The film is rich in history and certainly boasts outstanding performances by Van Heflin as the maligned president and Lionel Barrymore, in top form, as the crusty Sen. Thaddeus Stephens,a Radical Republican, intent upon punishing the south forever for its efforts in the Civil War.
The major problem that I had with this very good film was that it should have been longer. The period of 1830 is quickly fast forwarded to 1860. The Civil War is dealt with quickly. The real story here is the Johnson impeachment proceedings.
Barrymore reminded me somewhat of the crusty old character he would play once more, four years later in the memorable "It's A Wonderful Life." He was an expert in getting people to loathe him. Even being confined to a wheelchair did not impair his acting ability. In fact, it made it stronger.
Heflin is terrific, especially in scenes where he defends himself against the charges brought up against him, as well at the end when he returns to the senate as a former president and now Senator-elect.
The picture just proved the hate of some people by using excuses of going against The Office of Tenure Act to drive out a sitting president from office in order to fulfill their agenda of hate and vindictive behavior.
The major problem that I had with this very good film was that it should have been longer. The period of 1830 is quickly fast forwarded to 1860. The Civil War is dealt with quickly. The real story here is the Johnson impeachment proceedings.
Barrymore reminded me somewhat of the crusty old character he would play once more, four years later in the memorable "It's A Wonderful Life." He was an expert in getting people to loathe him. Even being confined to a wheelchair did not impair his acting ability. In fact, it made it stronger.
Heflin is terrific, especially in scenes where he defends himself against the charges brought up against him, as well at the end when he returns to the senate as a former president and now Senator-elect.
The picture just proved the hate of some people by using excuses of going against The Office of Tenure Act to drive out a sitting president from office in order to fulfill their agenda of hate and vindictive behavior.