February Classics : Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)
Details
Another wonderful offering from John Ford in that super movie year of 1939. It stars Henry Fonda in the title role as it covers a period in the 1830s, but most of the film is focused on his defense of two brothers accused of murder as he was a young lawyer in Springfield Illinois in probably 1839 (the film does not specify).
Ford does not attempt great historical accuracy. The trial, although fictional, is based on his defense in an 1858 trial with the same twist.
Rather its a portrait of a young man who is showing amazing wit (Lincoln did love telling stories), as well as talent, humility and indications of his emerging greatness, expertly played by Fonda. To that end Ford achieved his goal and the film works beautifully.
PS. I got a kick out of the fact that the brothers were named Adam and Matt, my own son's names.
HOW TO WATCH
(1) For this watch party we will be using Watch2Gether.
Instructions for attendees is available at the following Google Drive URL:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t1qvgOzBh239qAvG9l1oIaWiRj7UhU84/view?usp=sharing
It does require a browser extension, so please install the extension ASAP.
(2) watch on your own using your favorite streaming service. Its available on a variety of streaming services.