Edison, the Man
- Spencer Tracy: Thomas Alva Edison
- Rita Johnson: Mary Stillwell
- Lynne Overman: James J. Cavatt
- Charles Coburn: General Powell
- Gene Lockhart: Mr. Taggart
- Henry Travers: Ben Els
- Felix Bressart: Michael Simon, Edison's assistant
The great Edison (OT: Edison, the Man ) is the title of an American film biography from 1940 with Spencer Tracy in the title role.
Action
During the celebration of the 50th birthday of the light bulb, Thomas Alva Edison reminds us of his life. 1869, while still a young telegrapher, Edison goes to New York and tried to find backers for his research. Finally found in General Powell, president of the Western Union, a financial backer. He manages to sell one of his inventions for $ 40,000. This success allowed him marrying his true love Mary Stillwell and the opening of its research laboratory in Menlo Park. In the next years to him the development of the phonograph succeed. When one of his employees against the truth claims that Edison was the invention of the light bulb succeeded in Edison, is punished at the instigation of the gas shareholder Taggart, of the scientific community with contempt. After countless attempts, he finally developing a practical incandescent lamp but succeed. Edison is one block New York's electric light, but his adversary Taggart set a deadline of six months by this. For Edison a race against time begins.
Background
In the great Edison is the sequel to the film, the young Edison with Mickey Rooney in the title role.
Awards
The film was nominated for the Academy Awards in 1941 for Best Original Story.