Intolerance (1916) Babylon Scenes -- Belshazzar’s Feast - Sibelius -- Saint-Saëns -- Rimsky-Korsakov

“Intolerance“ is a 1916 epic silent film directed by D. W. Griffith, subtitled “Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages.“   The film consists of four distinct, but parallel, stories—intercut with increasing frequency as the film builds to a climax—that demonstrate mankind’s persistent intolerance throughout the ages. This amazing motion picture is regarded as one of the most influential films of the silent era. -- Wikipedia I have selected some of my favorite orientalist classical music excerpts to accompany the Fall of Babylon scenes.  The soundtrack includes music from “Belshazzar’s Feast“ by Sibelius, “Samson and Delilah“ by Saint-Saëns, “Le Coq d’Or Suite“ by Rimsky-Korsakov and more. Spoiler Alert:  If you have not seen the film, then I suggest you watch one of several complete versions online.  The Babylonian scenes are the most famous for the magnificent set and spectacular crane shots.  Director: D. W. Griffith Box office:  million USD (theatrical rental) Release date: September 5, 1916 (USA) Budget: 385,907 USD, 2 million USD Screenplay: D. W. Griffith, Tod Browning, Anita Loos, Frank E. Woods, Mary H. O’Connor, Hettie Gray Baker Cast of the Ancient Babylonian story: • Constance Talmadge as The Mountain Girl (second role in film) • Elmer Clifton as The Rhapsode, a warrior-singer • Alfred Paget as Prince Belshazzar • Seena Owen as The Princess Beloved, favorite of Belshazzar • Tully Marshall as High Priest of Bel-Marduk • George Siegmann as Cyrus the Great • Carl Stockdale as King Nabonidus, father of Belshazzar • Elmo Lincoln as The Mighty Man of Valor, guard to Belshazzar • Frank Brownlee as The Mountain Girl’s brother • The Ruth St. Denis Dancers as Dancing girls I would like to recommend two books by film historian William M. Drew:  D.W. Griffith’s Intolerance: Its Genesis and Its Vision (McFarland Classics)  and  Mr. Griffith’s House with Closed Shutters: The Long Buried Secret That Turned Lawrence Into D.W. #intolerance #dwgriffith #belshazzar #cyrusthegreat #ancientbabylon #fallofbabylon #constancetalmadge #seenaowen #tullymarshall #elmolincoln #silentfilm #epic #historical #classicalmusic #orientalism #sibelius #rimskykorsakov #saintsaëns #delibes #capcut