Edison, the Man
1940 · Movie · NR · 107 min · ★ 6.8 · 75% critics
Framed as a look back late in life, this biographical drama follows a young inventor arriving in New York with an early market device and chasing bigger breakthroughs. As money troubles, skeptics, and repeated setbacks pile up, he pushes toward the discovery that could change everyday life.
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 1940
- Release date
- 1940-05-10
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 107 min
- Critic score
- 75/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.8/10 (27 votes)
About
You may enjoy this if you like classic, uplifting biographies about perseverance, invention, and big historical figures; Not for you if you want strict accuracy, sharper edge, or a more surprising story.
Pros: inspiring true-life arc; strong lead performance; warm, watchable tone | Cons: historically simplified; corny at times; low suspense outcome
Themes
- historical figure
- light bulb
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Story · 1941 · nominated
Cast & crew
Spencer Tracy
as Thomas A. Edison
Charles Coburn
as General Powell
Lynne Overman
as Bunt Cavatt
Rita Johnson
as Mary Stilwell
Gene Lockhart
as Mr. Taggart
Henry Travers
as Ben Els
Felix Bressart
as Michael Simon
Peter Godfrey
as Ashton
Guy D'Ennery
as Lundstrom
Byron Foulger
as Edwin Hall
Directed by Clarence Brown