Alternate Legacy: Lincoln Survives
TV Series - In Development
When John Wilkes Booth’s assassination attempt on President Abraham Lincoln is foiled, the course of American history changes in exciting and unforeseen ways.
The pilot opens with a foiled assassination attempt at Ford's Theater. At that split second, history changes and our story begins!
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Written by Nelson Papucci
roles
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
age 56, attorney, 6’4”. Bearded after 1860; beardless before. Suffers depression, but charming in social situations. His flow of humorous, self-deprecating anecdotes is endless. Lincoln is well read, self-educated, analytical, objective, and logical, as opposed to emotional. His visage bears the strain of leading the nation through four years of hellish warfare. A natural optimist who tries to see the best in people, but jaded by war. To keep the peace, he gives his wife wide latitude to do and say as she pleases.
EDWIN (ED) STANTON
Age 51. Lincoln’s demanding Secretary of War. Known for dramatic facial hair
at the height of the fashion. Helped organize the military resources of the North and guide the Union to victory. Micromanaging and demanding, he pushed Lincoln to declare martial law after the assassination attempt (which would’ve given Stanton almost presidential-level powers). To this day, some conspiracy theorists believe Stanton was complicit in the assassination.
DR. CHARLES TAFT
Age 30. Bystander physician who was pressed into service during the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Hoisted himself over the balcony. In real life, he pronounced Lincoln dead. In our
story, he stays with Lincoln the entire night.
“PEANUTS” BURROUGHS
African-American teen. Sole minority character. His lines are few but he helps deliver ice. In both real-life and our story, he held Booth’s horse behind the theater, without knowing who he was. He remains with Lincoln at Petersen House the entire time.
JOHN WILKES BOOTH
26, actor, 5’10”, brown eyes, muscular build. Charming, handsome, the scion
of a famous acting family, a womanizer, and one of the brightest stars of American theater. His name and
face were known around the country. Booth was a Southern sympathizer and supporter of slavery; this
caused him to despise President Lincoln and eventually try to assassinate him.
LAURA KEENE
Age 39. English Actress and producer of tonight’s play. In real-life, she cradled
Lincoln’s head while he lay dying. In our story, she proves helpful in getting Lincoln to safety. She remains
with Lincoln at Petersen House the entire time.
ROBERT LINCOLN
Age 21. A poor man’s DiCaprio. Just returned from serving. Extremely smart and intuitive, he realizes that his mother suffers mental illness, but he can say nothing. He acutely recognizes the danger his father is in, even when Abraham himself is not.
MARY TODD LINCOLN
46. Blue eyes, compact build, round face. 5’2” – fourteen inches shorter, and ten years younger, than Abe. Staunchly supported her husband’s political career. Spent lavishly on decor, jewelry, clothes – and opiates, her secret addiction. Mostly hid her spending from Abraham. Well-educated, grew up wealthy.
DR. CHARLES LEALE
Age 23. Young doctor, first to attend to Lincoln in both real-life and our story.
When more senior doctors arrive, he tends to Major Rathbone. Remains with Lincoln/Rathbone at Petersen
House the entire time.
TAD LINCOLN
Age 11. Born with a cleft palette which causes a speech disorder. Extremely energetic, he often runs around the house with his goat or other pets.
