Abe Lincoln in Illinois

Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1938), a play in three acts by Robert E. Sherwood. [ Plymouth Theatre, 472 perf.; Pulitzer Prize.] In a log schoolhouse, Abe Lincoln (Raymond Massey) first learns about sectionalism and other barriers to “Liberty and Union” and resolves to do something about it. After his fiancée Ann Rutledge (Adele Longmire) dies, Lincoln marries Mary Todd (Muriel Kirkland), whose fiercely possessive, shrewish nature foreshadows her eventual madness. He then runs for Senator from Illinois against the proslavery Stephen Douglas (Albert Phillips). Before long, Lincoln is a presidential candidate, but somehow his victory at the polls gives him no cause for elation. Mary's behavior and the country's divisive sectionalism have both grown worse. As he leaves for Washington, he tells those who have come to see him off of his hopes that fatalism will not reign in America. The first production of the newly formed Playwrights' Company, the play was extolled by most critics, Richard Watts Jr. of the Herald Tribune calling it “Not only the finest of modern stage biographies, but a lovely, eloquent, endearing tribute to all that is best in the spirit of democracy.” The drama was revived in 1963 by the Phoenix Theatre with Hal Holbrook as Lincoln, and Sam Waterston starred in a commendable 1993 Broadway revival.

Robert E. Sherwood 1938

Abe Lincoln In Illinois presents a vision that fits in with the legends of the sixteenth president that have been told to generations of American school children, but it gives these legends a human face. The play deals with Lincoln’s formative years. It focuses in particular on Lincoln’s growth from a shy, uneducated backwoodsman who was more willing to accept the enslavement of blacks than to accept war to the man who would lead half of the nation against the other half in the name of justice. When Sherwood’s play was brought to the stage in 1938, its parallels to the international political situation were obvious. Adolf Hitler had established himself as the dictator of Germany and had started his expansion across Europe, and the people of America, an ocean away, found themselves faced with questions about whether to fight for justice or maintain peace. As the play continued to run on Broadway, Hitler invaded more countries, raising more and more support for America’s entry into the war, giving audiences even more empathy for Lincoln’s dilemma. Today, it stands as a reminder of the responsibilities that come along with power and of the sort of person that Lincoln must have been. Among constitutional scholars, historians, and average citizens, he is still the country’s most respected president, and Robert Sherwood’s play offers a well-rounded view of Lincoln’s flaws as well as his greatness.

This article is about the play. For other uses, see Abe Lincoln in Illinois (film).

Abe Lincoln in Illinois was written by the American playwright Robert E. Sherwood in 1938. The play, in three acts, covers the life of President Abraham Lincoln from his childhood through his final speech in Illinois before he left for Washington. The play also covers his romance with Mary Todd and his debates with Stephen A. Douglas, and uses Lincoln's own words in some scenes. Sherwood received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1938 for his work. Raymond Massey portrayed Lincoln; he repeated his role in the 1940 film version.

In 1993, the play was revived on Broadway with Sam Waterston in the role. ^[1]

Contents 1 Adaptations 2 Awards and nominations 3 References 4 External links

Adaptations

Main article: Abe Lincoln in Illinois (film)

In addition to the 1940 film, there were five television adaptations - in 1945, 1950, 1951, 1957, and 1964. Massey repeated his stage role yet again in the 1950 and '51 adaptations. The 1964 production featured Jason Robards in the title role.

Awards and nominations

• 1939 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
• 1994 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Play Revival
• 1994 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play

References

1. ^ http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=4589

External links

• Abe Lincoln in Illinois at the Internet Broadway Database
• Abe Lincoln in Illinois (revival) at the Internet Broadway Database
• Abe Lincoln in Illinois at the Internet Movie Database

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