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Poster for Young Mr. Lincoln

Young Mr. Lincoln

Seen it?

1939 | 100 min | Drama, History

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

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 JFK or Just Mercy, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 40 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1939: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 91 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.2 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 1 Oscar.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 23K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by John Ford

  • Henry FondaAbraham Lincoln
  • Alice BradyAbigail Clay
  • Marjorie WeaverMary Todd
  • Arleen WhelanSarah Clay
  • Eddie CollinsEfe Turner
  • Pauline MooreAnn Rutledge
  • Richard CromwellMatt Clay
  • Donald MeekProsecutor John Felder
  • Eddie QuillanAdam Clay
  • Spencer ChartersJudge Herbert A. Bell