directed by John Ford
USA 1939

Few historical figures are as revered as Abraham Lincoln, and few director-star pairings embody classic American cinema as perfectly as do John Ford and Henry Fonda. In Young Mr. Lincoln, their first collaboration, Fonda gives one of the finest performances of his career as the young president-to-be struggling with an incendiary murder case as a novice lawyer. Compassionate and assured, this indelible piece of Americana marks the beginning of Ford and Fonda’s ascent to legendary status.

*****

Released only a few months after ”Stagecoach”, and a few months before ”Drums Along the Mohawk”, this really isn’t a Western as such, but more a footnote film on what shaped the mind of the young Abraham Lincoln, who in turns would become one of the greatest American presidents.

Given an icy review by Variety, especially for its lack of any romantic interest, Ford tells the story of the simple farmer, who by chance comes across a book about law and after reading it goes to town and becomes a lawyer. He may not understand law, but he understands what’s wrong and what’s right, and more than that, the understands people.

Eisenstein said, “Its source is a womb of popular and national spirit”, and as “Drums Along the Mohawk”, “Young Mr. Lincoln” notes upon the birth of America. As such, “Drums Along the Mohawk” can be read as one nation under god, and “Young Mr. Lincoln” continues with liberty and justice for all.

The film may be contrived, but this is a film coming straight from the heart of Ford, with a superb performance by Henry Fonda as Lincoln. A must see.
 

Henrik Sylow

Poster

Theatrical Release: May 20, 1939 (Springfield, Illinois)

Reviews    More Reviews  DVD Reviews

DVD Comparison: 

Optimum Classics (Western Classics) - Region 2 - PAL vs. Criterion - Region 1- NTSC

NOTE: Criterion's first disc is in The Ford at Fox Collection (the exact same disc).

Big thanks to Henrik Sylow for the Review!

(Optimum Classics (Western Classics) - Region 2 - PAL LEFT vs. Criterion - Region 1- NTSC RIGHT)

DVD Box Cover

 

The EXACT first Criterion disc is also available in The complete Ford at Fox Collection (DETAILS HERE) releasing December 4th, 2007.
Distribution

Optimum Classics

Region 2 - PAL

Criterion Collection - Spine # 320

Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime 1:35:45 (4% PAL speedup) 1:40:03

Video

1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 5.54 mb/s
PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s

1.33:1 Original Aspect Ratio

16X9 enhanced
Average Bitrate: 7.86 mb/s
NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s

NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate: Optimum

Bitrate: Criterion

Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital Mono 2.0 Dolby Digital Mono
Subtitles None English, None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Optimum Classics

Aspect Ratio:
Original aspect ratio - 1.33:1

Edition Details:
• None

DVD Release Date: February 21, 2005
Keep case

Chapters 12

Release Information:
Studio: Criterion

Aspect Ratio:
Original aspect ratio - 1.33:1

Edition Details:
• A 1992 BBC profile of John Ford, written and presented by filmmaker Lindsay Anderson
• A 1975 episode of the BBC talk show Parkinson, featuring Henry Fonda
• Archival audio interviews with Ford and Fonda, conducted by the filmmaker’s grandson Dan Ford
• Academy Award Theater radio dramatization of Young Mr. Lincoln, downloadable as an MP3 file
• Gallery of production documents
• A 32-page liner notes booklet featuring critic Geoffrey O’Brien and Sergei Eisenstein’s homage to Ford

DVD Release Date: February 14th, 2006
Double thick keep case

Chapters 24

 

 

Comments:

ADDITION: The Ford at Fox Collection - November 07: How about this. The disc in the Ford at Fox Collection IS the Criterion disc 1 (and is even labeled as such). I suppose Fox decided not to compete with the strength or Criterion's digital restoration techniques. It's a shame that the second disc of extras is not included though.

ABOUT THE CRITERION: As expected the Criterion eclipses the competition (a bare bones DVD5) by improving drastically in every area. Image quality is stupendous with pristine grey level separation and wonderful detail. Extras on the second disc are a real 'find' for both Ford and Fonda fans. The booklets is very professionally appointed and the only thing missing is a commentary for the feature. Overall another must-own DVD package from the greatest DVD production company on the planet. 

 - Gary Tooze  

RE: The Optimum - Sadly the image lacks sharpness in details, as it besides this is an almost flawless and very impressive presentation. Blacks are solid and it just looks acceptable aside from the haziness.

 - Henrik Sylow

 


DVD Menus


(Optimum Classics (Western Classics) - Region 2 - PAL LEFT vs. Criterion - Region 1- NTSC RIGHT)

 

 

Criterion (Disc 2)

 

Subtitle Sample (only Criterion has optional subtitles)

 

 

 

Screen Captures

(Optimum Classics (Western Classics) - Region 2 - PAL TOP vs. Criterion - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)

 

 

 

(Optimum Classics (Western Classics) - Region 2 - PAL TOP vs. Criterion - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)

 

 

 

 

(Optimum Classics (Western Classics) - Region 2 - PAL TOP vs. Criterion - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)

 

 

 

 

(Optimum Classics (Western Classics) - Region 2 - PAL TOP vs. Criterion - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)

 

 

 

 

(Optimum Classics (Western Classics) - Region 2 - PAL TOP vs. Criterion - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)

 

 

 

 

(Optimum Classics (Western Classics) - Region 2 - PAL TOP vs. Criterion - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)

 

 

 

 

(Optimum Classics (Western Classics) - Region 2 - PAL TOP vs. Criterion - Region 1- NTSC BOTTOM)

 

 

 

DVD Box Cover

 

The EXACT first Criterion disc is also available in The complete Ford at Fox Collection (DETAILS HERE) releasing December 4th, 2007.
Distribution

Optimum Classics

Region 2 - PAL

Criterion Collection - Spine # 320

Region 1 - NTSC



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