Young Mr. Lincoln

This week I watched Young Mr. Lincoln (Ford 1939). After watching this much neglected John Ford classic, I realize why Eisenstein commented in 1945, “Of all American films made up to now [Young Mr. Lincoln] is the film I would wish, most of all, to have made (Kauffmann 24).” Henry Fonda looks like I’d picture young Honest Abe looking myself. Most importantly though, Fonda portrays Lincoln in a way that draws the viewer in. Ford could’ve made a movie about Lincoln the President, the man who led the North during the Civil War and emancipated the blacks. The Lincoln portrayed is quiet and not native to the city life he lives as a young lawyer. Giving a speech at one point to onlookers, Lincoln doesn’t know what t...