‘Young Mr. Lincoln’: A Lawyer Liberates the Law

Henry Fonda’s portrayal of Abraham Lincoln shows the president’s wisdom before he stood on the national stage.

Henry Fonda stars as Abraham Lincoln, in the "Young Mr. Lincoln." 20th Century Fox

NR | 1h 40m | Drama | 1939

Henry Fonda first balked at playing Abraham Lincoln. Later, he humorously recalled director John Ford reassuring him: Fonda needn’t feel intimidated; he’d be playing the great man before he became great.