasters joined those on film. Reportedly, the effect was stunning. Griffith actually started the "film" live, with an actress and globe (representing Earth) on stage. Some modern footage was projected on the globe before the Babylon film began. "The Fall of Babylon" contains the most lavish segments of "Intolerance" and does have a few enlightening moments - but, this is really not the best way to experience the full story. It's better to start with the original "Intolerance" and investigate the various versions of it, and these spin-offs (with breaks), if you're a scholar.

******* The Fall of Babylon (7/21/19) D.W. Griffith ~ Constance Talmadge, Elmer Clifton, Alfred Paget, Seena Owen