New Britain herald., 1925-10-10
HOW THE LINCOLN
 PICTURE WAS MADE
Strange Story Of Film Shown at
 South Church Tomorrow

The motion picture, Abraham Lincoln" to be shown at the South i church tomorrow night is said to have probably the most interesting history of any picture yet shown at these Sunday evening services.
 Two brothers, Al and Ray Rock, eft, were employed in minor ca pacities in the production of films in California. They had always i been great admirers of Abraham Lincoln and conceived the idea of putting on the screen the dramatic life of ihe martyrcd president in q way that should present 1t more adequately than had yet been done. But they were poor and practically unknown, and it takes money and backing 10 produce a motion pie ture. They went 10 one or the best scenario writers in the country and | laid their plan before her. She Joined in their enthusiasm and of f"rcd her services for thc under taking. Together they spent two or three years digging out and vrrl- fy1nE various reported incidents in the life of Lincoln, visiting many piar"# where he had been known and interviewing scores who had been personally acquainted with the great president.
 At last tho scenario was ready, but the Rocket brothers had no money for q director, for scenery, properties actors and other cescn- tials. They used what ljltle money they could Hrape together, bor- rowed more, bought lumber and supplies, took off their coats, rolled ID their sleeves, then got 10 work and put in much of the labor themselves. They kept long hours, seemed 10 he everywhere at once, and turned 4 hand 10 Whate> CT needed 10 be done.
 Then came the question: "Who will take the part Of Lincoln ?" | They wanted tilo best actor that could be found 10 play this diff cult role, but actors Of the first rank demand large remuneration. While they were wondering what 10 do, a man quietly presented himself one day to the Rockets and said he would like to. take that part. They questioned him; Are you an actor?" "No," came the an- sWcr, "lIavc you ever been on the staGe?' "Novcr What is youe business::' ::' "I am carpenter" "What makes you think you can take this part?" He replied, q have studied Abraham Lincoln all my life, and have read everything l could lay my hands on, that he said or wrote, or that has been written about him. should like the opportunity, not to act. but tc live the part of Lincoln on the stage"
 They tried him out, coached him, and 1t is this humble carpenter Chester Billings, a man Of the con- mon people, that has given the world this finest impcrsonation of Lincoln. Since this picture was pro duced he has been in constant de. mand 10 take thc part of Lincoln in other pictures.
 When inc production was finally completed and screened before q selected group. the critics yawned , and said the picture was a flop. " and that the public did not want that kind of stuff. No film dis. tributor wanted to put his name tc ] such a doubtful proposition. Ther ! one of tho largest and most re. sponsible of the distributors agreed 10 handle the film and advertised it widely. The result was extended runs in the large cities al top motel prices, before ever the film was re. leased for genera distribution. | is reported on good authority tha lthis production is the second best money maker ever put out hy Uni. film company.
 The extreme care used with re gard 10 accuracy Of detail make! the production unusually intercst ing and valuable not only for tho present but for the years to come One of the large laboratories i now working on film stock Of spe cial material that is expected ant hoped 10 last for centuries, Witl the appreciation of the authoritic! it is 10 be placed in the Smithson tan institution at Washington, D, C. and to be opened on Inc thre, hundredth anniversary of Iincolu'' birth.