Rare Silent Film from Early 1900s Unearthed on Long Island
In a remarkable turn of events, a piece of cinematic history that had been lost for over a century has been uncovered on Long Island by a diligent intern, adding a new chapter to the legacy of American film. The 16-millimeter film, believed to be the sole surviving copy of “The Heart of Lincoln,” a silent movie depicting the life of President Abraham Lincoln and the era of the Civil War, has resurfaced to the delight of film enthusiasts and historians alike.
The year was 2024 when a young intern named Dan Martin made a serendipitous discovery while rummaging through old film boxes at Lauro’s Historic Films Archive in Greenport. Among the dusty and forgotten reels, Martin stumbled upon the rare gem, tucked away and waiting to be rediscovered. For a budding film preservationist like Martin, the unearthing of such a treasure was not just a stroke of luck but a testament to the enduring allure of cinema history.
Eliot Kissilef, a seasoned film archivist, took on the crucial task of cleaning and digitizing the fragile film, ensuring that this valuable artifact would be preserved for future generations to appreciate and study. Kissilef’s expertise and dedication breathed new life into “The Heart of Lincoln,” safeguarding it from the ravages of time and neglect.
The significance of this find cannot be overstated, as the 1915 motion picture, directed and starring Francis Ford, sheds light on a pivotal period in American history. Ford, the elder brother of the renowned Hollywood director John Ford, who later achieved cinematic acclaim with multiple Academy Awards, crafted a visual narrative that captured the essence of Lincoln’s legacy and the turmoil of the Civil War era.
Reflecting on the momentous discovery, Joe Lauro, the proprietor of the archival collection, recounted the excitement and anticipation that surrounded the unearthing of the long-lost film. With plans to restore the film and enhance it with a modern musical score, Lauro envisions a revival of this cinematic gem for contemporary audiences to savor, bridging the gap between past and present in the realm of American cinema.
For Dan Martin, the intern whose curiosity and diligence led to the rediscovery of “The Heart of Lincoln,” the experience served as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of film preservation. Martin’s journey from sifting through dusty film cans to unearthing a rare cinematic treasure embodies the essence of dedication and passion for preserving the rich tapestry of film history.
As the reels of “The Heart of Lincoln” emerge from obscurity and find a new audience in the digital age, they beckon viewers to embark on a cinematic journey through time, unraveling the threads of history woven into the fabric of American storytelling. In a world where the past and present converge on the silver screen, this remarkable find stands as a testament to the resilience of film history and the enduring power of storytelling to transcend generations.
With each frame of “The Heart of Lincoln,” a silent testament to the indelible mark left by visionary filmmakers of yesteryear, we are reminded that the magic of cinema knows no bounds and that the echoes of the past continue to resonate in the hearts of audiences today. In the words of Dan Martin, “A film like this provides evidence that film history is still being written,” inviting us to cherish and celebrate the timeless artistry of those who paved the way for the cinematic marvels of the present day.
