Abe Lincoln in Illinois

Play trailer

Abe Lincoln in Illinois

1940,

1h 50m,

Biography

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Stream Now

Watchlist

86%

7 Reviews

Tomatometer

70%

250+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

7 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

In the early 1830s, a youthful Abraham Lincoln (Raymond Massey) departs his home in Kentucky to study law and make a name for himself. While traveling to New Orleans to deliver several pigs he raised with his father, Abe meets Ann Rutledge (Ruth Gordon) in the sleepy hamlet of New Salem, Illinois. Abe returns to the town, starts a business and marries Ann before slowly working his way toward politics and the fateful future that will see him become one of America's most iconic presidents.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

Stream

Rent Abe Lincoln in Illinois on Fandango, or buy it on Fandango.

Otis Ferguson

The New Republic

May 7, 2024

If you want attitudes, a five-gallon hat, famous incidents, and One Nation Indivisible, they're all here. As a picture and as a whole, it just doesn't stick.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Sep 17, 2022

3/4

If Young Mr. Lincoln, starring Henry Fonda, offers a smoother ride from first frame to last, Abe Lincoln in Illinois, released approximately 10 months later, offers a greater number of individual scenes that serve to energize and inspire.

Go to Full Review

John Kinloch

California Eagle

Oct 29, 2019

The most distinguished motion picture of the year.

Go to Full Review

Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

Jan 1, 2008

4/5

Fine characterization of Lincoln by Raymond Massey with strong period look and feel.

Go to Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Jul 5, 2006

B

A serviceable biopic.

Go to Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Jan 27, 2006

B-

John Cromwell's historically inaccurate biopic, which is inferior to Ford's Young Mr. Lincoln, was nonetheless nominated for two Oscars: Raymond Massey and cinematography.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Jan 26, 2019

The best inspiring movie ever made!

Kylo S

Apr 7, 2018

Setting aside the obligatory acting and contrivance problems of the time, it's very good. It paints a compelling portrait of an interesting and admirable historical figure, and I like the choice to just look at the time in Illinois and end as he is heading to Washington. The unvarnished portrait of turbo-bitch Mary Todd is fascinating and adds to the credibility of the whole thing. 7.8 out of 10

See more

Rey S

Apr 26, 2017

Abe Lincoln in Illinois is an incredible film. It is about humble Abraham Lincoln who gains the respect of his Illinois neighbors, growing in stature and respect until he is elected President in 1860. Raymond Massey and Gene Lockhart give amazing performances. The screenplay is well written. John Cromwell did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of the drama and history.

See more

George W

Jan 24, 2017

A simple tale of Honest Abe Lincoln, with a well cast Canadian as the lead. Massey's performance is excellent as he had already played the part in the Broadway play this biopic was based on.

See more

Read all reviews

John Cromwell

Director

Raymond Massey

Abe Lincoln

Gene Lockhart

Stephen Douglas

Ruth Gordon

Mary Todd Lincoln

Mary Howard

Ann Rutledge

Minor Watson

Joshua Speed

The Prince and the Showgirl

55%

55%

The Prince and the Showgirl

Watchlist

The Bridges at Toko-Ri

80%

61%

The Bridges at Toko-Ri

Watchlist

The Life of Emile Zola

92%

74%

The Life of Emile Zola

Watchlist

Tom Jones

83%

58%

Tom Jones

Watchlist

San Francisco

92%

71%

San Francisco

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

In the early 1830s, a youthful Abraham Lincoln (Raymond Massey) departs his home in Kentucky to study law and make a name for himself. While traveling to New Orleans to deliver several pigs he raised with his father, Abe meets Ann Rutledge (Ruth Gordon) in the sleepy hamlet of New Salem, Illinois. Abe returns to the town, starts a business and marries Ann before slowly working his way toward politics and the fateful future that will see him become one of America's most iconic presidents.

Director: John Cromwell
Producer: Max Gordon
Screenwriter: Grover Jones, Robert E. Sherwood
Distributor: RKO Radio Pictures
Production Co: RKO Pictures
Genre: Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 12, 1940, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 22, 2009
Runtime: 1h 50m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings