The first scholarly edition of Northup's memoir, co-edited in 1968 by Sue Eakin and Joseph Logsdon, carefully retraced and validated the account and concluded it to be accurate. Other characters in the film were also real people, including Edwin and Mary Epps, and Patsey. CARD: 1841 FADE IN: 1 INT. TOWNHOUSE/STUDY - 1 -EARLY APRIL, 1841 We are on a OF as they open WRAPPED STRINGS. WE CUT TO the stringing a VIOLIN. It's not a piece, but it is nice.