I was listening to "Valentine" the other day. It's one of my favorite episodes and makes me cry every time.
The first time I listened to it, I didn't figure out right away that Earnest Chapel was portraying Abe Lincoln. There was such deep emotion and heartfelt love here that anyone would be touched, even if they aren't an avid listener of "Quiet, Please."
This story was filled with deep love and a chilling fear at the same time. Both Mr. Lincoln and Ann wanted to give each other a Valentine--the only one that was left in the general store. As it turned out, Ann was the one who bought it to give to Mr. Lincoln.
Eventually, the couple reunited and talked at length of their feelings for each other and of the future. Very suddenly, out of the blue it seemed, Ann became very cold and wondered what would happen if she died. It came up more than once, and it brought a sense of urgency to the episode. Toward the end, the listener learns that it is Abe Lincoln and his betrothed Ann Ruttlidge that were conversing. At the end, it is said that the only thing left of her was the grave a distance away (I can't remember the exact words but I think you get the message).
I do have a couple questions about the episode. Can anyone tell me if this was an actual event that happened? Was there an actual Ann Ruttlidge? In the history books, I remember the only woman being mentioned in Mr. Lincoln's life was Mary Todd.
This is an episode that I never get tired of listening to.
It's one of my favorites also. Great acting by Chappell, especially in his long narrative period at the beginning. When he talks about the little towns he remembers, and the past he's left behind, I think it really captures the kind of contented yet sad nature... amazing how much emotion there is in those words.
I know there was an actual Anne Rutledge who Lincoln was involved with, I've heard that before, but not much comes up in a web search for some reason. This poem is all I could find: http://www.bartleby.com/104/42.html
So far as I know, the story in the episode seems to be based on what actually happened. I believe Anne was actually supposed to be Lincoln's first love, and then died before they could be married.
Comments on Valentine
I was listening to "Valentine" the other day. It's one of my favorite episodes and makes me cry every time.
The first time I listened to it, I didn't figure out right away that Earnest Chapel was portraying Abe Lincoln. There was such deep emotion and heartfelt love here that anyone would be touched, even if they aren't an avid listener of "Quiet, Please."
This story was filled with deep love and a chilling fear at the same time. Both Mr. Lincoln and Ann wanted to give each other a Valentine--the only one that was left in the general store. As it turned out, Ann was the one who bought it to give to Mr. Lincoln.
Eventually, the couple reunited and talked at length of their feelings for each other and of the future. Very suddenly, out of the blue it seemed, Ann became very cold and wondered what would happen if she died. It came up more than once, and it brought a sense of urgency to the episode. Toward the end, the listener learns that it is Abe Lincoln and his betrothed Ann Ruttlidge that were conversing. At the end, it is said that the only thing left of her was the grave a distance away (I can't remember the exact words but I think you get the message).
I do have a couple questions about the episode. Can anyone tell me if this was an actual event that happened? Was there an actual Ann Ruttlidge? In the history books, I remember the only woman being mentioned in Mr. Lincoln's life was Mary Todd.
This is an episode that I never get tired of listening to.
Sharon
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It's one of my favorites also. Great acting by Chappell, especially in his long narrative period at the beginning. When he talks about the little towns he remembers, and the past he's left behind, I think it really captures the kind of contented yet sad nature... amazing how much emotion there is in those words.
I know there was an actual Anne Rutledge who Lincoln was involved with, I've heard that before, but not much comes up in a web search for some reason. This poem is all I could find: http://www.bartleby.com/104/42.html
So far as I know, the story in the episode seems to be based on what actually happened. I believe Anne was actually supposed to be Lincoln's first love, and then died before they could be married.
Here is a page that has a bio of Ann Ruttlidge and the story of her romance with Lincoln:
http://members.aol.com/RVSNorton/Lincoln34.html