YOUNG MR. LINCOLN

Yes. Young Mr. Lincoln is a thoughtful, humorous family classic built around truth, justice, and the remarkable common sense of a young Abraham Lincoln. Henry Fonda’s performance is masterful, and the film shows why Lincoln could eventually become president.

The story also gives justice a personal face. Lincoln stands between two accused young men and an angry mob, then challenges the tactics of a prosecutor who tries to force their mother to choose which son may have committed the crime. The movie’s many references to the Bible reinforce its moral seriousness.

There is some fighting and a stabbing, along with alcohol, drunkenness, pipe smoking, and an unexpected death. Still, the source review highly recommends this film. For a family seeking a classic that celebrates truth and justice, WORTH THE TRIP.

In his younger years, Abraham Lincoln decides to try law after considerable reading and study, despite having little formal education. His common sense, humor, and political skills serve him well.

After helping disperse a lynch mob at a county fair, Lincoln takes on the defense of two young men accused of murder. Several powerful lawyers represent the state, including his political rival Stephen Douglas. What first appears to be a simple case will require Lincoln to look more deeply.

Four stars means this is a classic the source considers outstanding. John Ford’s direction and Henry Fonda’s portrayal of Lincoln are the film’s great strengths.

Fonda makes Lincoln thoughtful, humorous, honest, and clever with words. His performance helps audiences understand how this young lawyer could eventually become president. Ford’s direction is also among his best, using traits that would later appear in his westerns, including repeated music during emotional moments.

The film presents a very strong Christian, biblical worldview centered on truth and justice. Lincoln’s common-sense approach to justice, his use of Scripture to disperse an angry mob, and his defense of the accused all support the importance of pursuing what is right rather than surrendering to anger or public pressure.

The story also condemns false testimony and unjust tactics. A prosecutor tries to force the mother of two accused young men to choose which son might have committed the crime, and Lincoln passionately challenges the cruelty of that demand. The film exalts honesty, fairness, courage, and justice for the vulnerable.

Its central moral vision aligns closely with Scripture’s call to pursue justice and truth. “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).

Young Mr. Lincoln is a warm, intelligent classic with a masterful performance by Henry Fonda and a clear commitment to truth and justice. Its limited content concerns do not outweigh its strong moral vision. For families and viewers ready for a thoughtful old Hollywood drama, WORTH THE TRIP.