Edison, the Man (1940)
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100% of critics liked it
(5 reviews) -
60% of users liked it
(341 ratings)
In 1940, MGM turned out two films on the life of Thomas Alva Edison.The first, Young Tom Edison, starred Mickey Rooney and trotted out all the old Edison folklore, including the now-discredited incident in which Tom loses his hearing by being yanked onto a train by his ears. Edison the Man, starring… More In 1940, MGM turned out two films on the life of Thomas Alva Edison.The first, Young Tom Edison, starred Mickey Rooney and trotted out all the old Edison folklore, including the now-discredited incident in which Tom loses his hearing by being yanked onto a train by his ears. Edison the Man, starring Spencer Tracy in the title role, downplays certain inconvenient facts (including Edison's strong-arm tactics to protect his patents), but adheres more closely to actual events than its predecessor. The story concentrates on Edison's most productive years, from 1872 to 1882 (surprisingly ignoring his role in the development of the motion picture!) The inventions invented herein include the ticker-tape machine, the phonograph, the Dictaphone, and of course the electric light. Gene Lockhart is on hand to once more perform his movie specialty of the blinkered financier who can see no future in Edison's crazy schemes. The film tries to stir up suspense by giving Edison only six months to complete his dream of illuminating the streets of New York, lest he lose the contract--and, by extension, his credibility. While Young Tom Edison had unexpectedly lost money, Edison the Man was a success; as for Spencer Tracy, he was a versatile enough actor to escape the fate of poor Don Ameche, who was forever and inextricably associated with his portrayal of Alexander Graham Bell. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Clarence Brown
- Written By
- Talbot Jennings
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- May 10, 1940 Wide
- Studio
- Warner Bros.
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Spencer Tracy plays the pioneering scientist in this decent but routine MGM biopic, directed by Clarence Brown
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Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Biography depicts famous inventor as smart, curious hero.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Standard biopic.
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Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Grade A MGM biography with strong Tracy as Thomas Edison.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Spencer Tracy
as Thomas Alva Edison
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Rita Johnson
as Mary Stilwell
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Lynne Overman
as Bunt Cavatt
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Charles Coburn
as Gen. Powell
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Gene Lockhart
as Mr. Taggart
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Henry Travers
as Ben Els
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Felix Bressart
as Michael Simon
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Peter Godfrey
as Ashton
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Guy D'Ennery
as Lundstrom
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Byron Foulger
as Edwin Hall
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Milton Parsons
as Acid Graham
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Arthur Ayleswofth
as Bigelow
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Gene Reynolds
as Jimmy Price
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Addison Richards
as Dr. Johnson
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Irving Bacon
as Sheriff
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Harlan Briggs
as Bisbee
- George Chandler
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Nell Craig
as Woman
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Donald Douglas
as Jordan
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Edward Earle
as Broker
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Frank Faylen
as Galbreath
- Ann Gillis
- Paul Hurst
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Milt Kibbee
as Workman
- George Lessey
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George Meader
as Minister
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Harold Minjir
as Blair
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Grant Mitchell
as Shade
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Charles Trowbridge
as Clark
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Emmett Vogan
as Secretary
- Jay Ward
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Joe Whitehead
as Man
- William Arnold
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Charles Lane
as Lecturer
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Tom Mahoney
as Policeman
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Bruce Mitchell
as Coachman
