Dreadfully Boring

Admirable film.

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

I was very pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this entertaining biopic about the early life of Thomas Alva Edison. While the film does stick close to Edison's true youthful experiences, the added bits of fiction are so good they actually help to further enhance the story. Mickey Rooney was the perfect choice to play the young inventor, his spunk and natural acting are a fine combination, bringing the youthful Edison to life. Underrated child actress Virginia Weidler is equally superb playing Edison's admiring younger sister. Fay Bainter and George Bancroft brilliantly play the parents of Tom, a boy who forever is getting himself into trouble with is scientific inventions and his misunderstood intelligence, which labels him a misfit among the town's people. This is where Fay Bainter excels as Tom's understanding, and lovingly patient mother. The dramatic ending to the story is very exciting. This film is both entertaining and touching, and perfectly fine for family viewing.

This is a good family movie. Young Tom Edison stars Mickey Rooney. Mickey Rooney's character seem little different than Andy Hardy in his Andy Hardy flicks. Young Tom Edison is probably best enjoyed in the afternoon with the family. It depicts a mischievous young Thomas Edison, the wizard of Menlo Park, as a curious youngster getting into trouble because of his curiosity and boyhood charm. Parents need to realize that their young children, although mischievous, might grow up to be a real genius, inventor, or provide humanity something important to use. The children might realize that anything is still possible in their life, although they might have a rocky start. True curiosity is the most important step in order to do anything important. Unfortunately, the film is in black and white, which was standard in the 40s. Maybe, it should be redone in color. Enjoy and pop some popcorn.

This was always a favorite of mine when I would see it on television many years ago but I had forgotten how good a film it still is. I just saw it today on TCM and I have to say something about this under-appreciated gem. The cast is a terrific ensemble of filmdom's great character actors such as George Bancroft who appears in countless films, among them Stagecoach. He plays Tom's father with great heart and finally when he realizes who is son really is, they share a heartwarming thumping of the town's most obnoxious father, son pairing. Virginia Weidler is very good as Tom's sister. Another of Hollywood's most talented children, she appeared frequently with Mickey and Judy and also had a high profile role in The Philadelphia story.Fay Bainter has one of her best roles ever as Tom's mother, easily worthy of an academy nod. While the story may not resemble reality, it communicates some very important human truths about family. This film is every bit as good as The Yearling and should be considered a must for family viewing.

Like most people, I have always been an admirer of Thomas Alva Edison, probably the most prolific inventor of all time. But as I watched the movie, I wondered how much of it was fabricated. According to the world book encyclopedia, pretty much all of the incidents depicted in the movie happened, although some of the time frames were changed to allow Mickey Rooney to play the part throughout the film. And Rooney, always a very underrated actor, is terrific. With very good support from Fay Bainter, Virginia Weidler and George Bancroft as members of Edison's family, this is a film easily enjoyed by everyone. And look for a cameo by Spencer Tracy, who already had been cast in the sequel, "Edison, the Man (1940)," which was in production when this film was released.