Abe Lincoln in Illinois
Seen it?1940 | 110 min | Drama, History
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office flop. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Harriet or Rudy, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 50 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1940: an older pace and style.
Abe Lincoln in Illinois is a 1940 biographical film which tells the story of the life of Abraham Lincoln from his departure from Kentucky until his election as President of the United States.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$666K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 13K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Cromwell
- Raymond MasseyAbe Lincoln
- Gene LockhartStephen Douglas
- Ruth GordonMary Todd Lincoln
- Mary HowardAnn Rutledge
- Minor WatsonJoshua Speed
- Alan BaxterBilly Herndon
- Harvey StephensNinian Edwards
- Howard Da SilvaJack Armstrong
- Dorothy TreeElizabeth Edwards
- Aldrich BowkerJudge Bowling Green