Killing Lincoln - Nat Geo (Reactions)

[Dave Taylor]

Yes, Mr. Hess. Henry F. Warren took his photos on the White House's south portico during the late afternoon of Monday, March 6, 1865.

I was always under the impression that this was the last image of Lincoln that we know of. This is the first time I've heard the idea that ole' Rock Star hair Abe could be the last.

[Loomings]

Lincoln, in this pic, as I understand it, is waiting for Barry to reply to my earlier post...

[Dave Taylor]

In the mean time Erik, did you see my reply regarding what Booth wrote in his diary?

http://boothiebarn.com/2013/02/17/killin...mment-1820

[Laurie Verge]

First, let me just say that Erik or someone sure got Nat Geo fired up about the Booth story because I got a phone call today from a producer with their Diggers series (archaeology-oriented) wanting permission to dig and film at Surratt House for a segment on Booth. They are already working at the Booth home, Tudor Hall, and at what used to be one of Booth's schools, the Milton Academy.

It will require permission from higher-ups than I, however, to conduct archaeological digs here. The government agency that owns us has its own staff of archaeologists, the site was heavily tested fifty years ago during the restoration process, and has been tested periodically as we increased our land holdings (we proudly own just three of the original 287 1/2 acres of the old Surratt farm). Unfortunately, about two of the remaining acres have been paved over for parking.

I also told the producer that we have no documentation that Booth was ever on the grounds or in the house except for midnight of April 14, when he remained on his horse. We know that he did take the stagecoach from Washington to Bryantown on several occasions, and Surratt Tavern was a stop along the route. There is also mention from a former slave of Booth being inside the house.

We'll see whether or not permission is granted for the project,

My other comment is about spikey-hair Mr. Lincoln. We actually used that photograph several years ago for a fence sign and flyers advertising our annual mid-summer open house at the museum. We added sunglasses and a boom box and entitled our work HISTORY CAN BE COOL... We also added a tag line, "..especially in an air-conditioned museum."

[Loomings]

I did, Dave! And I am thoroughly busted on that one! Thank you. I thought I'd emailed you about it, but obviously didn't.

E

[BettyO]

You mean THIS one, Laurie?

[MaddieM]

He really suits those shades.

[L Verge]

Ours was a little different, but you have the idea.

[LincolnMan]

Yes, Mr. Hess. Henry F. Warren took his photos on the White House's south portico during the late afternoon of Monday, March 6, 1865.

Is this not the last photograph of the living Lincoln? A clue would be his beard-which he had shaved almost into a goatee. Wasn't his shaving that way due to the life-mask by Mills-to save him some facial pain?

[barryssentials]

Erik. Good comment my friend . I have very few nit picks myself, but I'm happy to assist the process as noted. It's hard to knock a body of work that I already like but I'm sure I can come up with a few to bat around.
I'll try to post some over the next 24 hours.
Many thanks.
B

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LMAO. I love you too, Erik! And I appreciate the open candor. I agree....generalities don't help anyone. I think that is my way of being a self-proclaimed fence-sitter (many of my friends know that I have a tendency to listen to all sides of an argument and rarely take a 'firm' stance unless I personally am 100% convinced myself). I value all opinions because I honestly believe that the truth is mixed in there amongst all of them. Debate is great. Love it!

By the way, in case anyone thinks that being a fence-sitter is a weak position, I will disagree with you on that strongly. It allows me to make up my own mind based on all points of view presented. In my opinion, fence-sitting is as strong a position as those who lean to the far left or far right (but it takes a lot more political savvy to accomplish...lol).
Thoughts!

Barry

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No comment Mr. Jendresen!

[Gene C]

By the way, in case anyone thinks that being a fence-sitter is a weak position, I will disagree with you on that strongly.

I don't know, but sitting on the fence can be a real pain in the ***

[BettyO]

I would like Erik to know.....and Josh, too!

I just got off the phone with one of Lewis Powell's immediate family members -

She had nothing but praise for Killing Lincoln and wanted me to thank Josh for his thrilling and grand performance of "Uncle Lewis" - she said that he was "spot on!"

She is looking forward to when it comes out on DVD -

Kudos to all!

[L Verge]

Speaking of DVDs, Erik. Will you have them in time for the conference (two weeks and counting)? I have you listed as a signer at the Authors' Hour.

[Tom Bogar]

I've been waiting to post on this thread until I had a chance to watch the show again, pausing as needed, and looking at and listening to every minute detail, and I have to say that I continue to be utterly, utterly impressed with its accuracy, its pure entertainment power, its intelligent, coherent script and structure, and its directing and acting. Looking at it, as I do most everything, through a theatrical lens, I applaud Jesse's (via Erik and Adrian) interpretation of the character of Booth. Not only was Booth always "on" for any audience, however small, even a gathering of friends or accomplices, but his entire persona was informed from childhood by a somewhat narcissistic sense of inherited theatricality. He would have delivered every speech as if on stage, even in informal or intimate settings, and his phrasing and delivery mirrored in myriad ways the language of the florid, melodramatic and/or Shakespearean scripts he performed. Booth's offstage, personal performances were entirely in keeping with the acting style of his day, and this I thought Jesse captured brilliantly, diligently and consistently. I also want to state my admiration for the exactingly authentic aspects of those scenes that represented onstage performances, from costumes to style of fighting, to vocal and physical performances, that appear to me to be absolutely authentic to 1865, an important turning point in American theatre, just before the advent of combination companies, musicals, and (most importantly) moderated, more realistic acting (exemplified, ironically, by Edwin Booth). Also, on my most recent re-viewing I concentrated on the text that Tom Hanks speaks, and realized what a magnificent spine it provides to the entire production. The phrasing and tone of the narration, and the manner in which Hanks delivers it, tie the whole production together so very well. To everyone connected with the production, I extend my most sincere appreciation for an absolutely absorbing, compelling production. What a pleasure to watch true excellence. Dare we hope some Emmy's might be in store?

[Loomings]

Speaking of DVDs, Erik. Will you have them in time for the conference (two weeks and counting)? I have you listed as a signer at the Authors' Hour.

Well...the DVD release is in June, I believe. I'm recording the Writer's Commentary next week, and bonus features are being edited as we speak.

I could manage advance copies (without the bells and whistles) perhaps. How many d'you think I should try to provide?

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Holy smokes, Tom!

Can't tell you how much it means to me to read your ringing endorsement. You'll be pleased to know that the Richard III (Cibber version) sequence is extended in the 96 minute "seamless" cut that will be on the DVD. I'll bet you took note of the tree branch nailed to the stage left wing as well!

Your post is going directly to Jesse, as it'll mean so much to him. His willingness to risk looking a fool for the sake of accuracy was bold indeed. I'll be forever grateful to him for his performance.

Look forward to talking it over face-to-face in Maryland!

Thanks again.

E