From 14th to 26th of April 1865, the hunt for President Abraham Lincoln's murderer, John Wilkes Booth and his accomplices transfixed, thrilled and horrified a nation of mourners as Booth led the army on a wild chase through the swamps of Maryland and into the forests of Virginia. At the centre of the story is the ultimate anti-hero: John Wilkes Booth. A handsome stage actor, Booth was as famous in his day as any big Hollywood star today, but threw away his fame and wealth for an assassin's immortality. Manhunt tells the dramatic story through the eyes of the hunters and the hunters - and makes clear why Booth refused to be taken alive when at last he was cornered by the US cavalry.