The essence of Whitman's literary philosophy is distilled in this delightful dramatic monologue. We visit the elderly Whitman, portrayed by Dallas McKennon, in his Camden, New Jersey, home, where he talks about his personality, family history, and strong affinity to the common man. We learn about the frustrations he has endured as a poet, and of his disappointing relationships with his publishers, editors, and contemporary Ralph Waldo Emerson. He reminisces about his youth in New York, his wanderings throughout the United States, and his time spent as a nurse during the Civil War. A dramatic reading of "O Captain! My Captain!" pays homage to Abraham Lincoln. Portions of poems from Leaves of Grass are interwoven throughout.
Award
~ Gold Apple Award, National Educational Film & Video Festival
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