Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Van Heflin | ... | Andrew Johnson | |
Lionel Barrymore | ... | Thaddeus Stevens | |
Ruth Hussey | ... | Eliza McCardle Johnson | |
Marjorie Main | ... | Mrs. Maude Fisher | |
Regis Toomey | ... | Blackstone McDaniel | |
J. Edward Bromberg | ... | Coke | |
Grant Withers | ... | Mordecai Milligan | |
Alec Craig | ... | Sam Andrews | |
Charles Dingle | ... | Senator Jim Waters | |
Carl Benton Reid | ... | Congressman Hargrove | |
Russell Hicks | ... | Lincoln's Emissary | |
Noah Beery | ... | Sheriff Cass (as Noah Beery Sr.) | |
Robert Warwick | ... | Major Crooks | |
Montagu Love | ... | Chief Justice Chase | |
Lloyd Corrigan | ... | Mr. Secretary |
This biopic focuses on Andrew Johnson, the first American president to be impeached. Initially an uneducated drifter who stumbles upon a job as a tailor in a Tennessee town, Johnson is taught to read by librarian and future wife, Eliza. Eliza convinces him to enter a local election, and, from there, Johnson rises swiftly. However, after inheriting the presidency in the wake of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, he finds himself on unsteady political ground.
Never heard of this film until yesterday 7/15/03..and I am a film buff Thanks agaim to TCM... not sure of the historical 100 % accuracy but the main story is history: re: Andrew Johnsons Impeachment /came up during the Clinton impeachment trial... never knew this was filmed.. Van Heflin is brilliant..as the maligned president... as is the rest of the cast...Lionel Barrymore is especially excellent as he hams up the screen. Missed the first few minutes..cant wait till TCM schedules again!! Lost in the shuffle of great films released in late 30s early 40s ! Not to be missed