Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940)

Too much of everything

That was an excellent one.

Purely Joyful Movie!

Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

This movie has to be the definitive treatment of Abe Lincoln in a motion picture. Raymond Massie deservedly was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the iconic president. His performance is uncanny; he is the epitome of Abraham Lincoln. Although not a documentary, this movie dramatizes Lincoln's life, especially as it relates to those factors which led to his nomination and election as President. The rest of the cast is outstanding. Ruth Gordon gives an outstanding performance as Mary Todd Lincoln and Gene Lockhardt is wonderful as Stephen Douglas, who was Lincoln's main political rival as well as his friend. For anyone who is interested in American History or likes biopics, this is a movie that you should enjoy.

I absolutely loved this movie! maybe it is because I am a history buff but I thought it was wonderful!. I am currently doing a project on Abraham Lincoln where my friends and I on working on a student directed film about Abraham Lincoln and you can not imagine how much this movie has helped me. This movie tells the tale of one of the greatest man in history and how he evolved along the way to become even greater. I can only hope that this movie will help someone see the wonders of his life as it helped me and as Honest Abe helped so many other people. I loved it when they showed his debate with Stephen Douglas. That was really the highlight of the movie because it showed him giving his real opinion and it caught my attention. His speech was amazing!! 10 thumbs up!!!! :D

Take it from a person who knows the Lincoln story; has lived his whole life the area portrayed in the film. Lincoln practiced law in my home town, and so the folklore and legend of Lincoln the man, was ever impressed upon me. I have relatives in the Ann Rutledge family; and have always thought the film painted an accurate picture of the relationship between Ann and Lincoln, as told to me by family elders. Lincoln, and his humor, are excellently shown; mostly his years near the banks of the Sangamon River. The villages, and people, with their way of speaking are equally accurate. Furthermore, I do not believe any other actor, before or since, has been able to pull off a more striking Lincoln than Massey. He seems to have his mannerisms and dialect just perfect. The only negative thing I can say about the film is that it was shot without color, but what of it; it is as if the old photos of the true Lincoln came alive. It is a must see for all families, and anyone who wants to know how a common man, and often failure, can become swept away by his unknown destiny to become a legend.

1940 was a hard year. The great depression was at it's Zenith. 25% unemployed. This is a story of a truly good man. In fact, A.L. is always rated in the top 5 presidents. I believe he was one of the top 5 greatest men of all time despite the lives lost in the Civil war (The War between the States). Of course there is artistic license here, but this is story telling. Story telling at it's finest.Film making, Acting and production, Magnificent. With no car chases, special effects, Digital renderings, Blood, Sex or Aliens! This film, when it was released gave people hope for the future. I'm 49 and I still get emotional when I watch it. It was a momentous time in Human history when it was happening. Then as now America, remains the last greatest hope for freedom in the world. Is there another? I don't think so. He was elected by the people. He did not Murder his way to power. He upheld the constitution not overthrow it. How could Abe Lincoln know the Nation he would go to war to save and free a people in the process be the lone super power in the world some day. A Nation of laws not men. Think of that when you see this film. It may move you as well. LWA