The Lincoln Cycle (1917)

Synopsis of The Lincoln Cycle

Produced independently, The Lincoln Cycle starred Benjamin Chapin, frequent stage impersonator of Abraham Lincoln, as the Great Emancipator. Released in four parts, each running two reels (approximately 30 minutes), this "saga" covered the most significant events in Lincoln's life and career. Part One, subtitled "My Mother, the Spirit Man," explored the salutary relationship between Young Abe and his stepmother Nancy Hanks. Part Two, "My Father, the Physical Man," concentrated on frontiersman Tom Lincoln, who didn't cotton to Abe's "book-larnin'." Part Three, "Myself, the Lincoln Man," traced Lincoln's rise to prominence as an attorney, soldier, and politician. The final episode, "The Call to Arms," detailed President Lincoln's term of office during the Civil War. Many of the events depicted herein, including Lincoln's youthful romance with Ann Rutledge and his besting of village bully Jack Armstrong, were based on stories passed down by Abe's onetime law partner Tom Herndon, whose vilification of Lincoln's wife Mary Todd is fortunately down-pedaled. Also consulted were such Lincoln experts as Nicolai and Hay. As for Benjamin Chapin, his sober, thoughtful interpretation of Lincoln was the standard by which future such performances were measured -- at least until Raymond Massey came along. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Director(s):

Benjamin Chapin

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