Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)

7.2 ? Jun 09, 1939 1h 40m

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Overview

In this dramatized account of his early law career in Illinois, Abraham Lincoln is born into a modest log cabin, where he is encouraged by his first love, Ann Rutledge, to pursue law. Following her tragic death, Lincoln establishes a law practice in Springfield, where he meets a young Mary Todd. Lincoln's law skills are put to the test when he takes on the difficult task of defending two brothers who have been accused of murder.

Overview

Genres

Drama History

Release Date

June 09, 1939

Rating

7.2 /10

Runtime

1h 40m

Official Trailer from YouTube

Henry Fonda

Abraham Lincoln

Alice Brady

Abigail Clay

Marjorie Weaver

Mary Todd

Arleen Whelan

Sarah Clay

Eddie Collins

Efe Turner

Pauline Moore

Ann Rutledge

Richard Cromwell

Matt Clay

Donald Meek

Prosecutor John Felder

Eddie Quillan

Adam Clay

Spencer Charters

Judge Herbert A. Bell

Ward Bond

John Palmer Cass

Jack Kelly

Matt Clay as a Boy (uncredited)

Edwin Maxwell

John T. Stuart (uncredited)

Milburn Stone

Stephen A. Douglas (uncredited)

Ernie Adams

Man with Lynch Mob (uncredited)

Sam Ash

Townsman Dancing at Party (uncredited)

Arthur Aylesworth

New Salem Townsman (uncredited)

Dorris Bowdon

Carrie Sue (uncredited)

Virginia Brissac

Peach Pie Baker (uncredited)

Paul E. Burns

Loafer (uncredited)

CinemaSerf

7.0/10

Jun 22, 2022

A gentle biopic of the early life and career that established Abraham Lincoln on the road to his place in US history. Henry Fonda plays the naive and deeply principled country lawyer in an engaging, if at times slightly ponderous, fashion - aided well by Marjorie Weaver ("Mary Todd"). His eloquence prevents a lynching and he embarks on his first big legal case in Illinois. John Ford starts this retrospective with a gripping, frequently amusing, court case and what follows emphasises the wit, style and incisive honesty of Lincoln. Spencer Charters ("Judge Bell"); Ward Bond and a typically charismatic performance from Donald Meek as the prosecuting counsel keep this drama interesting. The production is simple, but not basic - and well worth a watch as a drama (not an historical documentary).

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