The Heart of Lincoln (1915)

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Francis Ford | Grace Cunard | William Quinn | Francis Ford (Director | Producer)

Rest of cast:

Elmer Morrow | Lew Short | Grace Cunard (Scenario)

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“The Heart of Lincoln”

Thrilling story of the Days of the Civil War, to be released under the Gold Seal Brand.

Reviewed by Margaret I. MacDonald.

As a basis for the multiple-reel picture perhaps no period of history has lent itself so unstintingly to the screen as that of the Civil War; nor has any single personality of history been more largely monopolized as a subject for screen impersonation than that of Abraham Lincoln. Being without any degree of personal vanity, Lincoln would no doubt feel highly flattered at the tribute paid him, no matter which way his forelock twirled. And it cannot be denied that the crudest attempt at impersonation of the famous president is a compliment to the great nature of the man.

The Universal Film Company has again undertaken the filming of a story of which Abraham Lincoln is the central figure, and in which his kindness of heart shines forth with its usual brilliancy. This time Grace Cunard has written the story, and Francis Ford has again played the role of Lincoln, as well as having directed the picture which is in three reels. The story has been presented in an interesting manner, with splendid realism in the battle scenes. One of the most effective photographic results obtained is in the scene sub-titled “The Sorrows of Lincoln,” in which he is seated in sorrowful meditation at his big library table, while on the far side of the screen the smoke of battle partly obscures the horrors of the field.

Grace Cunard in the role of Betty, the pretty daughter of Col. Jason, is an attractive figure, and plays with vivacity and good effect. The big situation of the story has been brought about through the illness of the wife of Col. Jason, when in answer to a message sent him from home he braves the consequences and attired in a stolen uniform of the enemy reaches the bedside of his dying wife, only to be discovered and held a prisoner. A trip made to Washington by Betty with an appeal to the President to intercede on behalf of her father appears at first to be unsuccessful, and Betty goes away in sorrow and disappointment; but on a mysterious visit to the battle line made by the President that night the order is given to the Confederate leader to allow Betty’s father to escape. This is cleverly brought about by the apparently accidental firing of the sentry’s gun by the Confederate leader which brings the soldiers rushing to the scene, thereby giving the captive colonel an opportunity to escape, which he is not slow in grasping.

There is a pretty love thread interwoven in the plot of the story, and a distinctive Colonial atmosphere permeates the entire production.

Scene from The Heart of Lincoln (Gold Seal)

Collection: Moving Picture World, January 1915