Film still from The Heart of Lincoln'
Dan Martin never expected to uncover a century-old silent film.
It was one of more than 7,000 silent pictures thought to be missing.
Sometimes, however, the past has a way of returning.
Film still from ‘The Heart of Lincoln'
Ford portrayed the renowned president in nine of the silent films he directed, includingThe Heart of Lincoln.
In the rediscovered film, Ford again takes on Lincoln’s role.
The plot follows a widow who once provided shelter to a young Lincoln during a storm.
Few have seen the film since it played for just one day at various theaters in 1922.
This was not uncommon.
Despite being a century old, the copy ofThe Heart of Lincolnwas remarkably well-preserved.
This is thanks to the well-sealed can that contained the reel.
The preservation allowed the film to be carefully cleaned and digitized, making it possible to view today.
He also plans to donate the reels to the Library of Congress.
Short films from history are available on the Historic Films Archive’sYouTube channel.
