Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln

Movie spotlight

Abraham Lincoln

1930
Movie
83 min
English

A biopic dramatizing Abraham Lincoln's life through a series of vignettes depicting its defining chapters: his romance with Ann Rutledge; his early years as a country lawyer; his marriage to Mary Todd; his debates with Stephen A. Douglas; the election of 1860; his presidency during the Civil War; and his assassination in Ford’s Theater in 1865.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: D. W. GriffithGenres: Biography, Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

This biographical drama chronicles the life of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on his rise from humble beginnings to the presidency and his leadership during the American Civil War. It depicts key moments in his life, including his courtship, his political struggles, and the profound personal toll of the war. The film culminates with his assassination.

Critical Reception

Despite being a monumental effort by D.W. Griffith, "Abraham Lincoln" received a mixed reception. While Walter Huston's performance as Lincoln was widely praised, the film was often criticized for its pacing and historical inaccuracies, as well as its rather reverent and somber tone. It is generally considered a less successful film in Griffith's oeuvre, especially compared to his earlier epics.

What Reviewers Say

  • Walter Huston delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as the titular president.

  • The film struggles with a deliberate pace and stretches of historical interpretation.

  • D.W. Griffith's directorial hand is evident, though the film lacks the impact of his silent era masterpieces.

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Fun Fact

Walter Huston was already a celebrated actor by the time he took on the role of Abraham Lincoln, having previously won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" (though this film was released much later, in 1948, and his prolific career spanned decades).

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Personally" directed by D. W. Griffith, this is a rather condensed version of the adult life of Abraham Lincoln. From his early life in the Kentucky backwoods where he grew up and his first love perished, through to his galvanising speech ...