Synopsis
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.
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Cast
- Henry FondaAbraham Lincoln
- Alice BradyAbigail Clay
- Marjorie WeaverMary Todd
- Arleen WhelanSarah Clay
- Eddie CollinsEfe Turner
- Pauline MooreAnn Rutledge
- Richard CromwellMatt Clay
- Donald MeekProsecutor John Felder
- Eddie QuillanAdam Clay
- Spencer ChartersJudge Herbert A. Bell
Recommendations
- 100
The New York Times
Not merely a natural and straightforward biography, but a film which indisputably has the right to be called Americana. Henry Fonda's characterization is one of those once-in-a-blue-moon things: a crossroads meeting of nature, art, and a smart casting director. - 100
TV Guide Magazine
A superb motion picture, and one in which Ford's obsession with Americana and the forces and emotions that made this country what it is are plainly in view. - 100
Time Out
Composed of serio-comic scenes from small town life, heavy with a future perfect sense of Myth-in-the-making, it's driven by tensions between insignificance and monumentality that explode in the histrionic splendour and excess of the celebrated final sequence: Abe Lincoln setting out to scale unseen heights against the portentous gloom of a gathering storm. - 90
The A.V. Club
Exuding nobility, modesty, and down-home wit, Henry Fonda assumes the iconic top hat as America’s 16th president in Young Mr. Lincoln. Far from a traditional decades-spanning biopic, John Ford’s drama instead provides a snapshot of a moment in Lincoln’s life. - 90
The New Yorker
One of John Ford's most memorable films, and not at all the tedious bummer that the title might suggest. Henry Fonda, in one of his best early performances, is funny and poignant as the drawling, awkward young hero. - 80
Empire
A rose-tinted look at American history, certainly, but still a very entertaining one. - 60
Variety
With judicious eye to authenticity and dignity the major shortcoming of this Lincoln film is at the altar of faithfulness, hampered by the rather lethargic production and direction.
