Repairing front line trench after bomb explosion fifty yards from enemy trenches, France, 1917. D. W. Griffith in civilian clothing during filming of the motion picture "Hearts of the World" a wartime propaganda classic that was filmed on location in Britain and near the Western Front, made at the request of the British Government to change the neutral mindset of the American public. David Llewelyn Wark "D. W." Griffith (January 22, 1875 - July 23, 1948) was a premier pioneering American film director. He is often considered the most important figure of American cinema for his command of film techniques and expressive skills.