Long-Lost Early 1900s Silent Film Thought to be Lost Forever Uncovered on Long Island

A Piece of Film History Missing for Over 100 Years

A 16-millimeter film, believed to be the only known surviving copy of “The Heart of Lincoln,” a silent movie about the life of President Abraham Lincoln and American life during the Civil War, was found on Long Island by an intern going through old boxes.

A Hidden Treasure in a Rusty Film Case

The film, which was in remarkably good condition despite its age, was discovered in 2024 at Lauro’s Historic Films Archive in Greenport by summer intern Dan Martin. He had been going through boxes of old films donated to the archive, and the movie was among many that had been left untouched for decades.

The Discovery

The movie’s five reels were among the rusty film cases lining the walls of the office of Joe Lauro, who owns the business. Martin’s discovery was met with excitement and surprise by Lauro, who hopes to restore the film and add a score to it, so modern audiences can be treated to a piece of cinematic history.

A Rewarding Outcome

“For someone going to school for film preservation, this is about the most rewarding outcome you can have sifting through those old film cans,” said Martin, of Jamesport. “It was very rewarding to end my internship on this high note. A film like this provides evidence that film history is still being written.”

A Piece of the Puzzle

As Lauro noted, “With silent films, probably 70% of them are gone. It’s a piece of the puzzle that’s now been found. The puzzle of lost American cinema.” The film’s director and star, Francis Ford, was the older brother of legendary Hollywood director John Ford, who would go on to make his own movie about Lincoln decades later.

The Restoration Process

Film archivist Eliot Kissileff was able to clean and digitize the movie, so it could never be lost again. “I guess it was just lucky the cans were sealed and had not decayed,” said Kissileff.

Conclusion

The discovery of “The Heart of Lincoln” is a significant find for film historians and enthusiasts alike. It serves as a reminder that even the most lost and forgotten pieces of film history can still be found, and that the work of film preservationists is crucial in ensuring that these pieces are preserved for future generations.

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of the film “The Heart of Lincoln”?
A: The film is believed to be the only known surviving copy of a silent movie about the life of President Abraham Lincoln and American life during the Civil War.

Q: Who directed and starred in the film?
A: The director and star of the film was Francis Ford, the older brother of legendary Hollywood director John Ford.

Q: Where was the film found?
A: The film was found in 2024 at Lauro’s Historic Films Archive in Greenport, Long Island.

Q: Who restored the film?
A: Film archivist Eliot Kissileff cleaned and digitized the movie, so it could never be lost again.