Product Details

• Actors: Spencer Tracy, Rita Johnson, Lynne Overman, Charles Coburn, Gene Lockhart
• Directors: Clarence Brown
• Writers: Bradbury Foote, Dore Schary, Hugo Butler, Talbot Jennings
• Producers: John W. Considine Jr., Orville O. Dull
• Format: Black & White, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: MGM (Warner)
• VHS Release Date: September 1, 1998
• Run Time: 107 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302208912
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #173,034 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spencer Tracy as Edison the Greatest Inventor, July 4, 2001

By 

Lawrance M. Bernabo (The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Edison the Man [VHS] (VHS Tape)

"Edison, The Man," directed in 1940 by Clarence Brown, remains one of the best bio-pics from MGM's Golden Years. Spencer Tracy stars as Thomas Alva Edison, who looks back on his legendary career as the reluctant guest of honor at the 1929 Golden Jubilee of Light. Told in flashbacks, the film traces Edison's career from the time he arrived penniless in New York to his triumph with the incandescent electric light in 1879 when he lit the city by electricity. The act of invention has never been more interesting, as when Edison comes up with the idea for a talking machine. The story is necessarily episodic in nature, but Tracy's performance and narration hold the entire thing together, reaffirming his place as our greatest film actor. "Edison, The Man" features Rita Johnson as Edison's future wife Mary, Lynne Overman as "Bunt" Cavatt, Charles Coburn as General Powell, and Henry Travers as Ben Els. The montage at the end of the film, where Edison ages as his many inventions fly by on the screen, is a nice reminder of why Edison was widely considered the smartest American who ever lived. His list of inventions certainly quantifies him as the most prolific scientist.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eddison the Man, December 14, 1999

By 

Gene Downs (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Edison the Man [VHS] (VHS Tape)

We are on this earth for a reason, some for their own benefit and gain. Thomas Eddison was truly a man who benefited all to follow. He was truly a man of vision, destinity and positive thinking, paving the way for the future. Every teenager should see this movie. Spencer Tracy portrays Eddison at his best.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All Children Should See this Movie, October 21, 2004

By 

J. Snoke "classicmovieking" (Harrisburg, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Edison the Man [VHS] (VHS Tape)

What a heart warming picture. Spencer Tracy did an excellent job in this movie. Loved it from start to finish. I love all these 20th century Fox bios. Young Tom Edison was also very good. This movie teaches the charactor quality of "perseverance". A very safe and enjoyable movie for the children to see. Very homeschool friendly. You will love it!!
Don't miss Boys Town, with Spencer Tracy. Another great flick!!