You are here:

The Face of Lincoln

Name: The Face of Lincoln
Director: Edward Freed
Released: 1956
Duration: 21 min

Representation Score

1.1/10

Minimal

1956

Director

Edward Freed

Runtime

21 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Face of Lincoln is a mid-century educational documentary designed for historical preservation rather than social critique. It functions as a pedagogical tool, using sculpture to demonstrate the aging process of a singular statesman. Because the film is a specialized lecture on Abraham Lincoln, the content is inherently narrow. It adheres to the conventional demographic and thematic standards of 1956, focusing on a dominant historical icon without attempting to disrupt social hierarchies. Ultimately, the film lacks the breadth required for diverse representation, as its scope is strictly limited to the physical transformation of one man.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Face of Lincoln have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film is a technical lecture focused on the physical evolution of Abraham Lincoln. It contains no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-straight relationships.

How does The Face of Lincoln portray gender?

Limited

The narrative centers entirely on a male historical figure and a male expert. It lacks women's ability to drive the story or any challenge to traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Face of Lincoln?

Minimal

The documentary focuses on a singular, white, Anglo-Saxon historical figure. It reflects the homogeneous historical focus typical of mid-century educational media.

How does The Face of Lincoln represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film celebrates a foundational Western statesman. It adheres to a standard biographical framework to honor a traditional pillar of American history.

Does The Face of Lincoln include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence regarding the depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this work.

Present on Screen

Provides a fascinating, technical look at historical sculpture and the physical evolution of a statesman.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks demographic breadth, focusing exclusively on a single male historical figure.
There is no representation of diverse genders, races, or identities within the narrative.

Official Synopsis

Head of the sculpture dpeartment at USC when this film was made (by USC), Merrell Gage was a lifelong expert on Abraham Lincoln. This short was a lecture often given by Gage, using wet clay to depict the on-going changes to Abe's face over the years as Abe altered his hairstyle, grew a beard, and showed the effects of aging. Shown on TV many times, a fascinating look at one of history's important statesmen.

How are these scores produced? →