Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)
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.
Cast
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
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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 - 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).
