The highest grossing American silent movie is "The Birth of a Nation", directed by D.W. Griffith and released in 1915. This controversial film was a box office hit, grossing over $18 million worldwide. It is a historical epic that tells the story of the Civil War and Reconstruction era, focusing on the struggles of two families.

"The Birth of a Nation" was also one of the first feature films to use advanced cinematographic techniques such as panning, close-ups, and fade-outs. Despite its technical innovations and commercial success, the film has been widely criticized for its racist portrayal of African Americans and its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan.

Despite its controversial content, "The Birth of a Nation" was a groundbreaking film that had a significant impact on the development of cinema. It helped to establish the feature film as a viable form of entertainment and set the stage for future advancements in filmmaking.

If you are interested in learning more about "The Birth of a Nation" and its impact on American cinema, you can visit the Library of Congress website for more information. Additionally, the Internet Movie Database provides a detailed overview of the film's plot, cast, and crew.

In conclusion, "The Birth of a Nation" remains a significant milestone in the history of American cinema. Despite its controversial subject matter, the film's technical achievements and commercial success paved the way for future filmmakers to push the boundaries of storytelling and visual storytelling.

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