Anthony Mann was a good director, and Dick Powell was a very talented actor (in both musicals and film noirs); unfortunately, this isn't a bright spot for either of them. The film is based on the "Baltimore Plot," which was an alleged plot to kill the newly elected Lincoln on his way to Washington DC. This so-called plot was in all likelihood never seriously planned, and was simply based on empty threats made a secessionist barber in Baltimore (he was never even arrested). Nevertheless, Allan Pinkerton (head of the Pinkerton Detective Agency) took the "plot" seriously and made elaborate plans to get Lincoln to Washington safely.
Although not a technically bad film, a lot of unnecessary changes were made. Instead of portraying Pinkerton who was actually on the train with Lincoln, Powell plays a New York police officer who was never anywhere near the vicinity. Also, a good deal of time is spent attempting to explain why Republicans would try to kill their own recently elected Republican president. The explanation given in the film is that the Republicans wanted to assassinate Lincoln in order to make him a martyr, so Republicans could get elected for the next two decades out of sympathy. That is, of course, crazy and would be like Democrats plotting to assassinate Biden right after he's elected in an effort to repeatedly get Democrats elected for years to come (it literally makes no sense).
Finally, even though most of the characters are in period dress from 1861, Powell is wearing a mostly contemporary suit from 1950. In 1861, men wore ties that were very thick with huge Windsor knots, but Powell is wearing a super thin tie with a small knot. Every time Powell is onscreen with others, it looks he's a time traveler from 1950.
Anyway, most of my issues with the film are related to its accuracy rather than the quality of the story, direction, and acting. It's not a terrible film, but it's hard to appreciate it given the fact that 90% of the film isn't based on historical fact. Those not concerned with historical accuracy may very well enjoy it.
Although not a technically bad film, a lot of unnecessary changes were made. Instead of portraying Pinkerton who was actually on the train with Lincoln, Powell plays a New York police officer who was never anywhere near the vicinity. Also, a good deal of time is spent attempting to explain why Republicans would try to kill their own recently elected Republican president. The explanation given in the film is that the Republicans wanted to assassinate Lincoln in order to make him a martyr, so Republicans could get elected for the next two decades out of sympathy. That is, of course, crazy and would be like Democrats plotting to assassinate Biden right after he's elected in an effort to repeatedly get Democrats elected for years to come (it literally makes no sense).
Finally, even though most of the characters are in period dress from 1861, Powell is wearing a mostly contemporary suit from 1950. In 1861, men wore ties that were very thick with huge Windsor knots, but Powell is wearing a super thin tie with a small knot. Every time Powell is onscreen with others, it looks he's a time traveler from 1950.
Anyway, most of my issues with the film are related to its accuracy rather than the quality of the story, direction, and acting. It's not a terrible film, but it's hard to appreciate it given the fact that 90% of the film isn't based on historical fact. Those not concerned with historical accuracy may very well enjoy it.