'Lincoln' movie premieres in Lincoln at Lincoln Theater 4

[November 15, 2012]  Lincoln Theater 4 will present Steven Spielberg's latest epic, "Lincoln," beginning on Nov. 16. This movie, which was more than 10 years in the making, stars Daniel Day-Lewis as U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln. Evening shows and activities are planned for opening night, allowing the community named for Lincoln by Lincoln to come out and enjoy history as it comes alive on the big screen.

The star-studded cast also includes Tommy Lee Jones, Hal Holbrook and John Hawkes, the latter portraying Robert Latham. Robert Latham was an original developer of the town of Lincoln, working side by side with Lincoln during the plotting of the town and its christening. Latham was also one of the primary developers of Lincoln College, and the town of Latham in Logan County bears his name. His portrait is located in the rotunda of the historic Logan County Courthouse, along with the other founding fathers.

The film is based on "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln," a biography by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The movie covers a four-month period at the end of Lincoln's life as the president attempts to get Congress to pass the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery. The film's release coincides with the 150th anniversary of the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

The opening night of "Lincoln" in Lincoln will be a grand red-carpet affair, as moviegoers attending the 5 p.m. show are greeted by Lincoln and the Lady, portrayed by Chris Hotz and Deborah Senger of Timeless Presentations. Timeless Presentations was created in 2008 by the two of them, originally as Abe and Mary Lincoln, featuring walks, step-on tours, presentations and appearances as an avenue to provide historic entertainment for central Illinois. Together they share a striking resemblance to the famous couple and will greet guests entering the historic Lincoln Theater 4. Everyone is invited to dress in period attire, and photo opportunities will be available with President Lincoln and the first lady along the red carpet prior to entering the theater to enjoy the movie. Lincoln and the Lady will also be on hand to greet guests and for photos prior to the 8 p.m. showing.

Lincoln Theater 4 was built in 1923 and has had multiple owners over the years until Lincoln native David Lanterman purchased it in January 2011. The largest of the four theaters seats about 175, with the others approximately 130. Lanterman has been busy changing the theater technology from 35-millimeter film into a digital format, which was completed in March.

Patrons of the Nov. 16 showing at Lincoln Theater 4 can receive information that night detailing the unique connection of Abraham Lincoln to the city of Lincoln and can obtain special gift offers courtesy of the Lincoln Heritage Museum and Postville Courthouse.

Lincoln Heritage Museum will also hand out information regarding an event on Nov. 28. As a follow-up to the weekend premiere of the movie's release, there will be an opportunity to further explore the film's historical merit and accuracy. Local Abraham Lincoln historians Paul Beaver, Ron Keller and Anne Suttles will present a panel discussion on Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. at the museum for a reflection and discussion of the "Lincoln" film. This question-and-answer session will give moviegoers an opportunity to discuss and dissect this film masterpiece. The panel discussion will be free and open to the public.

"Lincoln" showtimes of 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. will be highlighted in local media listings and at Lincoln Theater 4 online at www.lincolntheater4.com.

For additional information, contact the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County at 217-732-8687 or [e-mail].