Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940)

Abe Lincoln in Illinois
Directed by John Cromwell
Written by Robert E. Sherwood based on his play
1940/USA
Max Gordon Plays & Pictures Corporation/RKO Radio Pictures
First viewing/Streaming on Amazon Instant Video

[box] Aide to Stephen Douglas: You don’t mean to say you’re afraid of Abe Lincoln. Why, the country doesn’t know him! Stephen Douglas: Maybe the country doesn’t… but I do.[/box]

I love Raymond Massey’s portrayal of Lincoln.  But does it make up for all the overacting by the other players?

The story covers Abraham Lincoln’s life from his arrival in New Salem, Illinois and ill-starred romance with Ann Rutledge, through his time as a lawyer, local politician and legislator, ending with the night he is elected President.  Some special emphasis is given to his tortured courtship and married life with Mary Todd (Ruth Gordon in her screen debut).  With Gene Lockhart as Stephen Douglas.

I found Massey 100% believable as Lincoln.  When he is not making a speech he is perfectly natural and so likable.  When he is orating, he is a bit overblown and larger than life but I thought this is just how Lincoln himself would have been on the campaign trail. Unfortunately, a biography of Lincoln is always in danger of tipping over into hagiography and this movie succumbs to that fate.  All the other players are way too earnest for words. I had been looking forward to seeing a young Ruth Gordon but sadly I found her very stiff. Of course, her character is written as very stiff and unlikable.  I don’t know enough about the truth to know whether the film was unfair to Todd.  Certainly, she had a tough life.

Raymond Massey was nominated by the Academy as Best Actor as was James Wong Howe for his Black and White Cinematography.

Trailer