In retrospect, this was the first of a one-two punch Hollywood characterization of pre-presidential Lincoln, as the US prepared for a probable eventual formal participation in WW II. Unfortunately, most people feel this version suffers in comparison with Ramon Massey's characterization in 'Abe Lincoln in Illinois', which covers most of Lincoln's pre-presidential period, not just up through his early years as a young lawyer and politician,as the present film does. Yes, Lincoln had his morose private side at times, but Fonda's Lincoln too often comes across as Zombie-like, not helped by his sometimes excessive eye makeup. Fonda's Lincoln periodically demonstrates his willingness to participate in various physically demanding tasks and activities after he has become an established townie. However, I don't understand the point of his participation in a tug of war, tying the end of the rope to a horse cart, which then pulls the opposition trough a big mud puddle. What lesson of Lincoln's character does this demonstrate? Imagintion? Winning any which way? His sense of humor? Perhaps all of the above? Also, Lincoln's use of apt anecdotes in his courtroom and political persona is well known, but his respectful treatment of his opposition was also legendary. Thus, his attempt to discredit a witness by changing his name from John Cass to Jackass would seem out of character, if eliciting a raucous laugh from the courtroom and theater audience. Although Lincoln was known for generally being easy going and careless in his personal appearance, I doubt if he lounged with his feet up on a table while cross examining a witness! I'm sure this characterization was meant to convey the relative informality and crudeness of even formal culture near the western frontier. When traveling out of town on horseback, Fonda often had a coon-skin capped traveling companion, signifying his continuing emotional attachment to his frontiersman roots. However, be aware that sensible frontiersmen(including Boone and Crocket) didn't wear such hats in the warm season. They were too hot!
Lincoln's involvement in one murder case dominates the second half of the film. The details of this murder, revealed at the end, would seem very unlikely: however, there is a message in this story. The question is: How best to handle extracting justice for criminal acts. Three possibilities are dramatized. The first: mob vigilante hanging, is vehemently opposed by Lincoln as too often resulting in punishment of innocents or of a party simply trying to defend themselves. This is a very effective scene. Fonda would again star in a film dramatizing this point: 'The Ox-Bow Incident', released during US involvement in WWII. This film was not generally well received at the box office, although it won critical plaudits. Perhaps this was because of its ponderous pacing, but perhaps also because war involves what amounts to legalized vigilante killings...The second approach is exemplified by Donald Meek's portrayal of the prosecuting attorney opposing Lincoln as defense attorney. He represents excessive legalism, excessive badgering of witnesses,excessive pomp and excessive ambition to win a case at the expense of the truth. Lincoln's middle way is presented as the best way: dispense with legalisms and court formalities if they get in the way of truth and justice. Spin some apt humorous stories to liven up the legal proceedings. Perhaps most important, a good lawyer will eventually guess the truth and find a way to prove it. That message is perhaps the saving grace of this film, and is one that most people can agree with. Unfortunately, it is very seldom practiced. That's just not the way the standard legal system is set up to function. Lawyers are advocates for clients, not truth seekers, as are judges and juries,ideally.
Lincoln's involvement in one murder case dominates the second half of the film. The details of this murder, revealed at the end, would seem very unlikely: however, there is a message in this story. The question is: How best to handle extracting justice for criminal acts. Three possibilities are dramatized. The first: mob vigilante hanging, is vehemently opposed by Lincoln as too often resulting in punishment of innocents or of a party simply trying to defend themselves. This is a very effective scene. Fonda would again star in a film dramatizing this point: 'The Ox-Bow Incident', released during US involvement in WWII. This film was not generally well received at the box office, although it won critical plaudits. Perhaps this was because of its ponderous pacing, but perhaps also because war involves what amounts to legalized vigilante killings...The second approach is exemplified by Donald Meek's portrayal of the prosecuting attorney opposing Lincoln as defense attorney. He represents excessive legalism, excessive badgering of witnesses,excessive pomp and excessive ambition to win a case at the expense of the truth. Lincoln's middle way is presented as the best way: dispense with legalisms and court formalities if they get in the way of truth and justice. Spin some apt humorous stories to liven up the legal proceedings. Perhaps most important, a good lawyer will eventually guess the truth and find a way to prove it. That message is perhaps the saving grace of this film, and is one that most people can agree with. Unfortunately, it is very seldom practiced. That's just not the way the standard legal system is set up to function. Lawyers are advocates for clients, not truth seekers, as are judges and juries,ideally.