Overview
A young lawyer's journey unfolds as he navigates love, loss, and the pursuit of justice.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- gentle
- witty
- poignant
- classic cinema night
- history viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a beautifully stylized, humane Americana portrait elevated by Henry Fonda's witty and poignant performance.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Lincoln appears as an awkward, witty country lawyer whose integrity and eloquence gradually foreshadow his public destiny.
The film's photography was specifically praised for its stylized daguerreotype manner, reinforcing its Americana and period mythology.
Lincoln defends two men accused of murder and uses legal reasoning to challenge false accusations and prevent mob violence.
The story follows Lincoln before national prominence while his character, legal skill, and decision to enter politics anticipate his future role.
Films like Young Mr. Lincoln, and why
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
historical biopic centered on a principled American figure, balancing courtroom drama with humane humor and moral seriousness
The Grapes of Wrath
John Ford historical drama combining Americana, community portraiture, black-and-white stylization, and an idealized moral protagonist
12 Angry Men
classic courtroom drama about justice, false accusation, and the eloquence of a morally grounded lawyer
The Great Man Votes
warm, idealized historical portrait of an American leader shaped by public duty, personal loss, and civic ideals
Movie Details
- Director
- John Ford
- Release Date
- 1939-06-09
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Rating
- 7.2 / 10 (195)
Cast
- Henry Fonda
- Alice Brady
- Marjorie Weaver
- Arleen Whelan
- Eddie Collins
- Pauline Moore
- Richard Cromwell
- Donald Meek
- Eddie Quillan
- Spencer Charters
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- IndieFlix, IndieFlix Shorts Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, MovieMe
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Young Mr. Lincoln about?
- John Ford’s affectionate historical portrait follows Abraham Lincoln as an awkward young lawyer whose compassion, wit, and courtroom courage point toward national greatness.
- What is Young Mr. Lincoln like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Young Mr. Lincoln as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Young Mr. Lincoln violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Young Mr. Lincoln as moderate.
- What did critics think of Young Mr. Lincoln?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a beautifully stylized, humane Americana portrait elevated by Henry Fonda's witty and poignant performance.
- Which films are like Young Mr. Lincoln?
- Films with a similar feel include Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Grapes of Wrath, 12 Angry Men, and The Great Man Votes.
- How long is Young Mr. Lincoln?
- Young Mr. Lincoln runs 100 minutes.
- Where can I watch Young Mr. Lincoln?
- In United States, Young Mr. Lincoln streams on IndieFlix, IndieFlix Shorts Amazon Channel.
