The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has announced that, on May 20, film historian Mark S. Reinhart will give a special talk on the legacy of Abraham Lincoln in cinema.
The special program will take place at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, May 20, in the ALPLM’s Union Theater. Doors will open at 6:00 PM. Admission is free, but advance registration will be required. Guests can register at https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/events.
Reinhart, the author of Abraham Lincoln on Screen, will reveal what filmmakers got right about Lincoln and where they strayed from the facts. He’ll take a critical look at the artistic merits of the more important film works, including Steven Spielberg’s award-winning 2012 film Lincoln. Reinhart will also share clips throughout the presentation, including scenes from ultra-rare works such as the 1924 silent feature The Dramatic Life of Abraham Lincoln and the 1956 CBS Television production, The Day Lincoln was Shot.
Abraham Lincoln first showed up on the silver screen in 1908, and he’s been there ever since, appearing in more movies, TV shows, cartoons and documentaries than any other American historical figure.
“Lincoln’s life captured the imagination of millions of people, and filmmakers were quick to realize that films about him would appeal to a vast audience,” Reinhart writes. “Lincoln was often a casualty in this war between fact and fiction when his image was brought to the screen.”
Reinhart will have signed copies of Abraham Lincoln on Screen available for purchase after the program.
More information can be found at www.PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. The ALPLM can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
