Usamah Harvey
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
Portia Hilton
Blistering performances.
Marva
It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,
JohnHowardReid
Although John Ford won a record four Oscars for Best Directing, it was not until 1955 that he was named a "Champion Director" (in 4th place behind Michael Curtiz, David Butler and Mervyn Le-Roy) by Fame annual which judged not artistic merit but box-office success. Ford was again cited in 1958 (5th place), 1959 (4th) and 1961 (4th).Named as a leading ticket-selling star in 1936, Henry Fonda never managed (or even aspired) to break into the top ten money-makers.Lamar Trotti was nominated for an Academy Award in the Original Story category (of all departments), losing to Lewis R. Foster's Mr Smith Goes to Washington.COMMENT: We all know Citadel's fine series of Films Of... books. Almost all of these are written by perceptive critics and historians who are alive to both the contemporary and present-day entertainment qualities of the films discussed. But there are a few odd exceptions. Two of these are the books on John Ford by J.A. Place. Dr Place is a mythologist who looks at movies primarily as to their story content of myth and legend. She is particularly interested in the myths that movies create, re-iterate and debunk. A film like Young Mr Lincoln offers golden opportunities for her thesis.I don't think anybody going along to the movies of a Friday night would have been the slightest scrap interested in the myths surrounding the historical fidelity (or otherwise) of Young Mr Lincoln. A small number would be attracted by Henry Fonda, but the majority would simply be seeking a gripping story, with fascinating and interesting characters, smoothly if not lavishly produced. Here they would not be disappointed.John Ford's restrained, moving account of Lincoln's early career as an attorney and his memorable defense of the Clay Brothers, is enlivened by Fonda's superb interpretation. He looks the man, and he acts the way we think Lincoln ought to act. The supporting cast is likewise excellent. I thought Alice Brady gave a finer account of herself than in her Academy Award-winning In Old Chicago. And just as importantly, the producers have seemingly spared no expense in recreating the times, the settings, the decor and the costumes. In short, a triumph.
kennykip
Although this film is not very historically accurate it is still a very good film about a prominent president who is still in the hearts and minds of Americans everyday. i think Henry Fonda doe a great job of portraying Mr Lincoln, this film encompasses all the unique qualities seen in stagecoach with the great shots of the environment. it is a must watch if you are a fan of Davey Crockett, early american history movies.
allisonbazanos
I really enjoyed this movie a lot, it was interesting to see all these aspects of Abe Lincoln before he was considered Mr. President. Fonda does a fantastic job portraying Lincoln.
seeleyal
This film really threw me for a loop. First, I would like to make a comment about how the actor playing Abe Lincoln, Henry Fonda, really fit the image of Mr. Lincoln very well. He brought the character to life and carried the character the way that I feel Abraham Lincoln truly would have been. The rest of the acting was great, something that I find myself paying the most attention to when watching older films. Secondly, the plot was clearly thought out and unpredictable considering how I went into this movie blind, having never heard a single comment about it. Using the first 20 minutes or so to build up Lincoln's character before unveiling the focus of the film allowed for viewers such as myself to develop a liking for him and hope for his success. Without spoiling anything in the film, I would like to say that the conclusion was completely unexpected and left me kicking myself for not picking up on certain details, something that I haven't done yet watching the movies I have reviewed! Lastly, needless to say I'm very impressed by how well thought out this was and honestly wasn't expecting this when I sat down to watch it. Not to mention, it portrayed an important piece of Lincoln's life, something not taught in history classes, without being dry and sleep inducing. Being taught this tidbit of Abraham Lincoln's past through entertainment made a very likable man even more impressive.
