History of Goree, Part 13 (Movie Theater)

by John H. Bates

Another memory of yesteryear was the showing of the film “Birth of a Nation." Our local theater showed the fourteen reel picture over a two night run. Seven reels were shown one night and the picture resumed the next night. The “Birth of a Nation” was a story of the Civil War and the reconstruction of the South. This picture was the film industries version of General Sherman and his dam Yankees march to the sea.

Doctor Taylor was all keyed up because the picture showed the burning of his beloved Atlanta. Just before Atlanta was burned, my mother fainted and Doctor Taylor was called to attend her. I often wonder if the good Doctor ever did get to see all the picture. I know I didn’t, for in those days you missed a portion of the picture if you were late or called out of the picture if you were late or called out, as there were no re-runs.