Lincoln in the White House

Frank McGlynn Sr appears as Abraham Lincoln for the umpteenth time, covering the period from his inauguration through his death. Like many of Warner Brothers' historical shorts in this period, it's a dress affair, an example of potted history covering well-known anecdotes, and a bit stiff and dull for all that.

More than that, the print that plays occasionally on Turner Classic movies is not up to that studio's standard of excellence for Technicolor in that era. It seems to have been put through a sepia wash to give it an antique look, which leaves it looking ugly.

This short gives Honest Abe the typical Hollywood treatment: deep voice (Lincoln actually had a high-pitched voice), broad theatrical motions when giving speeches, and every line out of his mouth is basically an historical sound-bite from his best speeches. Interesting as a curiosity (how people viewed Lincoln on the eve of WW II), but don't expect to learn anything about Lincoln (or history in general) from watching it.

"Any idealism is a proper subject for art." Lafcadio Hearn

One of the most cherished figures of the American history, Abraham Lincoln, has appeared to be a truly unique and powerful character for the screen. D.W. Griffith, among others, had directed the motion picture with Walter Huston. Along with the emergence of Technicolor and some greatest productions of the late 1930s, there was a need for pictures meant not merely to entertain but, as the prologue in William C. McGann's film says, to remind Americans of 'the magnificent heritage to preserve.' Therefore, the idea of this short little picture (running sole 20 minutes), seemingly the studio's bonus entertainment for a night at Warner Brothers, has remained something filled with many idealistic notions and wordy pompous clichéd script. But aren't the words by Lafcadio Hearn quoted at the beginning really adequate? Isn't art open to any idealism? Especially when relying on some important moments in history to lift up people's hearts? Let us focus on the main figure, the main hero of this picture: Abraham Lincoln. LINCOLN IN THE WHITE HOUSE, Lincoln as the President of the United States...what is he like in this picture? Who is the man who helped the union stay alive?

Initiated by strong patriotism and the adequate material in this respect, the film relies strongly on the definition of an 'upright man, straightforward leader, perfect father, moral diplomat and a saint-like believer,' who counts on individual freedom and revels in it. That is how Frank McGlynn portrays Abraham Lincoln. Much glory and little psychology! Something on the verge of propaganda! And yet...he is so deadly sympathetic as a genuine honest husband and a father who keeps the flame of family's union. He is ready for a little laughter, a calm, restrained companion and friend of the people whom Almighty God has created equal. He is a man who understands others' sorrows better than his own and aids desperate Mrs Scott (Sybil Harris), the father who teaches his son Tad (Dickie Moore) to be a good soldier and a good guard.' Primarily, however, he is a 'father' of one nation tormented by divisions and war. He is the President who keeps the flag waving and the flame of union's heritage intact. His remarks are loving and 'delicatory.' He is an example to follow, masterpiece of mankind. Even visually, he is the tallest of all. Although his policy is considered as 'suicidal' by some of the fellow politicians, he understands that the nation is one and he must care for all, though 'they believe in their cause as we believe in ours.' This perception of one nation is executed in one of the scenes when Lincoln wants the band to play the famous song 'Dixie', the purely southern song. Paradoxically for the time, clichés are broken - a 'Yankee' listens to 'Dixie' with enthusiasm and a tear in the eye... It is said that Lincoln lives in torment but, psychologically, we cannot see it. Naturally, what can you develop in a 20 minute-production? Frank McGlynn does his best in overacting and although he has some nice scenes with Dickie Moore as his son, the general result is rather unconvincing for a modern viewer. Not a very good performance.

In sum, the little film such as LINCOLN IN THE WHITE HOUSE is does not appear as entirely dated. Though its mighty 'fine' idealism is surely exaggerated, the Technicolor pluses and some little moments make for quite amusing twenty minutes. But history lesson? Forget it here! Look elsewhere! 5/10

Lincoln in the White House (1939)

*** (out of 4)

Technicolor short showing Abraham Lincoln (Frank McGlynn, Sr.) taking office and leading up to his Gettysburg Address. This film runs just twenty-minutes so it doesn't have time to go into great detail but I thought it did a pretty good job and I'm sure those unfamiliar with these events would find this very entertaining. The Technicolor really adds a lot to the film and makes it stand out compared to other films and shorts from this era that took a look at the President. McGlynn seems to split opinions on his performance but I enjoyed it for the most part. I think he has some very awkward moments but I found most to these to be in his movements. The first time we see Lincoln and several scenes afterwards it appears the actor is walking around so stiff that the character had suffered a stroke. Dickie Moore does a nice job as Lincoln's son. Character actor John Harron co-stars.

It's Abraham Lincoln's presidency from his inauguration to the Gettysburg Address. It is a short from Warner Brothers and I must assume that this is a part of their war effort. It's part educational and part propaganda preparation for the coming war. I can see them trying to translate some of the dialogue for modern purposes. That's why they ended it at the Gettysburg Address and not with his assassination. The patriotism is dripping off the screen. It is the nobility of America and the struggle for freedom and the call for unity. The acting and the writing is stiffly sincere. One must see the purpose underneath it all.