Fights of Nations
Fights of Nations
Filmed Jan. 17, 19, and 23-24, 1906, in the Biograph New York City studio. Scene 6 of 6 00.29.28 Closes with "America, The Land of the Free," on a set of a grand staircase decorated with various flags and the American eagle, and two large U.S. flags draped on either side. In pairs, different characters descend the staircase and happily introduce themselves: a dark-haired man in uniform and a woman in black lace (perhaps representing the French), a bearded man in a different uniform and a woman in a white gown (perhaps representing Russia), a very stout older gentleman bearing the British flag on his shirt, and the Spaniard and Mexican from the earlier scene. A young Native American woman hurries down the stairs and kneels center stage with her head bowed. Closes with two young U.S. soldiers flanking the entrance of Uncle Sam, who is cheered by all. From Biograph bulletin no. 94: Our latest production, under six titles, represents various types and nationalities, with tragedy and comedy intermingled. Every scene is beautifully staged, and each nationality well represented. "America" then serves as an appropriate finale. The scene is magnificently decorated with emblems of all nations, the American Eagle surmounting them. In harmony, peace and goodwill the characters of the different nations appear, making it an allegorical representation of "Peace," with Uncle Sam presiding at a Congress of the Powers.