Young Mr. Lincoln

From Hollywood’s golden year of 1939, this film marked the first partnership between director John Ford and actor Henry Fonda. Fonda gives a memorable performance in this telling of the early life and career of our 16th president. In 1830s Illinois, young Abe is an inexperienced lawyer who is defending two innocent young brothers accused of murder. Young Mary Todd (Marjorie Weaver) admires Abe’s courage and supports his efforts, against the wishes of Stephen Douglas (Milburn Stone). Although highly fictionalized, the film is still highly respectful of our nation’s greatest statesman. — Jack Fields