42 reviews
The Lincoln Standard
Besides Raymond Massey, a whole flock of actors have been known for playing America's sixteenth president, Henry Fonda, Walter Huston, Sam Waterston, Hal Holbrook, Dennis Weaver, Gregory Peck, John Carradine. Character actor Frank McGlyn practically made a career of playing The Great Emancipator whenever Honest Abe was a character in a film. But the standard has been set by Raymond Massey who did Lincoln in Robert Sherwood's play for 472 performances on Broadway during the 1938-1939 season and he repeats the title role in Abe Lincoln in Illinois for this film version.
I've no doubt that Sherwood used as source material for his play a lot of information based on Carl Sandburg's biography, Lincoln the Prarie Years. At that time Sandburg was considered the unofficial custodian of the Lincoln legend and mythology. Of course he based a lot of his work on the biography of Lincoln written by his law partner William Herndon played here by Alan Baxter. Herndon's well known antipathy for Mary Todd Lincoln as the shrewish wife of his good friend comes through her in Ruth Gordon's portrayal. It should be said that Mary Lincoln regarded Herndon as an opportunist drunk and he certainly did have a substance abuse problem.
Gene Lockhart as Lincoln's rival Stephen A. Douglas is well done also, though Lockhart was a bit tall for the part. Had Douglas ever been elected president he would have been our shortest president, he was barely over five feet tall. The rivalry between these two was kind of like the Yankees and Red Sox with the Yankees always coming out on top until recent years. Lincoln is still our tallest president at 6'4" so the contrast on the speaking platform at the Lincoln-Douglas debates was really something to see.
The only other actor to recreate his stage role besides Massey was Howard DaSilva who played Jack Armstrong. Not the All American hero, but the leader of the local gang of roughnecks who Lincoln beat in a wrestling match and who becomes his lifelong friend. All part of the Lincoln legend carefully preserved by Sandburg and Sherwood. It was one of DaSilva's earliest screen roles.
Raymond Massey got an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in 1940 and he was up against a strong field that included Henry Fonda for The Grapes of Wrath, Charles Chaplin for The Great Dictator, and Laurence Olivier in Rebecca. The winner however was a long-shot, James Stewart for The Philadelphia Story. There was a lot of sentiment that year that Stewart should have received the Oscar the year before for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. So the good Academy voters made up for it this year. It goes that way with Oscar every so often.
Abe Lincoln in Illinois still holds up very well although today's historical Lincoln specialists might have different interpretations placed on some of the events you see.
I've no doubt that Sherwood used as source material for his play a lot of information based on Carl Sandburg's biography, Lincoln the Prarie Years. At that time Sandburg was considered the unofficial custodian of the Lincoln legend and mythology. Of course he based a lot of his work on the biography of Lincoln written by his law partner William Herndon played here by Alan Baxter. Herndon's well known antipathy for Mary Todd Lincoln as the shrewish wife of his good friend comes through her in Ruth Gordon's portrayal. It should be said that Mary Lincoln regarded Herndon as an opportunist drunk and he certainly did have a substance abuse problem.
Gene Lockhart as Lincoln's rival Stephen A. Douglas is well done also, though Lockhart was a bit tall for the part. Had Douglas ever been elected president he would have been our shortest president, he was barely over five feet tall. The rivalry between these two was kind of like the Yankees and Red Sox with the Yankees always coming out on top until recent years. Lincoln is still our tallest president at 6'4" so the contrast on the speaking platform at the Lincoln-Douglas debates was really something to see.
The only other actor to recreate his stage role besides Massey was Howard DaSilva who played Jack Armstrong. Not the All American hero, but the leader of the local gang of roughnecks who Lincoln beat in a wrestling match and who becomes his lifelong friend. All part of the Lincoln legend carefully preserved by Sandburg and Sherwood. It was one of DaSilva's earliest screen roles.
Raymond Massey got an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in 1940 and he was up against a strong field that included Henry Fonda for The Grapes of Wrath, Charles Chaplin for The Great Dictator, and Laurence Olivier in Rebecca. The winner however was a long-shot, James Stewart for The Philadelphia Story. There was a lot of sentiment that year that Stewart should have received the Oscar the year before for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. So the good Academy voters made up for it this year. It goes that way with Oscar every so often.
Abe Lincoln in Illinois still holds up very well although today's historical Lincoln specialists might have different interpretations placed on some of the events you see.
- bkoganbing
- Feb 10, 2008
- Permalink
While not "gospel", it sure sticks much closer to the truth than other Lincoln films of the era
Abe Lincoln is one of the most misunderstood figures in American history--perhaps THE most misunderstood. So much of what we assume are facts are actually myths and misrepresentations--some of which were promoted by writers and some by films of the 30s and 40s. While ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS is far from perfect, it is light-years ahead of the other contemporary works in giving a balanced account of Lincoln's life. While heroic in many ways, Lincoln is more of a man in this film and the facts are generally true--and that's a lot more than can be said of such sentimental hogwash as D.W. Griffith's 1930 fiasco ABRAHAM LINCOLN--which is basically one myth after another strung together!! I can say all this because I am well educated about the man and am an American history teacher--so my opinion should mean something.
One of the common myths that has abounded was the Ann Rutledge romance. While it's uncertain exactly how much they were in love (was it just a passing romance or something deeper), it's obvious that they were NOT as they were portrayed in ABRAHAM LINCOLN with all of its syrupy sweetness. Read up on the controversy yourself--opinions vary and there's no concrete evidence to prove either extreme. Here in ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS, they seem to take the position that the love between them was just beginning to blossom when she died and that that was about it.
Another myth is that Lincoln was 100% against slavery and that he personally freed the slaves (that was actually done by Congress and the 13th amendment). The real life Lincoln, though opposed to slavery, was more concerned with unity and preserving the nation. Fortunately, ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS gets this right--they show Lincoln as being torn by these two divergent interests. Most books and films portray him as "the Great Emancipator"--though Lincoln would have allowed slavery to keep the country from war and he did see class distinctions between the races.
The other big myth is that Lincoln was sort of a "dumb hillbilly" and that he stumbled into greatness. While in this film he is a simple man, of sorts, he also is amazingly clever and has a great way with dealing with people. And, occasionally, he was a bit devious. While the film doesn't have a chance to show his political savvy and willingness to "forget" the Constitution during the war in order to keep the country together, he is relatively shrewd in this film.
As for Mary Todd, in the film as in real life, she was a conniver and a very unstable woman. While her mental instability was only briefly shown in this film (as in reality--her mental condition greatly deteriorated after her husband was President as well as his death) but at least it was mentioned. Plus, her intense drive was a major focus of the film--as it was in Lincoln's own real life. She was a hard-driving and rather nasty woman if you read more about her (and rather mentally unstable in her later years).
As a long-winded teacher, I could go on, but probably should wrap it up now. The film is reasonably accurate and tends to show Lincoln, warts and all--something films up until then neglected. Additionally, Raymond Massey's performance was superb and the film was both entertaining and inspiring. Interestingly enough, Massey was a Canadian and did a much better job than the Americans who have tackled this role.
One of the common myths that has abounded was the Ann Rutledge romance. While it's uncertain exactly how much they were in love (was it just a passing romance or something deeper), it's obvious that they were NOT as they were portrayed in ABRAHAM LINCOLN with all of its syrupy sweetness. Read up on the controversy yourself--opinions vary and there's no concrete evidence to prove either extreme. Here in ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS, they seem to take the position that the love between them was just beginning to blossom when she died and that that was about it.
Another myth is that Lincoln was 100% against slavery and that he personally freed the slaves (that was actually done by Congress and the 13th amendment). The real life Lincoln, though opposed to slavery, was more concerned with unity and preserving the nation. Fortunately, ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS gets this right--they show Lincoln as being torn by these two divergent interests. Most books and films portray him as "the Great Emancipator"--though Lincoln would have allowed slavery to keep the country from war and he did see class distinctions between the races.
The other big myth is that Lincoln was sort of a "dumb hillbilly" and that he stumbled into greatness. While in this film he is a simple man, of sorts, he also is amazingly clever and has a great way with dealing with people. And, occasionally, he was a bit devious. While the film doesn't have a chance to show his political savvy and willingness to "forget" the Constitution during the war in order to keep the country together, he is relatively shrewd in this film.
As for Mary Todd, in the film as in real life, she was a conniver and a very unstable woman. While her mental instability was only briefly shown in this film (as in reality--her mental condition greatly deteriorated after her husband was President as well as his death) but at least it was mentioned. Plus, her intense drive was a major focus of the film--as it was in Lincoln's own real life. She was a hard-driving and rather nasty woman if you read more about her (and rather mentally unstable in her later years).
As a long-winded teacher, I could go on, but probably should wrap it up now. The film is reasonably accurate and tends to show Lincoln, warts and all--something films up until then neglected. Additionally, Raymond Massey's performance was superb and the film was both entertaining and inspiring. Interestingly enough, Massey was a Canadian and did a much better job than the Americans who have tackled this role.
- planktonrules
- Dec 20, 2008
- Permalink
Excellent.
- rmax304823
- May 14, 2011
- Permalink
The Real Mr. Lincoln
With all due respect to Henry Fonda, Walter Huston, and a myriad of other cinematic Lincolns, Raymond Massey is the Abe to end all Abes. His moving and mesmerizing performance gives us the real Mr. Lincoln in all his complexity. Alongside the warmth, compassion and humor for which we love and revere Mr. Lincoln, we see in Massey the dark side as well: the doubts, fears, indecision and deep melancholia with which Abraham Lincoln struggled his whole life, and which clashed with his fierce ambition. Ruth Gordon is superb as Lincoln's equally ambitious wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. No hagiography, this movie lets us see the Lincolns as human beings with real "issues", rather than mere heroes of history.
Besides all this, we have Massey's astonishing physical resemblance to Lincoln.
What's most amazing is that the spirit of this most quintessentially American of our American heroes should be so wonderfully captured and portrayed by.... a Canadian!
Besides all this, we have Massey's astonishing physical resemblance to Lincoln.
What's most amazing is that the spirit of this most quintessentially American of our American heroes should be so wonderfully captured and portrayed by.... a Canadian!
Abe's Wilderness Years
Hollywood's adaptation of Robert E Sherwood's Pulitzer Prize-winning play is suitably serious and respectful of its subject matter. It has a slow methodical pace befitting Lincoln's manner of speaking and while interesting as a history lesson, struggles a little presented on the big screen.
Dubbed "the man from the wilderness", the viewer is presented with Honest Abe's back story as we see his rise from the backwoods culminating in his winning the election of 1860 as the presidential train takes him to Washington to begin his presidency. Being ignorant of his previous life-story, I was interested to learn of his love for another young woman before his eventual marriage or that he originally broke his later engagement to his wife Mary as he wrestled with accommodating her political ambitions for him to his own goals.
Naturally, there are speeches a-plenty as everyone around him, besides Mary, with their different motivations, identify in the slow-talking, easy-going Illinois lawyer a man who could make it to the White House. To the man and woman in the street, his popular appeal comes from his couching his radical policy of emancipation in relatable but memorable words, while to the political machinery of backroom politics, he is thought a pliable rube who will do the party's bidding. Although the film ends before he actually assumes the presidency, we're left in little doubt that in the end, Abe is his own man, as much from the way he rebukes his wife for dressing him down in public as from the set-piece debate with rival candidate Stephen Douglas.
I love my history, especially regarding the American presidency but must admit I found this biopic somewhat flat and laboured in its presentation of events even as I appreciated the re-statement of equal rights and the abolition of slavery at such a precipitous time in then present-day America, in the wake of the Great Depression and with the spectre of World War ahead where the contribution of black Americans would prove essential to the war effort.
Raymond Massey well personifies the iconoclastic Lincoln and Ruth Gordon, here in her first film but much more familiar to me as her older self in 70's TV series like "MacMillan and Wife" and "Rhoda", is already cultivating her endearing waspishness as the forceful woman behind this great man.
All in all, while I appreciated the sober treatment of the serious subject matter, I nonetheless felt it could have done with some enlivening and even lightening to make it play better as a movie entertainment.
Dubbed "the man from the wilderness", the viewer is presented with Honest Abe's back story as we see his rise from the backwoods culminating in his winning the election of 1860 as the presidential train takes him to Washington to begin his presidency. Being ignorant of his previous life-story, I was interested to learn of his love for another young woman before his eventual marriage or that he originally broke his later engagement to his wife Mary as he wrestled with accommodating her political ambitions for him to his own goals.
Naturally, there are speeches a-plenty as everyone around him, besides Mary, with their different motivations, identify in the slow-talking, easy-going Illinois lawyer a man who could make it to the White House. To the man and woman in the street, his popular appeal comes from his couching his radical policy of emancipation in relatable but memorable words, while to the political machinery of backroom politics, he is thought a pliable rube who will do the party's bidding. Although the film ends before he actually assumes the presidency, we're left in little doubt that in the end, Abe is his own man, as much from the way he rebukes his wife for dressing him down in public as from the set-piece debate with rival candidate Stephen Douglas.
I love my history, especially regarding the American presidency but must admit I found this biopic somewhat flat and laboured in its presentation of events even as I appreciated the re-statement of equal rights and the abolition of slavery at such a precipitous time in then present-day America, in the wake of the Great Depression and with the spectre of World War ahead where the contribution of black Americans would prove essential to the war effort.
Raymond Massey well personifies the iconoclastic Lincoln and Ruth Gordon, here in her first film but much more familiar to me as her older self in 70's TV series like "MacMillan and Wife" and "Rhoda", is already cultivating her endearing waspishness as the forceful woman behind this great man.
All in all, while I appreciated the sober treatment of the serious subject matter, I nonetheless felt it could have done with some enlivening and even lightening to make it play better as a movie entertainment.
How Lincoln really sounded...
If you've ever wanted to hear what Abe Lincoln sounded like, this is the film you'll want to see. Lincoln is portrayed by the late Canadian actor Raymond Massey - who, amongst many other roles, is also remembered from HG Welles' Things to Come, the screenplay of which was written by HG Welles himself. Early in Massey's career, Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln, heard him perform and was struck by the similarity between Massey's speaking voice and that of his father. Since there are no recordings of Lincoln from that era shortly before Edison invented the Gramophone, we have to rely on descriptions of his voice. Some from that time state Lincoln's voice was high-pitched, and that Massey did not do the voice properly - however, I tend to give more credence to a living witness, Lincoln's own eldest son who, though he died 14 years prior to this film, still had the opportunity to see Massey on stage and hear his voice. Massey got it right, and this is one wonderful film - too bad I haven't found it on DVD - the next time it airs on TMC I'll have to record a DVD of it for myself.
- jpowell180
- Feb 21, 2007
- Permalink
Some Moments Really Shine
I thought much of this movie, especially the first half, was dry and a bit dull. Raymond Massey overdoes the country bumpkin thing in portraying Abraham Lincoln in the years before he jumped into the political fray, and his attempts to portray him as a regular Joe result in him coming off as a simpleton. But the movie, and Massey's performance, improves greatly when Lincoln becomes the reluctant hero, and there are a couple of stirring speeches, especially Lincoln's matter of fact debate against Steven Douglas, where Lincoln pretty much says he doesn't want to befriend black people but he thinks they deserve equality in the eyes of the law, that showcase why Massey received a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance.
"Abe Lincoln in Illinois" was shown on TCM as part of a tribute to cinematographer James Wong Howe, who also received an Oscar nomination for this film. The dissection of his camera work was fascinating and made me appreciate things about it I wouldn't have otherwise. To be honest, without that, I probably would have thought the photography in this film was pretty pedestrian.
This was the first time I'd ever seen Ruth Gordon as a younger actress, and she's good as Mary Todd Lincoln. By accident, I had happened to watch "The Hurricane" right before this movie, which features Massey, and "Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet" right after, which features Gordon, so I ended up creating a logical little flow to my classic movie viewing without even trying.
Grade: B+
"Abe Lincoln in Illinois" was shown on TCM as part of a tribute to cinematographer James Wong Howe, who also received an Oscar nomination for this film. The dissection of his camera work was fascinating and made me appreciate things about it I wouldn't have otherwise. To be honest, without that, I probably would have thought the photography in this film was pretty pedestrian.
This was the first time I'd ever seen Ruth Gordon as a younger actress, and she's good as Mary Todd Lincoln. By accident, I had happened to watch "The Hurricane" right before this movie, which features Massey, and "Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet" right after, which features Gordon, so I ended up creating a logical little flow to my classic movie viewing without even trying.
Grade: B+
- evanston_dad
- May 25, 2023
- Permalink
Best ever portrayal of Lincoln on film.
I have seen this film probably 15 times or more and have been a devotee of the Lincoln mythology (for lack of a better term) for nearly 20 years. I remember first seeing the film as a youngster on the same weekend as the death and funeral of President Kennedy in November of 1963. At that time, the two scenes that struck me as most memorable to my young mind was the one where the local woman tells Lincoln that he is the homeliest man in the county; and, the other scene where Lincoln is telling the slightly off-color joke to a crowd about the man fighting the bear. Also, another visual that sticks in my memory is the somewhat haunting scene where Lincoln revisits New Salem after the once thriving city has become a ghost-town.
There are several marvelous aspects of this movie. To begin with, is the near perfect physical and emotional representation of Lincoln by Raymond Massey. Given the photographs of the pre-president Lincoln, making Massey into sixteenth president seems nearly ordained from the beginning. The height, facial structure, and body type is nearly a perfect fit. Regarding how Lincoln spoke, it is hard to determine if that is an accurate representation or not. Historical accounts of Lincoln says that he had a rather high and not necessarily soothing voice. Since, it would be another 30 plus years before there is any kind of recording device, Massey's voice should seem appropriate enough.
Additionally, the cinematography is excellent. The on-location or natural shots are superior by black and white standards. Even though I am a devotee of black and white films, color films seem to have the upper hand when filming wide-open or rustic environments. The feel of the indoor scenes such as the ones within the Lincoln Springfield home is nearly perfect for the times. You can virtually smell the cigar smoke or the burning wood stove. Finally, the lighting during the campaign speech scenes are awesome.
But, the best part of the movie is how even with some artistic license the characters surrounding Lincoln are historically strong and represent in a film microcosm a very accurate historical reality of Lincoln's early years. For example, starting with Ruth Gordon's portrayal of Mary Linoln Todd. With her character, you can easily feel how much she effected Lincoln. Her persistent pressure on Lincoln to achieve political importance and her hard-nose, sometimes loving, sometimes bitter prescience is from my historical reading just about perfect. Since the film takes place before Lincoln is actually president, Mary Todd Lincoln's shenanigans within the White House or her emotional unraveling in her later years is not an issue here.
The romance demonstrated between Lincoln and Ann Rutledge, although later to be historically challenged, then even later to be considered historically (possibly) significant, is quite sadly moving. It is nicely juxtaposition-ed against the image of Mary Lincoln Todd.
Howard De Silva as New Salem's local ruffian is although somewhat embellished, still represents Lincoln's ability to relate to people from all walks of life. The film just seems to find the vital essence of young Lincoln before he became president.
The surreal, final scene of Lincoln leaving Springfield for Washington D.C. (again although actually happening during the day during a rainstorm)after giving one of his many great historical speeches ("this is where I have lived") catches the eerie but profound feel of how important his leadership is going to mean to the struggling republic. The playing of the "Battle Hymnn of the Republic" although premature, is still simple perfect.
There are several marvelous aspects of this movie. To begin with, is the near perfect physical and emotional representation of Lincoln by Raymond Massey. Given the photographs of the pre-president Lincoln, making Massey into sixteenth president seems nearly ordained from the beginning. The height, facial structure, and body type is nearly a perfect fit. Regarding how Lincoln spoke, it is hard to determine if that is an accurate representation or not. Historical accounts of Lincoln says that he had a rather high and not necessarily soothing voice. Since, it would be another 30 plus years before there is any kind of recording device, Massey's voice should seem appropriate enough.
Additionally, the cinematography is excellent. The on-location or natural shots are superior by black and white standards. Even though I am a devotee of black and white films, color films seem to have the upper hand when filming wide-open or rustic environments. The feel of the indoor scenes such as the ones within the Lincoln Springfield home is nearly perfect for the times. You can virtually smell the cigar smoke or the burning wood stove. Finally, the lighting during the campaign speech scenes are awesome.
But, the best part of the movie is how even with some artistic license the characters surrounding Lincoln are historically strong and represent in a film microcosm a very accurate historical reality of Lincoln's early years. For example, starting with Ruth Gordon's portrayal of Mary Linoln Todd. With her character, you can easily feel how much she effected Lincoln. Her persistent pressure on Lincoln to achieve political importance and her hard-nose, sometimes loving, sometimes bitter prescience is from my historical reading just about perfect. Since the film takes place before Lincoln is actually president, Mary Todd Lincoln's shenanigans within the White House or her emotional unraveling in her later years is not an issue here.
The romance demonstrated between Lincoln and Ann Rutledge, although later to be historically challenged, then even later to be considered historically (possibly) significant, is quite sadly moving. It is nicely juxtaposition-ed against the image of Mary Lincoln Todd.
Howard De Silva as New Salem's local ruffian is although somewhat embellished, still represents Lincoln's ability to relate to people from all walks of life. The film just seems to find the vital essence of young Lincoln before he became president.
The surreal, final scene of Lincoln leaving Springfield for Washington D.C. (again although actually happening during the day during a rainstorm)after giving one of his many great historical speeches ("this is where I have lived") catches the eerie but profound feel of how important his leadership is going to mean to the struggling republic. The playing of the "Battle Hymnn of the Republic" although premature, is still simple perfect.
The definitive Lincoln hasn't been done yet
I disagree that this is the definitive Lincoln. Massey is like one of Disney's Audioanimatrons. I agree with one corespondent that Henry Fonda's performance as Lincoln tended to lapse into a trance. Same with other Fonda roles, which is one reason he's not my favorite actor. Both actors seem to have been overwhelmed by history and thus Lincoln comes out as an icon, not as a human. There was a miniseries with Hal Holbrook some years ago that gave us a more human Lincoln.
Whatever actor or studio manages the perfect Lincoln ought to do us a favor and have him deliver both the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural, even if it doesn't fit into the movie. Send the clips around to schools. Would love to see the greatness of those speeches matched to a great performance.
Whatever actor or studio manages the perfect Lincoln ought to do us a favor and have him deliver both the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural, even if it doesn't fit into the movie. Send the clips around to schools. Would love to see the greatness of those speeches matched to a great performance.
- t_k_matthews
- Feb 8, 2012
- Permalink
The Man Who Would Be President
ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS (RKO Radio, 1940), directed by John Cromwell, is not so much a biography of Abraham Lincoln, but the life Lincoln lived from his early years to a position that would lead him to politics, and against all odds, his winning the election for the United States presidency in 1860. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning 1938 play by Robert E. Sherwood, the screen adaptation, tracing Lincoln's thirty years starting in 1831 to his train ride leading to Washington, D.C., in 1861, stars Raymond Massey in a role he originated on stage, being the best performance of a great American ever enacted by an actor who wasn't. Massey, a Canadian by birth, is not only the perfect candidate for the title role, but an ideal choice. Massey's believability in his role earned him an Academy Award nomination as Best Actor. Although he didn't win the election for that year, it is Massey who very well holds this movie together.
A follow-up of sorts to John Ford's most recent YOUNG MR. LINCOLN (20th Century-Fox, 1939), starring Henry Fonda, focusing on Lincoln's early years as a young lawyer in Springfield, Ill., and a retelling in parts to D.W. Griffith's ABRAHAM LINCOLN (United Artists, 1930), starring Walter Huston, ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS starts off on a rainy afternoon in 1831 with an introduction to the character of Abraham Lincoln (Raymond Massey), age 22, sitting on the floor in a log cabin reading a book by Shakespeare, accompanied by his father (Charles B. Middleton) and a stepmother (Elisabeth Risdon). With the Lincoln family background briefly depicted, the next scene follows Abe, who had left home to accept a $30 a month job as part of the crew rowing a flatboat hauling hogs down the Sangamon River to New Orleans. Along the way he encounters a very beautiful girl named Ann Rutledge (Mary Howard), with whom he decides to settle down in her native town of New Salem where he becomes in charge of a general store, a position offered him by his employer, Denton Offut (Harlan Briggs). When he finds Jack Armstrong (Howard Da Silva), the greatest fighter who cannot be beat, a little drunk and annoying Ann, who, along with his other friends, having invaded her tavern, Abe, a stranger in town, comes to the young lady's defense and publicly wrestles Jack to the end, defeating his advisory and winning the admiration from all, especially the respect and loyal-ship of Jack Armstrong. The year 1832 profiles Lincoln acting as leader in command of his soldiers, with Armstrong being among them, during the Blackhawk War period; 1835 now finds Lincoln in a new position as postmaster general. He is visited by Joshua Speed (Minor Watson) and Ninian Edwards (Harvey Stephens) who introduce Abe to politics by choosing him to serve in the legislature, which he would serve four terms. As for Ann, having been engaged to John McNeil (Maurice Murphy), now living in New York for two years, finds that after receiving a letter from him that he has no intentions of returning to her. To stop gossip from circulating around Ann's good name, Abe admits his love for her from the moment he first saw her, and asks her to become his steady. The relationship between them is cut short when she is stricken with an illness and dies. Lincoln quits the legislation to work in the law office with John Stuart in Springfield, forming a partnership of Stuart & Lincoln, Counselors-at-Law. Slowly improving his social position, Lincoln is introduced to Mary Todd (Ruth Gordon) at a function given by her sister and Ninian's wife, Elizabeth Edwards (Dorothy Tree). Elizabeth wants Mary to marry an aristocrat, someone like Stephen A. Douglas (Gene Lockhart), but her interest rests on Mr. Lincoln, whom she eventually marries on November 4, 1842. The marriage produces four sons (the movie indicates three, eliminating one who died in his fourth year), and shows Mary's fight in having her hayseed husband fulfill his destiny, to become president of the United States.
Ruth Gordon (1896-1985), a prominent stage actress and playwright, in her movie debut, gives a remarkable performance in one of the best carnations of Mary Todd Lincoln ever portrayed on screen. Gene Lockhart (1892-1957), a veteran character actor in many feature film roles, goes unnoticed as a very satisfying Stephen A. Douglas (1813-1861). Lockhart's best moment finds his Stephen Douglas sincerely congratulating his opponent Abraham Lincoln in winning the U.S. election, something that should become a prime example with modern-day candidates.
As mentioned before, ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS is very much a retread to D.W. Griffith's 1930 presentation of ABRAHAM LINCOLN, with differences being the elimination of Lincoln's birth, his trying years in the White House during the Civil War and assassination in April 1865. In many ways, ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS is an excellent movie with excellent portrayals. Being a screen adaptation to a stage play, John Cromwell's direction, makes no indication as such. Minus Technicolor, it's full of outdoor scenery and historical detail ranging from costumes to reproductions of small towns. Highlights include the well staged Lincoln-Douglas debate, and one where Lincoln finally losing his temper towards his wife, Mary, after embarrassing him in front of his committee, by ordering her, twice, "You're not/never to do that again!"
ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS, formerly shown on commercial television annually either on or around Lincoln's birthday, February 12, later presented on video cassette finally on cable television's American Movie Classics prior to 2000, and Turner Classic Movies. Quite enjoyable as a motion picture, and quite informative on a historical point of view, this production, at 110 minutes, succeeds on both counts. "Glory, Glory Hallelujah, his truth is marching on." (****)
A follow-up of sorts to John Ford's most recent YOUNG MR. LINCOLN (20th Century-Fox, 1939), starring Henry Fonda, focusing on Lincoln's early years as a young lawyer in Springfield, Ill., and a retelling in parts to D.W. Griffith's ABRAHAM LINCOLN (United Artists, 1930), starring Walter Huston, ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS starts off on a rainy afternoon in 1831 with an introduction to the character of Abraham Lincoln (Raymond Massey), age 22, sitting on the floor in a log cabin reading a book by Shakespeare, accompanied by his father (Charles B. Middleton) and a stepmother (Elisabeth Risdon). With the Lincoln family background briefly depicted, the next scene follows Abe, who had left home to accept a $30 a month job as part of the crew rowing a flatboat hauling hogs down the Sangamon River to New Orleans. Along the way he encounters a very beautiful girl named Ann Rutledge (Mary Howard), with whom he decides to settle down in her native town of New Salem where he becomes in charge of a general store, a position offered him by his employer, Denton Offut (Harlan Briggs). When he finds Jack Armstrong (Howard Da Silva), the greatest fighter who cannot be beat, a little drunk and annoying Ann, who, along with his other friends, having invaded her tavern, Abe, a stranger in town, comes to the young lady's defense and publicly wrestles Jack to the end, defeating his advisory and winning the admiration from all, especially the respect and loyal-ship of Jack Armstrong. The year 1832 profiles Lincoln acting as leader in command of his soldiers, with Armstrong being among them, during the Blackhawk War period; 1835 now finds Lincoln in a new position as postmaster general. He is visited by Joshua Speed (Minor Watson) and Ninian Edwards (Harvey Stephens) who introduce Abe to politics by choosing him to serve in the legislature, which he would serve four terms. As for Ann, having been engaged to John McNeil (Maurice Murphy), now living in New York for two years, finds that after receiving a letter from him that he has no intentions of returning to her. To stop gossip from circulating around Ann's good name, Abe admits his love for her from the moment he first saw her, and asks her to become his steady. The relationship between them is cut short when she is stricken with an illness and dies. Lincoln quits the legislation to work in the law office with John Stuart in Springfield, forming a partnership of Stuart & Lincoln, Counselors-at-Law. Slowly improving his social position, Lincoln is introduced to Mary Todd (Ruth Gordon) at a function given by her sister and Ninian's wife, Elizabeth Edwards (Dorothy Tree). Elizabeth wants Mary to marry an aristocrat, someone like Stephen A. Douglas (Gene Lockhart), but her interest rests on Mr. Lincoln, whom she eventually marries on November 4, 1842. The marriage produces four sons (the movie indicates three, eliminating one who died in his fourth year), and shows Mary's fight in having her hayseed husband fulfill his destiny, to become president of the United States.
Ruth Gordon (1896-1985), a prominent stage actress and playwright, in her movie debut, gives a remarkable performance in one of the best carnations of Mary Todd Lincoln ever portrayed on screen. Gene Lockhart (1892-1957), a veteran character actor in many feature film roles, goes unnoticed as a very satisfying Stephen A. Douglas (1813-1861). Lockhart's best moment finds his Stephen Douglas sincerely congratulating his opponent Abraham Lincoln in winning the U.S. election, something that should become a prime example with modern-day candidates.
As mentioned before, ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS is very much a retread to D.W. Griffith's 1930 presentation of ABRAHAM LINCOLN, with differences being the elimination of Lincoln's birth, his trying years in the White House during the Civil War and assassination in April 1865. In many ways, ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS is an excellent movie with excellent portrayals. Being a screen adaptation to a stage play, John Cromwell's direction, makes no indication as such. Minus Technicolor, it's full of outdoor scenery and historical detail ranging from costumes to reproductions of small towns. Highlights include the well staged Lincoln-Douglas debate, and one where Lincoln finally losing his temper towards his wife, Mary, after embarrassing him in front of his committee, by ordering her, twice, "You're not/never to do that again!"
ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS, formerly shown on commercial television annually either on or around Lincoln's birthday, February 12, later presented on video cassette finally on cable television's American Movie Classics prior to 2000, and Turner Classic Movies. Quite enjoyable as a motion picture, and quite informative on a historical point of view, this production, at 110 minutes, succeeds on both counts. "Glory, Glory Hallelujah, his truth is marching on." (****)
The good old Abe's heartwarming story before he became President of the US.
Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940) :
Brief Review -
The good old Abe's heartwarming story before he became President of the US. John Cromwell has a theory of his own that connects well with human emotions. There have been many biopics on many legendary persons in the 30s (including Lincoln's ones) that have given us a chance to look at their personal lives on the big screen. Emile Zola, Louise Pasteur, Dr. Ehrlich, Daniel Webster, Madame Curie, and many more films on sports-we have been through many biographical dramas in the World War II period. Cromwell brought Abraham Lincoln's story to light, if only in part, by removing politics, the civil war, and other controversies. The film takes us through Lincoln's early life in Illinois, his love affairs, law practice, political career, marriage, and democratic speeches before he was elected as the 16th President of the United States. It's such a delight to see such inspiring and lovable stories. No crime, noir touch, heavy dialogue, no kisses or illicit affairs, no gun, bullets, or revenge-nothing at all, but just a simple human drama based on true events. I prefer watching films like these instead of a classic crime saga that does nothing but glorify gangsters, their dame, and whatnot. Abe In Illinois is a sweet film, but it's a very nostalgic experience (me saying that as a non-American). I wonder how politely Lincoln walked away even after winning the election in that pre-climax scene when he admits playing dirty political tricks for the sake of votes. Raymond Massey as Abe is phenomenal. Watch those tears in that farewell speech, and those whiskers. I can't imagine any other actress playing Mary other than Ruth Gordon. The supporting cast, the cinematography, the screenplay, and the production design all fit well. The more I say, it's not enough: Well done, Mr. CromWell...
RATING - 7.5/10*
By - #samthebestest.
The good old Abe's heartwarming story before he became President of the US. John Cromwell has a theory of his own that connects well with human emotions. There have been many biopics on many legendary persons in the 30s (including Lincoln's ones) that have given us a chance to look at their personal lives on the big screen. Emile Zola, Louise Pasteur, Dr. Ehrlich, Daniel Webster, Madame Curie, and many more films on sports-we have been through many biographical dramas in the World War II period. Cromwell brought Abraham Lincoln's story to light, if only in part, by removing politics, the civil war, and other controversies. The film takes us through Lincoln's early life in Illinois, his love affairs, law practice, political career, marriage, and democratic speeches before he was elected as the 16th President of the United States. It's such a delight to see such inspiring and lovable stories. No crime, noir touch, heavy dialogue, no kisses or illicit affairs, no gun, bullets, or revenge-nothing at all, but just a simple human drama based on true events. I prefer watching films like these instead of a classic crime saga that does nothing but glorify gangsters, their dame, and whatnot. Abe In Illinois is a sweet film, but it's a very nostalgic experience (me saying that as a non-American). I wonder how politely Lincoln walked away even after winning the election in that pre-climax scene when he admits playing dirty political tricks for the sake of votes. Raymond Massey as Abe is phenomenal. Watch those tears in that farewell speech, and those whiskers. I can't imagine any other actress playing Mary other than Ruth Gordon. The supporting cast, the cinematography, the screenplay, and the production design all fit well. The more I say, it's not enough: Well done, Mr. CromWell...
RATING - 7.5/10*
By - #samthebestest.
- SAMTHEBESTEST
- Feb 4, 2023
- Permalink
Execellent beyond belief!!
I absolutely loved this movie! maybe it is because I am a history buff but I thought it was wonderful!. I am currently doing a project on Abraham Lincoln where my friends and I on working on a student directed film about Abraham Lincoln and you can not imagine how much this movie has helped me. This movie tells the tale of one of the greatest man in history and how he evolved along the way to become even greater. I can only hope that this movie will help someone see the wonders of his life as it helped me and as Honest Abe helped so many other people. I loved it when they showed his debate with Stephen Douglas. That was really the highlight of the movie because it showed him giving his real opinion and it caught my attention. His speech was amazing!! 10 thumbs up!!!! :D
- technicallyhere92
- Feb 16, 2006
- Permalink
Interesting, languid bio-pic
Young Abraham Lincoln (Raymond Massy) leaves his rustic Kentucky home for the first time, ultimately settling in Illinois where he reluctantly gets involved in politics. The film ends with his election as President and his departure for Washington. Based on the eponymous play, the film is a bit stagy but Massy (who had starred in the play) is excellent as the slow-talking, homespun 'rail-splitter'. The tall, lean Canadian actor bears a strong resemblance to Lincoln and played the president a number of times. Interestingly, Charles Middleton (perhaps best known as Ming the Merciless in the Flash Gordon serials), who plays Lincoln's father also had played the president a number of times (Lincoln's distinctive appearance is thought to due to Marfan's syndrome or some similar genetic anomaly). Although some dramatic liberties are taken (such as the timing of the famous 'house divided' speech) the film is supposed to be reasonably accurate. Released only one year after John Ford's 'Young Mr. Lincoln' (starring Henry Fonda), the film was a major money-loser for RKO. The film is a bit slow-moving and theatrical but the interesting story (admittedly I was unfamiliar Lincoln's early life) and Massy's Oscar-nominated performance make it well worth watching.
- jamesrupert2014
- May 17, 2020
- Permalink
This movie was very incomplete
- Greatornot
- Oct 1, 2008
- Permalink
Holds up pretty well
Episodic recounting of Lincoln's life up to the Presidency. Written by Robert Sherwood, one of FDR's speechwriters. Good performances by Ruth Gordon, Alan Baxter, Howard DaSilva, Clem Bevans.
Massey is the definitive movie Lincoln. Excellent work, emotional range and depth. Much better than Henry Fonda, whose Lincoln was apparently in some kind of trance.
May seem a little dated to modern audiences; occasionally strives for emotional poignancy that now comes across as somewhat corny.
Lots of little details, good depictions of frontier life, political campaigns in the 1800's. Includes two of Lincoln's best speeches from that period, with Massey's performance very close to Lincoln's 19th century oratorical style.
Highly recommended to students of American history and fans of old movies.
Massey is the definitive movie Lincoln. Excellent work, emotional range and depth. Much better than Henry Fonda, whose Lincoln was apparently in some kind of trance.
May seem a little dated to modern audiences; occasionally strives for emotional poignancy that now comes across as somewhat corny.
Lots of little details, good depictions of frontier life, political campaigns in the 1800's. Includes two of Lincoln's best speeches from that period, with Massey's performance very close to Lincoln's 19th century oratorical style.
Highly recommended to students of American history and fans of old movies.
- nosoapradio
- Dec 31, 2002
- Permalink
Lincoln biopic
Abe Lincoln (Raymond Massey) is a young man studying books and living with his parents in rural Kentucky. He becomes a respected leader in New Salem, Illinois and falls for Ann Rutledge. Their relationship ends tragically. He is asked to run for political office. At a high society party, he meets Mary Todd (Ruth Gordon) from a wealthy family who declares that she will marry the backwoodsman.
I don't know much about the President's life before the presidency. I certainly cannot vouch for its accuracy. It is a lot of a sincere stories of him being good. It's rather plodding. I don't mind Ann Rutledge but she's a simplistic character. Ruth Gordon adds something to this. She's a little playful which gives this just enough energy at the right time. I can see the idea of a Lincoln biopic being important during that time. I don't think that it's inventive enough to entice a big audience.
I don't know much about the President's life before the presidency. I certainly cannot vouch for its accuracy. It is a lot of a sincere stories of him being good. It's rather plodding. I don't mind Ann Rutledge but she's a simplistic character. Ruth Gordon adds something to this. She's a little playful which gives this just enough energy at the right time. I can see the idea of a Lincoln biopic being important during that time. I don't think that it's inventive enough to entice a big audience.
- SnoopyStyle
- Apr 12, 2024
- Permalink
A beautiful movie about a great American
This movie is breathtaking. It takes us back to a simpler time when America was still a "blank canvas" ready to be filled. Everyone must see this movie and remember the sacrifices that Abe Lincoln made for his beliefs. He gave his life for his country and this movie shows his humble beginnings and the humility of the man. This is what historical film-making is all about. Watch and enjoy!
a legitimate shot at presenting the real Abe
This film portrays Abe Lincoln's political rise as a man of the people, from his wrestling brawl with town bully Howard da Silva to his failure as a general store owner and his humble beginning in politics as a town postmaster. The film portrays the women in Lincoln's life and the influence they had on him. Perhaps the most influential woman is the one not shown, his mother, but he shares a moving scene with his step mother as he's leaving home, and then with Ann Rutledge, and finally with Mary Todd played in an unusually interesting way by Ruth Gordon. It's perhaps the influence of these women and their uncertain fates that more than balanced Lincoln's well developed humor with a dark and secret melancholy. That aspect is captured through some of the scenes of Massey's Lincoln shot by legendary cinematographer James Wong Howe. Between him, Massey, and Ruth Gordon, this film seems to carry some serious cinematically induced psychological influences.
- RanchoTuVu
- May 14, 2011
- Permalink
Old Abe was saluting Raymond Massey from his great Log Cabin in the sky.
- mark.waltz
- Dec 1, 2019
- Permalink
This is a MUST See - Raymond Massey Does Some of the Best Acting of All Time
Raymond Massey's portrayal of Abraham Lincoln during his rebuttal of Stephen A Douglas towards the end of the movie is the most fantastic combination of great content and great acting I have ever seen. His farewell speech at the very end of the movie is wonderful too. The rest of the movie is also top quality.
On www.answers.com I read: Early in Massey's career, Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln (1843-1926), heard Massey perform and was struck by the close similarity of Massey's speaking voice to that of his father.
In the end it's hard to separate Mr. Massey from Abraham Lincoln. Isn't that what great acting is all about? Moreover, even if you appreciated our 16th president before, this movie will make you feel that your appreciation was severely lacking. My hope is that these fine gentlemen are now in a place where they can both be proud to be associated with the other.
Some irony, though. Both Raymond Massey (who played Abraham Lincoln) and Gene Lockhart (who played Stephen A Douglas and was the father of June Lockhart) were born in Canada. A small price to pay in the name of American patriotism.
On www.answers.com I read: Early in Massey's career, Abraham Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln (1843-1926), heard Massey perform and was struck by the close similarity of Massey's speaking voice to that of his father.
In the end it's hard to separate Mr. Massey from Abraham Lincoln. Isn't that what great acting is all about? Moreover, even if you appreciated our 16th president before, this movie will make you feel that your appreciation was severely lacking. My hope is that these fine gentlemen are now in a place where they can both be proud to be associated with the other.
Some irony, though. Both Raymond Massey (who played Abraham Lincoln) and Gene Lockhart (who played Stephen A Douglas and was the father of June Lockhart) were born in Canada. A small price to pay in the name of American patriotism.
- peter-czegledi
- Apr 4, 2005
- Permalink
Abe Lincoln would've made a great Raymond Massey...
If only we could've cloned Mr. Massey back in 1940, and then waited for a scriptwriter who could take a more controlled hand with historical accuracy than was fashionable in those days, and released the movie today...this remains my favorite treatment of one of my favorite historical figures; Massey seems born to have played Lincoln, from the obvious physical resemblance to the supposed mannerisms, and in doing so far outshines other Lincoln performances (Fonda's and Peck's come to mind). My peeve with the film is with historical detail, and I realize that Hollywood willingly sacrifices accuracy for dramatic artifice without so much as a blush...
The Best Movie Version of a Stage Play
- JohnHowardReid
- Jul 4, 2015
- Permalink
We Like Old Friends Because They Are Familiar And Surprising
My image of Abraham Lincoln is now that of Daniel Day-Lewis in Spielberg's Lincoln, but for all my life until that movie, Raymond Massey was Lincoln. It's a marvelous performance of a functioning depressive, filled with the good humor we use to shield us from the world. Even though this movie has no need of my recommendation, I'd like to point out a key part of the movie that is not often mentioned: James Wong Howe's great, Oscar-nominated cinematography. If you look at this again, notice the beautifully lit and composed sets, and the deep-focus shot as the crowds gather to bid him farewell. Greg Toland's work on CITIZEN KANE is usually cited for the innovation of deep focus, but Billy Bitzer was doing shots like that thirty years earlier, and Howe had been using the technique for a decade and a half, at least as early as THE KING ON MAIN STREET, and particularly in William K. Howard's TRANSATLANTIC.
Even more that the lighting, however, is the way the images of the sets progress. Early ones, set in Kentucky and the forests around New Salem are lovely. As he moves closer to the works of man, the sets become more utilitarian.
Moving pictures are first about the pictures. There's certainly much else to appreciate and enjoy in this movie. However, that's what I noticed tonight.
Even more that the lighting, however, is the way the images of the sets progress. Early ones, set in Kentucky and the forests around New Salem are lovely. As he moves closer to the works of man, the sets become more utilitarian.
Moving pictures are first about the pictures. There's certainly much else to appreciate and enjoy in this movie. However, that's what I noticed tonight.
"Abe Lincoln in Illinois" Cinema Masterpiece ****
Raymond Massey earned his only Oscar nomination for "Abe Lincoln in Illinois." Where was the academy fifteen years later when "East of Eden" debuted? Massey was robbed of a supporting nomination but that's another story.
Massey was Abe Lincoln. There is no doubt about that. His voice, his actions, his torment, his successes, tragedies et al-they were all so memorably delivered in a positively brilliant performance.
We see Abe as a young man. Sadness pursues him with the early loss of his mother and later his wife-to-be Ann Rutledge.
As a young lawyer, he meets the politically ambitious and cunning Mary Todd Lincoln. Ruth Gordon portrayed her in an absolutely brilliant performance. Look at your encyclopedia pictures of Mary Todd Lincoln. Her resemblance to Ruth Gordon is phenomenal. Todd, who at one time courted Lincoln's rival, Stephen Douglas, was a scheming, difficult woman. Gordon was sensational as she showed those traits. Who can forget the tantrum she threw when it appeared that Lincoln was losing the 1860 election when the first returns came in?
"Go home and tell your mother that I have been elected," the memorable words spoken by Lincoln to his son when he became president-elect.
A wonderful early biography of our nation's 16th president. Heartwarming and poignant, a tale for all the ages.
Massey was Abe Lincoln. There is no doubt about that. His voice, his actions, his torment, his successes, tragedies et al-they were all so memorably delivered in a positively brilliant performance.
We see Abe as a young man. Sadness pursues him with the early loss of his mother and later his wife-to-be Ann Rutledge.
As a young lawyer, he meets the politically ambitious and cunning Mary Todd Lincoln. Ruth Gordon portrayed her in an absolutely brilliant performance. Look at your encyclopedia pictures of Mary Todd Lincoln. Her resemblance to Ruth Gordon is phenomenal. Todd, who at one time courted Lincoln's rival, Stephen Douglas, was a scheming, difficult woman. Gordon was sensational as she showed those traits. Who can forget the tantrum she threw when it appeared that Lincoln was losing the 1860 election when the first returns came in?
"Go home and tell your mother that I have been elected," the memorable words spoken by Lincoln to his son when he became president-elect.
A wonderful early biography of our nation's 16th president. Heartwarming and poignant, a tale for all the ages.
Old Abe Lincoln Came out of the Wilderness
I think it be a foolhardy endeavor to look to this motion picture for an answer about Abraham Lincoln and the life thereof.This film does not provide an answer but more or less an idea about the times which immediately preceded Abraham Lincoln into office.It is nonetheless a very fine film about a truly great man in Abraham Lincoln.I think if there is one thing about these Hollywood films they due tend to mix things up a bit and this particular film is no exception,however that being said,Raymond Massey was as close to the real thing as I have ever seen.A truly remarkable rendition is made by the casting of Raymond Massey as Abraham Lincoln.In so far as his performance,it is equal to his likeness to Abraham Lincoln,unmistakable.The attempt to place certain events as having occurred in Abraham Lincolns life is not without peril because there is next to no information about Ann Rutledge.This seems to be very much the way that these films like to mix things up,I don't think there was such and historically there is no real evidence of any such relation.However it is not unattractive and it is more to the credit of this medium than to Abraham Lincoln.The addition of these false attributes are of another sort and provide only a glance at an underlying problem associated with Hollywood and its film making proclivities,however it is well maintained that this is a top rate motion picture.Perhaps one of the most stirring moments in this picture was the depiction of the Lincoln-Douglas debates and here it,this film and its star,Raymond Massey as Abraham Lincoln shine as the star in the sky.It is perhaps one of the defining moments in this film and indeed it drew much attention in its time as well.Abraham Lincoln did provide for a dramatic farewell however the placing of the Battle Hymm of the Republic was poorly timed,however some of the speeches were stirring then and even now,perhaps Abraham Lincoln does walk at midnight.Mary Todd Lincoln was played by Ruth Gordon and though it can be difficult to judge what life can provide for in the proposal and the subsequent life that Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln had,here we have almost an ill suited pairing that provide for a wealth of humor and pathos in both the performances by Ruth Gordon and Raymond Massey.There is such a genuine appeal of this backwoodsman in Abraham Lincoln that pleasure in his life and times proceed beyond our ability to judge.It is a film that has the uncanny ability to keep your attention through character development rather than special effects.The performance of Ruth Gordon as Mary Todd Lincoln is as well worthy of the man and his times.It is very dutiful and devoted though no less engaging to watch these two bare three children as time passes.Abe and Mary were to lose there youngest while Abraham Lincoln was in office.The loss had a devastating effect on both parents with special mention in particular to Mary Todd.However,this film does not start here but ends up here and perhaps some mention about the earlier time in the film is worth consideration.It seems that Abraham Lincoln was very much self taught and possessed a desire to know more through his efforts and others efforts in his behalf.It is a little bit confusing as to why they would wish to suggest that Abraham Lincoln did'nt know Shakespeare from one of his plays or sonnets for that matter.I think that is Hollywood and such are there proclivities to a particular kind of thinking.This illusion may in fact suggest something of a racial nature which is not necessarily black but does court influence.The influence here like then was of an arrogant nature and it promised only ridicule and a unreasoning demand.This is one of the sorrows that this film hides in its colloquial attempt to include all in its nature.It is worthy of note that there was cause as to the Civil War and indeed this film showed some of that.The highlighting as to the flint of the fire being the story of John Brown is only the beginning and even more so this film was not so much an attempt to know the causes as to the conflict but was an attempt more so to present the life leading up to that point in time of Abraham Lincoln.This time in history has that about it,it is a flint by which the fires of everlasting virtue are brought upon the life of our greatest president.This film provides in its own right a category which I refer to as Americana.Though indeed we are looking at a motion picture and further we may suggest that there is nothing like the real thing it remains a film as popular and as worth enjoying as any the likes that have come from Hollywood,USA.It has been graded a 10 because it rates great Americana story telling.The only suggestion that I wish to conclude this comment with is that when I saw this film as coincidence would have it,I was in a class entitled "Civil War History" in an institution of higher learning and it made this all the more enjoyable.If you wish to know more about this very dramatic time you might be well served to purchase,"The Civil War,A film by Ken Burns"or maybe become a historian like Bruce Catton because there is more drama in this time period then Hollywood can produce.This comment is being submitted in honor of Presidents Day-Feb.21,2005.
- nelliebell-1
- Feb 19, 2005
- Permalink