Is Edison, the Man Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Edison, the Man is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies.
It features a runtime of 107 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Edison, the Man Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1940, Edison, the Man enters the History genre with a narrative focused on In flashback, fifty years after inventing the light bulb, an 82-year-old Edison tells his story starting at age twenty-two with his arrival in New York. Under the direction of Clarence Brown, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Spencer Tracy, Charles Coburn, Lynne Overman. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Edison, the Man offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Edison, the Man is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.8/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of History, Drama, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of Edison, the Man
- Spencer Tracy – Thomas A. Edison
- Charles Coburn – General Powell
- Lynne Overman – Bunt Cavatt
- Rita Johnson – Mary Stilwell
- Gene Lockhart – Mr. Taggart
Top Highlights
Spencer TracyThomas A. Edison
Charles CoburnGeneral Powell
Lynne OvermanBunt Cavatt
Rita JohnsonMary Stilwell
Gene LockhartMr. Taggart
Henry TraversBen Els
Felix BressartMichael Simon
Peter GodfreyAshton
Guy D'EnneryLundstrom
Byron FoulgerEdwin Hall
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, Edison, the Man stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1940 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edison, the Man movie hit or flop?
Edison, the Man has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Edison, the Man worth watching?
Edison, the Man is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of History, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Edison, the Man?
Edison, the Man is a History, Drama movie that In flashback, fifty years after inventing the light bulb, an 82-year-old Edison tells his story starting at age twenty-two with his arrival in New Yor...
