1856 - US presidential race -
Modern motion-picture portrayals of the candidates and times

Caution: Dramatizations of historical persons and events are often only loosely based on the truth! For an examination of this and other important issues, see Video in History Classes

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Motion pictures set (at least partly) in the 1850s

A film very germane to the 1856 election is missing from the collection above: Gangs of New York (2002), which depicts violent conflict in New York City between nativists ("Know-Nothings") and Irish Catholic immigrants, who would flock to support Democrat Buchahan in the election. In a political cartoon here, these two "street" factions are shown seconding their favored candidates. With Know-Nothing Fillmore floored by Buchanan, the nativist encourages Fremont to take his place.

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Motion pictures featuring James Buchanan

Major (audio or narrative-subject) role for the character

• biographical programs - TV documentary suite, multi-hour (1999)
• The American President - TV documentary mini-series, 600 min. (2000)
  
  Trivial (cameo-like) role for the character
  
• Dream West - TV mini-series, 3-part, 7 hrs. (1986) (pictorial synopsis) Dream West (historical novel) (text of chapter one)

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Motion pictures featuring John Fremont

Major role for the character

• Dream West - TV mini-series, 3-part, 7 hrs. (1986) (pictorial synopsis) Dream West (historical novel) (text of chapter one)
• Destiny, West! - TV special, 1hr. (1960)
• Kit Carson - b&w (or colorized) movie, 97 min. (1940) (plot detail)
• Kit Carson and the Mountain Men - TV movie, 90 min. (1977)
• Voices of 1846 - video, 44 min. (1996) (sold here for $50 - ouch!)
• Winners of the West - silent b&w movie, 18-part (2 reels each) (1921) (presumed lost) (posters)
  
  Minor role for the character
  
• Along theOregon Trail - color movie, 64 min. (1947)
• California Conquest - color movie, 78 min. (1952) (plot detail)
  
  Trivial (cameo-like) role for the character
  
• The Vigilantes Are Coming - b&w movie serial, 12-part, 229 min. (1936)
• Into the West - TV mini-series, 6-part, 12 hrs. (2005) Into the West (historical novel)

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Motion pictures featuring Millard Fillmore

Major (audio or narrative-subject) role for the character

• biographical programs - TV documentary suite, multi-hour (1999)
• The American President - TV documentary mini-series, 600 min. (2000)

Memorable dialog:

[after news of Zachery Taylor's death]
I have no language to express the emotions of my heart. The shock is so sudden and unexpected, I am overwhelmed.

I was called to the executive chair by a bereavement which shrouded the nation in mourning. However much I may be oppressed by the discharge of the duty, I dare not shrink from it.

God knows I detest slavery but it is an existing evil and we must endure it and give it such protection as is prescribed by the constitution.

In the north I was accused of being a pro-slavery man seeking to extend slavery over free territory and in the south I was accused of being an abolishionist. But I am neither.

I feel no regret that I was relieved of the thankless task of administering this government. The agitation that disturbed the peace of this country was unavoidable.