Robert E. Sherwood's play, "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," first premiered on Broadway in 1938, quickly establishing itself as a significant work in American theater. Based primarily on Carl Sandburg's 1926 biography, "Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years," the play chronicles Lincoln's life from his early years through his final speech in Illinois before departing for Washington. Sherwood's work earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1939, cementing
its place in literary history. Beyond its initial stage success, the play's themes and narrative resonated deeply, leading to multiple adaptations across different media, each extending its reach and impact on American audiences.
Broadway Debut and Critical Acclaim
"Abe Lincoln in Illinois" made its Broadway debut on October 15, 1938, at the Plymouth Theatre. The production, directed by Elmer Rice, featured Raymond Massey in the titular role of Lincoln, alongside Muriel Kirkland as Mary Todd, Adele Longmire as Ann Rutledge, and Albert Phillips as Stephen A. Douglas. The play enjoyed a successful run, closing in December 1939 after 472 performances, a testament to its popularity and critical reception.Massey's casting as Lincoln was the fulfillment of a promise he had made to Sherwood six years prior, indicating a long-standing collaboration and trust between the playwright and actor. This initial production was also notable as the first from the newly established Playwrights' Company, marking a significant moment in American theatrical history. The play's success on Broadway was followed by a transfer to the Grand Opera House in Chicago, where it ran for 12 weeks from January 8 through March 30, 1940, further solidifying its widespread appeal.
Adaptations Across Media
The enduring power of Sherwood's narrative led to its adaptation into various forms, allowing new generations to experience Lincoln's story. In 1940, the play was adapted into a film, directed by John Cromwell, with Raymond Massey reprising his role as Lincoln. This cinematic version brought the story to a broader audience, maintaining the essence of Sherwood's original work.Years later, the play found its way to television. On February 5, 1964, an adaptation of "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" was broadcast on NBC as part of the esteemed "Hallmark Hall of Fame" series. This television play was produced and directed by George Schaefer, with Robert Hartung serving as associate producer and adapting Sherwood's play for the small screen. Jason Robards portrayed Lincoln in this version, earning an Emmy nomination for outstanding single performance by an actor in a leading role. These multiple adaptations underscore the timeless relevance and artistic merit of Robert E. Sherwood's Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
Thematic Resonance and Historical Context
Sherwood wrote "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" as a response to the isolationist sentiments prevalent in the United States during the lead-up to the Second World War. Having fought in the First World War and feeling disillusioned by its aftermath, Sherwood used the play to emphasize the importance of overcoming laissez-faire attitudes and taking decisive political action for the common good. Raymond Massey, the play's star, articulated this contemporary relevance, stating that if "dictatorship" replaced "slavery" in Sherwood's script, it would become "electric with meaning for our time."The play's setting spans New Salem, Illinois, in the 1830s, Springfield, Illinois, in the 1840s, and Act III in Springfield from 1858 to 1861. It traces Lincoln's journey from an unpretentious backwoodsman to a champion of freedom, relying on the audience's knowledge of his future presidency to inform their understanding of his character. While much of the dialogue is Sherwood's invention, the play incorporates some of Lincoln's actual words, presenting him not as an infallible figure, but as a humble, self-questioning man haunted by premonitions of death and disaster, foreshadowing the Civil War and his own assassination.
