Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940) :
Brief Review -
The good old Abe's heartwarming story before he became President of the US. John Cromwell has a theory of his own that connects well with human emotions. There have been many biopics on many legendary persons in the 30s (including Lincoln's ones) that have given us a chance to look at their personal lives on the big screen. Emile Zola, Louise Pasteur, Dr. Ehrlich, Daniel Webster, Madame Curie, and many more films on sports-we have been through many biographical dramas in the World War II period. Cromwell brought Abraham Lincoln's story to light, if only in part, by removing politics, the civil war, and other controversies. The film takes us through Lincoln's early life in Illinois, his love affairs, law practice, political career, marriage, and democratic speeches before he was elected as the 16th President of the United States. It's such a delight to see such inspiring and lovable stories. No crime, noir touch, heavy dialogue, no kisses or illicit affairs, no gun, bullets, or revenge-nothing at all, but just a simple human drama based on true events. I prefer watching films like these instead of a classic crime saga that does nothing but glorify gangsters, their dame, and whatnot. Abe In Illinois is a sweet film, but it's a very nostalgic experience (me saying that as a non-American). I wonder how politely Lincoln walked away even after winning the election in that pre-climax scene when he admits playing dirty political tricks for the sake of votes. Raymond Massey as Abe is phenomenal. Watch those tears in that farewell speech, and those whiskers. I can't imagine any other actress playing Mary other than Ruth Gordon. The supporting cast, the cinematography, the screenplay, and the production design all fit well. The more I say, it's not enough: Well done, Mr. CromWell...
RATING - 7.5/10*
By - #samthebestest.
The good old Abe's heartwarming story before he became President of the US. John Cromwell has a theory of his own that connects well with human emotions. There have been many biopics on many legendary persons in the 30s (including Lincoln's ones) that have given us a chance to look at their personal lives on the big screen. Emile Zola, Louise Pasteur, Dr. Ehrlich, Daniel Webster, Madame Curie, and many more films on sports-we have been through many biographical dramas in the World War II period. Cromwell brought Abraham Lincoln's story to light, if only in part, by removing politics, the civil war, and other controversies. The film takes us through Lincoln's early life in Illinois, his love affairs, law practice, political career, marriage, and democratic speeches before he was elected as the 16th President of the United States. It's such a delight to see such inspiring and lovable stories. No crime, noir touch, heavy dialogue, no kisses or illicit affairs, no gun, bullets, or revenge-nothing at all, but just a simple human drama based on true events. I prefer watching films like these instead of a classic crime saga that does nothing but glorify gangsters, their dame, and whatnot. Abe In Illinois is a sweet film, but it's a very nostalgic experience (me saying that as a non-American). I wonder how politely Lincoln walked away even after winning the election in that pre-climax scene when he admits playing dirty political tricks for the sake of votes. Raymond Massey as Abe is phenomenal. Watch those tears in that farewell speech, and those whiskers. I can't imagine any other actress playing Mary other than Ruth Gordon. The supporting cast, the cinematography, the screenplay, and the production design all fit well. The more I say, it's not enough: Well done, Mr. CromWell...
RATING - 7.5/10*
By - #samthebestest.