Tennessee Johnson

1942
Approved
1h 43m

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

681

YOUR RATING

Van Heflin and Ruth Hussey in Tennessee Johnson (1942)

Biography of Andrew Johnson, who followed Abraham Lincoln into office and became the first President of the United States ever to be impeached.

Play trailer1:51

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8 Photos

Biography Drama

Biography of Andrew Johnson, who followed Abraham Lincoln into office and became the first President of the United States ever to be impeached.Biography of Andrew Johnson, who followed Abraham Lincoln into office and became the first President of the United States ever to be impeached.Biography of Andrew Johnson, who followed Abraham Lincoln into office and became the first President of the United States ever to be impeached.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

681

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Videos1

Trailer 1:51

Watch Official Trailer

Photos8

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
There was a protest from some sectors that the film distorted the life of Thaddeus Stevens (who initiated the impeachment proceedings against President Andrew Johnson). Additional filming occurred in October 1942, but it is not known if it was because of these protests. One line in the script (Stevens referring to Lincoln as "the old ape") was eliminated. Still, the film treats Johnson much more favorably than it does Stevens.

Goofs
A key scene in the film depicts Johnson entering the Senate while it is debating his impeachment and removal from office, and making a major speech there in his defense. In reality, the actual President Johnson, despite his desire to confront his enemies in the Senate, never once entered or addressed that body during his impeachment trial.

Quotes
Jefferson Davis: I must pronounce our solemn farewell. Under these circumstances, of course, my functions - and those of my colleagues - terminate here. We but tread in the path of our fathers when we proclaim our independence - and take the hazard, putting our trust in God, and in our own firm hearts - and strong arms - we will vindicate the right as best we may.
[looking slowly around the room]
Jefferson Davis: I see now around me some with whom I have served long; there have been points of collision. For whatever offense I have given, I ask forgiveness. Of whatever of offense there has been to me, I leave here. I carry with me no hostile remembrance. I go hence unencumbered of the remembrance of injury received, and having discharged the duty of making the only reparation in my power for any injury offered.
[pausing]
Jefferson Davis: Mr. President; Senators - having made the announcement which the occasion seemed to me to require - it remains only for my colleagues and myself to bid you a final - adieu.

Crazy credits
The opening outline includes a disclaimer about historical facts being changed for entertainment purposes.

Soundtracks
The Battle Cry of Freedom
(1862)
Written by George Frederick Root
In the score during the foreword, reprised in the score for the last scene

User reviews30

Review

Featured review

6/10

It certainly didn't aim for accuracy

This highly fictionalized biopic from MGM and director William Dieterle charts the life of Andrew Johnson (Van Heflin) from his days as a near-illiterate tailor in Tennessee to his unlikely education at the hands of Eliza McCardle (Ruth Hussey) who would become his wife, to his entry into politics, eventually becoming Vice President under Abraham Lincoln, succeeding him after his assassination, only to become the first US President to face impeachment. Also featuring Morris Ankrum as Jefferson Davis.

The liberties taken by the screenwriters to make Johnson into a shining patriotic hero were so egregious to some that a protest movement formed against this movie, leading to picket lines and angry print editorials. Strangely enough, the most vocal opponents to the movie were Vincent Price and Zero Mostel! The movie is mostly malarkey, but so were so many "history lessons" coming out of Hollywood, so this one doesn't offend me that much. The purpose was to inspire and celebrate rather than inform or educate. If only it succeeded more at the former the lack of the latter wouldn't be so noticeable. The movie is clunky in its pacing, and can't decide what it really wants to say about its protagonists. Heflin and Hussey do as good a job as they were able given the material, but many of the supporting cast are wasted in nothing roles. The production design is nice, with detailed settings and nice costume work. Running about 105 minutes long, the movie really needed another 30 or so to add more depth and nuance to the players.