DVD | Color 79 min | Wide Screen. Directed by Elvis Wilson
ISBN 978-0-8026-1166-6
Price:$31.95*Home Video includes Public Library Circulation rights.
ISBN 978-0-8026-1167-3
Price:$249.95**Academic and Institutional price including Public Performance rights for non-paying audiences.
Consumers Reviews
Awards
"WINNER - Audience Choice Award - 2008"
-Derby City Film Festival
"WINNER - Best Tennessee Feature Film - 2008"
-Secret City Film Festival
"OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2008"
-Black Earth Film Festival
SummaryMeet John Mansfield, rookie Lincoln Presenter. John has been told all his life he looks like Abraham Lincoln but until recently has never thought seriously about donning the stovepipe hat. He finally decides to enter the famous Lincoln look-alike contest during the annual Lincoln Days Celebration in Hodgenville, Kentucky—the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln.
John gets help from Dennis Boggs, a veteran Lincoln presenter. Dennis has spent the last fifteen years acting out his mission to bring Lincoln to the world and to “rouse the Lincoln” in us all. Dennis shares his wisdom and insight with John, but will it be enough for John to bring home the grand prize of a “hundred dollar bill”?
Being Lincoln—Men with Hats also looks closely at several other Lincolns and explores why the over 180 Abraham Lincoln presenters in the country do what they do. Meet a legion of Lincolns at the annual Association of Lincoln Presenters conference as they ham it up, discuss costuming challenges, share trade secrets and participate in photo ops galore. Hear about their calling and the obstacles they face (not everyone loves Lincoln the way they do). Follow Mike Cox as he strolls through Music City dressed as the great emancipator.
And hear from experts. Iris LaRue, director of the Lincoln Museum, shares her thoughts on what it takes to be one of the best presenters. Harry Rubenstein, curator at the National Museum of American History, gives his take on the importance of “the hat” and on what Lincoln means to America. And hear from Leslie Rubinkowski, impersonation expert, as she expounds on what it means to take on the persona of someone else—how it can change lives and transform individuals into “a truer version” of themselves.
These “honest Abes” are living tributes to our 16th President, and a testament to the power of Lincoln’s legacy. But what kind of man would spend $400 on a stovepipe hat, glue a pencil eraser on his face, and spend most of his time walking in someone else’s (very large) shoes? Find out in Being Lincoln–Men With Hats.
