David W. Griffith was a legendary filmmaker in that he pioneered the film industry itself. Griffith had captured the minds of audiences to bring film out of its infancy and into the fascinating art form that it is today. He wasn't content on being in front of the camera, so his main focus was the director. His directing career presented an incredible body of work between 1908 and 1913 alone. His portfolio consisted of hundreds of short films. Many of the early 1900's big stars gained experience through working with Griffith. Mary Pickford, for instance made over a hundred short films with the master himself. The influence of Griffith upon film was so pervasive at that time that his name alone is what made people go and see the movie.

Griffith was a legendary father of film, in which his performers were his children. And, of course, as children you...