With Daniel Day-Lewis's definitive Lincoln now on film, Raymond Massey's Oscar-nominated turn seems more clumsy than it might have in years past. His tall, gawky frame allows him to bring physicality to the role, but his Lincoln is an empty-headed yokel. It's no easy task removing the intrigue from such a fascinating man. However, the scenarios here are downright goofy; Lincoln wins respect by wrestling a local bully and charms Mary Todd by hitting his head on a chandelier. Reducing his history to anecdotes, the film does no justice to the man. Ruth Gordon, high-voiced and wild-eyed, is a beguiling Mary Todd, at least. James Wong Howe's accomplished cinematography opens up this stuffy adaptation.
