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Young Tom Edison (1940)

| Biography, Drama | 15 March 1940 (USA)
Young Tom Edison Poster
Inventor Thomas Edison's boyhood is chronicled and shows him as a lad whose early inventions and scientific experiments usually end up causing disastrous results. As a result, the towns ... See full summary »

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Writers:

(original screenplay), (original screenplay) | 2 more credits »

Stars:

, , | See full cast & crew »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
...
...
Mrs. Samuel 'Nancy' Edison
...
...
...
Mr. Nelson
Victor Kilian ...
Mr. Dingle
...
Joe 'Joey' Dingle (as Bobbie Jordan)
J.M. Kerrigan ...
Mr. McCarney
...
Dr. Pender
...
...
Mr. Waddell
...
Miss Lavina Howard, School Teacher
Harry Shannon ...
Army Captain Brackett
See full cast »
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Storyline

Inventor Thomas Edison's boyhood is chronicled and shows him as a lad whose early inventions and scientific experiments usually end up causing disastrous results. As a result, the towns folk all think Tom is crazy, and creating a strained relationship between Tom and his father. Toms only solace is his understanding mother who believes he's headed to do great things. Written by Daniel Bubbeo <[email protected]>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

thomas alva edison | explosive | american civil war | doctor | railroad | See All (13) »

Genres:

Biography | Drama

Certificate:

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Parents Guide:

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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

15 March 1940 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Der junge Edison  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60 minute radio adaptation of the movie on December 23, 1940 with Mickey Rooney and Virginia Weidler reprising their film roles. See more »

Goofs

When young Tom jumps on the train to sell his maple candy, he tells the first customer the price is "a nickel". The scene takes place in the late 1850s. The first US nickel five cent coin wasn't issued until 1866. (At the time, the only 5¢ coin was a half-dime, a tiny silver coin but not called "a nickel".) See more »

Quotes

Woman Fainting at Downed Bridge: Mercy me!
See more »

Crazy Credits

After "The End" title page, a portrait of Tom Edison is displayed and, after some of the inventor's many accomplishments are noted, then the camera pans back to show Spencer Tracy admiring the painting while the narrator announces the forthcoming "Edison, The Man (1940)" biography (featuring Tracy in the title role). See more »

Connections

Spoofed in Archie's Funhouse: Really Big Caesar/Acrobats See more »

Soundtracks

Jingle bells
Written by James Pierpont (as J.S. Pierpont) (1857)
Played as part of the score at Christmas
See more »

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User Reviews

 
A terrific and timeless film
7 December 2006 | by (San Francisco) – See all my reviews

This was always a favorite of mine when I would see it on television many years ago but I had forgotten how good a film it still is. I just saw it today on TCM and I have to say something about this under-appreciated gem. The cast is a terrific ensemble of filmdom's great character actors such as George Bancroft who appears in countless films, among them Stagecoach. He plays Tom's father with great heart and finally when he realizes who is son really is, they share a heartwarming thumping of the town's most obnoxious father, son pairing. Virginia Weidler is very good as Tom's sister. Another of Hollywood's most talented children, she appeared frequently with Mickey and Judy and also had a high profile role in The Philadelphia story.

Fay Bainter has one of her best roles ever as Tom's mother, easily worthy of an academy nod. While the story may not resemble reality, it communicates some very important human truths about family. This film is every bit as good as The Yearling and should be considered a must for family viewing.
9 of 11 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?
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