Abe Lincoln in Illinois (film)

Abe Lincoln in Illinois
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	John Cromwell
Written by	Grover Jones
Screenplay by	Robert E. Sherwood
Based on	Abe Lincoln in Illinois 1938 play by Robert E. Sherwood
Produced by	Max Gordon
Starring	Raymond Massey Gene Lockhart Ruth Gordon Mary Howard Minor Watson Alan Baxter
Cinematography	James Wong Howe
Edited by	George Hively
Music by	Roy Webb
Production company	RKO Radio Pictures
Distributed by	RKO Radio Pictures
Release date	April 19, 1940 (1940-04-19) [1]
Running time	110 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$1,004,000[2]
Box office	$666,000[2]

Abe Lincoln in Illinois is a 1940 biographical-drama film that depicts the life of Abraham Lincoln from his departure from Kentucky until his election as president of the United States. In the UK, the film is known by the alternate title Spirit of the People.^[3] The film was adapted by Grover Jones and Robert E. Sherwood from Sherwood's 1938 Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. It was directed by John Cromwell.

The film stars Raymond Massey and Howard da Silva, who reprised their roles from the original Broadway production of Abe Lincoln in Illinois, playing Abe Lincoln and Jack Armstrong respectively. Herbert Rudley, who had portrayed Seth Gale in the play, also repeated his role in the film version. The film also marks the screen debut of Ruth Gordon in the role of Mary Todd Lincoln.^[4]

The film received Academy Award nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Raymond Massey) and Best Cinematography, Black-and-White (James Wong Howe).