The film traces Lincoln from frontier life and personal relationships through legal work, marriage, presidential leadership, civil war, surrender, and assassination.
Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases
Frontier Labor and Love
The opening section follows Lincoln's early life as a storekeeper and rail-splitter in New Salem. It also introduces his romance with Ann Rutledge.
Key Events
New Salem Beginnings — Lincoln's early life unfolds in New Salem before his legal and political career. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: New Salem
Storekeeper Years — Lincoln works as a storekeeper during the film's early-life section. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: New Salem
Rail-Splitting Labor — Lincoln's early life also includes his work as a rail-splitter. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: New Salem
Meeting Ann Rutledge — Lincoln's early romance with Ann Rutledge forms part of the opening act. Characters: Abraham Lincoln, Ann RutledgeLocation: New Salem
Early Romance — The film develops the romantic connection between Lincoln and Ann Rutledge. Characters: Abraham Lincoln, Ann RutledgeLocation: New Salem
A Lawyer in Springfield
The narrative moves from frontier work to Lincoln's early years as a lawyer. His Springfield courtship culminates in marriage.
Key Events
Leaving Frontier Life — Lincoln's early frontier experiences lead into his professional development. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: New Salem
Legal Apprenticeship — The narrative shifts to Lincoln's early years as a lawyer. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: Springfield, Illinois
Lawyer In Springfield — Lincoln's professional identity develops during his early legal career. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: Springfield, Illinois
Springfield Courtship — The film portrays Lincoln's courtship during his Springfield years. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: Springfield, Illinois
Springfield Marriage — Lincoln's courtship culminates in marriage in Springfield. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: Springfield, Illinois
Burden of the Presidency
The majority of the film portrays Lincoln's presidency and the responsibilities of national leadership. The emotional stakes rise as the Civil War dominates the story.
Key Events
Presidential Transition — The majority of the film moves to Lincoln's presidency. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: United States
Presidential Responsibility — Lincoln faces the responsibilities of national leadership during wartime. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: United States
Civil War Begins — The presidential story is dominated by the American Civil War. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: United States
Wartime Leadership — Lincoln's presidency is shown through the continuing demands of the Civil War. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: United States
War Reaches Surrender
The Civil War section progresses toward its decisive ending. The opposing commander’s surrender provides the film's military culmination.
Key Events
War's Final Phase — The wartime narrative advances toward the conflict's decisive conclusion. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: United States
Opposing Forces Yield — The film culminates militarily with the surrender of the opposing commander. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: United States
Surrender Confirmed — The surrender marks the closing phase of the Civil War storyline. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: United States
Tragedy at the Theatre
The concluding movement shifts to Ford's Theatre after the surrender. Lincoln's assassination creates the film's tragic final resolution.
Key Events
Ford's Theatre Visit — After the war's conclusion, the narrative moves to Ford's Theatre. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: Ford's Theatre
Theatre Assassination — The film culminates with Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theatre. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: Ford's Theatre
Lincoln's Final Fate — Lincoln's assassination provides the film's tragic final resolution. Characters: Abraham LincolnLocation: Ford's Theatre
Story Breakdown
Frontier Beginnings — Lincoln's early life is established through work and hardship in New Salem.
Storekeeper Years — Lincoln works as a storekeeper in New Salem.
Rail Splitting — His frontier life also includes labor as a rail-splitter.
Ann Rutledge Romance — The opening act includes Lincoln's early romance with Ann Rutledge.
New Salem Courtship — Lincoln and Ann Rutledge share an early romantic connection.
Early Emotional Bond — The romance forms a significant part of Lincoln's early personal story.
Legal Development — Lincoln's life progresses from frontier work into an early legal career.
Becoming A Lawyer — The film covers Lincoln's early years as a lawyer.
Springfield Practice — His legal development is associated with Springfield, Illinois.
Courtship And Marriage — Lincoln's Springfield years include courtship followed by marriage.
Springfield Courtship — The narrative portrays Lincoln's courtship in Springfield.
Marriage Milestone — The courtship culminates in Lincoln's marriage.
Presidential Burden — The film's main section follows Lincoln during his presidency.
National Leadership — Lincoln assumes the responsibilities of presidential leadership.
Wartime Presidency — His presidency is defined by the American Civil War.
Civil War Conclusion — The war storyline advances toward the surrender that closes the military conflict.
Conflict Escalation — The Civil War occupies most of the film's central narrative.
Opposing Surrender — The film culminates militarily with the surrender of the opposing commander.
Ford's Theatre Tragedy — The final movement ends Lincoln's story at Ford's Theatre.
Theatre Visit — The narrative moves to Ford's Theatre after the surrender.
Assassination Ending — Lincoln's assassination provides the film's tragic conclusion.
An episodic dramatization of the 18th President of the United States' life, including his early years, affair with Ann Rutledge, courtship of Mary Todd, debates with Stephen A. Douglas, the election of 1860, his presidency during the Civil War, and finally his assassination at Ford's Theater in 1865.
