We went to the Movie at the Rivoli Theater here in Seward and were somewhat disappointed. Not because of the acting or the story but by the perception it provides viewers of President Abraham Lincoln. After further thought, it made us wonder about our own perception of him. Mine was developed back in District 13 Country school where his large framed picture hung on the wall along with George Washington's. Our teachers read stories about his learning to read and write by candle light and his walking miles to return a book he had borrowed. As we got older, we learned how he became a lawyer by "reading the law"; his debates with Douglas, and how he "saved the nation" with his Civil War leadership. One cannot help but have this image strengthened by visiting his boyhood home in Kentucky, his museum in Springfield, IL, the Ford Theater in D.C. and the house across the street where he died. We have visited all of these including the Lincoln Memorial many times and have marveled at the perfection of his Gettysburg Address. For as long as I can remember, he has always been a "hero". The movie didn't change my impression of him but what bothers me is how shallow a viewer's perception would be without more knowledge. What's even more disturbing is that maybe mine is far "overblown" and the movie's portrayal is more realistic with Doris Kerns Goodwin having helped write the script. He's still one of my heroes.
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