Young Mr. Lincoln
Young Mr. Lincoln

Movie spotlight

Young Mr. Lincoln

1939
Movie
100 min
English

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.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes88%
Google Users85%
Director: John FordGenres: Biography, Drama, History, Western

Plot Summary

The film dramatizes the early life and legal career of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois, before his presidency. It follows his rise from a humble store clerk to a respected lawyer, highlighting his intelligence, integrity, and early encounters with justice and injustice. A pivotal moment involves Lincoln defending a young man accused of murder, showcasing his legal acumen and compassion.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Young Mr. Lincoln' was generally well-received by critics for its dignified portrayal of a beloved historical figure and Henry Fonda's compelling performance. It's often praised for its respectful and sentimental approach to Lincoln's formative years, though some might find its tone a bit too hagiographic by modern standards. The film has endured as a classic, appreciated for its historical insight and strong performances.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensitive and earnest depiction of Abraham Lincoln's youth.

  • Henry Fonda's performance as the young Lincoln is considered iconic and deeply moving.

  • Appreciated for its historical flavor and John Ford's directorial touch.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the film's respectful portrayal of Lincoln's early life and Henry Fonda's performance. Many find it an inspiring and well-made historical drama that offers a charming look at a legendary figure before he became president.

Fun Fact

Despite playing Abraham Lincoln, a tall figure, Henry Fonda himself was not particularly tall, standing at 6'1". The filmmakers and costume designers used subtle techniques to enhance his perceived height and gravitas on screen.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

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 -...