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Young Mr. Lincoln

Young Mr. Lincoln

Drama · History · 1939

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.

Movie details

Young Mr. Lincoln

“The story of Abraham Lincoln that has NEVER been told!”

1939 Drama · History 1h 40m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

7.2 / 10

Community rating

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.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Young Mr. Lincoln?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

John Ford

Written by

Lamar Trotti

Henry Fonda

Henry Fonda

Abraham Lincoln

Alice Brady

Alice Brady

Abigail Clay

Marjorie Weaver

Marjorie Weaver

Mary Todd

Arleen Whelan

Arleen Whelan

Sarah Clay

Eddie Collins

Eddie Collins

Efe Turner

Pauline Moore

Pauline Moore

Ann Rutledge

Richard Cromwell

Richard Cromwell

Matt Clay

Court is in session

Put Young Mr. Lincoln on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Prestige Tourist

“Ambition earns the room.”

The film reaches for consequence and scale, accepting the risk of seriousness instead of shrinking from it.

The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist

“Importance has entered the chat.”

The production keeps announcing its significance, as though awards-season posture were proof of insight.