We learn about the Presidents and their contributions to America from grade school through graduate school. But what about of the Presidents’ wives? In “First Wives,” Robin explores the women as they really were: thoughtful, caring human beings, whose lives were profoundly affected by their husbands’ calling. We see that during the Civil War Mary Lincoln was considered disloyal to the Union cause, and every decision she made was interpreted adversely. She was hounded by her husband’s enemies. In addition to Mary Lincoln, Robin also portrays Rachel Jackson, Julia Tyler, Jacqueline Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Abigail Adams.
As well as having pure entertainment value, “First Wives” may be seen as living history. While preparing the production, Robin Lane painstakingly researched the lives of the First Ladies.
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She spent hours at the Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, New York and at the Kennedy Library in Boston looking at films and photos, and listening to tapes to authenticate the mannerisms and vocal inflections of Mrs. Roosevelt and Mrs. Kennedy. She also conferred at length with historians at the Lincoln home in Springfield, Illinois and the Jackson home in Hermitage, Tennessee. The result is a sensitive, moving, historically accurate portrayal of six of America’s most fascinating First Ladies.
