The Fall of a Nation
by Thomas Dixon
D.W. Griffith's well-known film had a sequel (lost to us today). It was based on a work by the same author (Dixon) who had also inspired the story for "Birth of A Nation".
How does the sequel to "Birth of a Nation" get classified as science fiction? "The Fall of a Nation" is sort of an "alternate history" story about the events of the first World War. (Of course, since both "Fall of a Nation" the book and film both took place before that war totally played out, you might want to consider it a "future history" story. Well, hopefully you get the idea.)
Mention "Birth of a Nation" amongst film buffs and chances are very strong that a bit of (how to put it...lively?...animated?...down-right heated?) political conversation will result. Similarly, in the novel "The Fall of a Nation", Dixon does not back off much on any number of issues; pacifism vs. preparedness, the right of women to vote, immigration, European aristocracy vs. American democracy are among them.
Thomas Dixon and his studio produced the cinematic "The Fall of a Nation". Music was provided by the then-popular Victor Herbert (here's a quote from a review of the film - "Victor Herbert's interpretative music aided materially to the general effectiveness.")
Based on my reading of the novel, both film and book follow the same basic storyline -
SPOILERS
John Vassar is a congressman. He tries desperately to introduce legislature to fortify our armed forces. Virginia Holland is a head of the women's suffrage movement and also a leading pacifist. She opposes Vassar. Charles Waldron assists Holland financially in her efforts and the peace groups gain momentum. However, while the nation is celebrating a huge "peace pageant", Waldron leads an invasion force. The United States is occupied for two years.
"Turnabout is fair play" -
Holland forms the secret "Daughter of Jael". Using their womanly influence they gain access to key occupying fortifications and Americans strike back while the foreign troops are celebrating the "Emperor's" birthday. The nation is saved. In the aftermath, John and Virginia realize they were meant for each other.
A little footnote: Vassar tries in vain to invent an "aerial torpedo" (translation: "guided missle"). Such inventions were themselves a reoccurring theme in many an early s.f. film.
written: 2/9/2002