Stealing Lincoln’s Body (2009)
Stealing Lincoln’s Body is a gripping documentary that delves into one of American history’s most bizarre and audacious plots. The film, directed by Trey Nelson, transports viewers back to the night of the presidential election in 1876, where a notorious gang of counterfeiters from Chicago hatched a plan to commit an act of unthinkable desecration: the theft of President Abraham Lincoln’s corpse.
The documentary unfolds the narrative with a blend of dramatic reenactments, expert interviews, and historical artifacts. It sets the stage in a post-Civil War America, a nation still grappling with the aftermath of conflict and the loss of its leader. Amidst this backdrop, the film introduces a cast of characters fit for a crime thriller: the ringleader Big Jim Kennally, the skilled counterfeiter Benjamin Boyd, and a motley crew of conspirators.
Their motive? To hold the body for a ransom of $200,000 and the release of Boyd from prison. The plot, as audacious as it was, reflected the tumultuous times and the lengths to which criminals would go for wealth and influence.
The documentary meticulously chronicles the events leading up to the attempted heist, detailing the planning and execution of the plan on that fateful night. It also highlights the efforts of the secret service agents tasked with protecting Lincoln’s tomb in Springfield, Illinois, and their successful thwarting of the grave robbers.
“Stealing Lincoln’s Body” also delves into the aftermath of the failed theft, exploring the implications it had on the nation’s sentiment towards their martyred president and the measures taken to ensure the security of his final resting place henceforth.
Through its narrative, the documentary not only recounts a forgotten chapter of history but also reflects on the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln. It’s a tale of greed, respect, and the extraordinary lengths to which some would go to disturb the peace of a fallen hero.
The film features performances by Jon Austin, Kent Courtney, Tom Dwyer, and Matthew Gooley, who bring to life the historical figures involved in this macabre drama.
In essence, the documentary serves as a time capsule, offering a window into a peculiar incident that, though largely forgotten, speaks volumes about the era and the enduring reverence for one of America’s most revered presidents.
