Chautaugua Focuses on Civil War's
Link with the Mineral Area
Bonne Terre, July 17 -- An impressive presentation by a local resident (Kevin Culton of Park Hills) about a local historical figure (Sam Hildebrand) plus great weather (in the high 70's and low 80's) helped to bring out a record Chautauqua audience (estimated to nearly reach the 500 mark) for the first of its three-night performances under the big tent. The figures for the show this evening were (below, from the left): Frank X. Mullen as Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, Doug Mishler as Jefferson Davis, Culton as Sam Hildedbrand, and Bill Worley as Gen. Thomas Ewing.
Culton’s characterization of Hildebrand was most satisfying. His delivery style of smooth and never did he search for a word or pause to gather his thoughts. Rather, his presentation was in the style of a man talking to friends about his role in the Civil War. Culton’s key point was that at no time had he ever intended to become the outlaw for which many have condemned him over the years. Rather, he spoke as the Hildebrand who was forced to defend his family which had been attacked by Northern sympathizers in this part of the country. His presentation was believable. In some ways, it resembled the point of view expressed in the well-regarded 1939 Twentieth Century-Fox film, “Jesse James,” which depicted the life of that Missourian who was also forced outside the law about the same time as Hildebrand. That film, which was partly shot in Missouri in Technicolor, made the point that ruthless railroad men had attacked his family and that James felt forced to take a lawless turn in order to seek revenge. Because of Culton’s masterful presentation, many in the audience no doubt walked away with a more sympathetic view of Hildebrand -- who admitted killing about 75 people during his lifetime. Culton's performance was outstanding. We hope to see him again in a future Chautauqua. (Ed. NOTE: For an excellent summary of Culton's presentation, see an article by Renee Bronaugh in the July 18 edition of the Daily Journal.)
Culton’s characterization of Hildebrand was most satisfying. His delivery style of smooth and never did he search for a word or pause to gather his thoughts. Rather, his presentation was in the style of a man talking to friends about his role in the Civil War. Culton’s key point was that at no time had he ever intended to become the outlaw for which many have condemned him over the years. Rather, he spoke as the Hildebrand who was forced to defend his family which had been attacked by Northern sympathizers in this part of the country. His presentation was believable. In some ways, it resembled the point of view expressed in the well-regarded 1939 Twentieth Century-Fox film, “Jesse James,” which depicted the life of that Missourian who was also forced outside the law about the same time as Hildebrand. That film, which was partly shot in Missouri in Technicolor, made the point that ruthless railroad men had attacked his family and that James felt forced to take a lawless turn in order to seek revenge. Because of Culton’s masterful presentation, many in the audience no doubt walked away with a more sympathetic view of Hildebrand -- who admitted killing about 75 people during his lifetime. Culton's performance was outstanding. We hope to see him again in a future Chautauqua. (Ed. NOTE: For an excellent summary of Culton's presentation, see an article by Renee Bronaugh in the July 18 edition of the Daily Journal.)
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