Is Young Tom Edison Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Young Tom Edison is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Young Tom Edison Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1940, Young Tom Edison emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Inventor Thomas Edison's boyhood is chronicled and shows him as a lad whose early inventions and scientific experiments usually end up causing disastrous results. Unlike standard genre fare, Young Tom Edison attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Young Tom Edison features a noteworthy lineup led by Mickey Rooney . Supported by the likes of George Bancroft and Fay Bainter , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Young Tom Edison (1940) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Young Tom Edison Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Young Tom Edison is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Young Tom Edison Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Young Tom Edison attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Young Tom Edison reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Young Tom Edison?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Young Tom Edison
- Mickey Rooney – Thomas Alva 'Tom' Edison
- George Bancroft – Samuel 'Sam' Edison
- Fay Bainter – Mrs. Samuel 'Nancy' Edison
- Virginia Weidler – Tannie Edison
- Eugene Pallette – Mr. Nelson
Top Highlights
Mickey RooneyThomas Alva 'Tom' Edison
George BancroftSamuel 'Sam' Edison
Fay BainterMrs. Samuel 'Nancy' Edison
Virginia WeidlerTannie Edison
Eugene PalletteMr. Nelson
Victor KilianMr. Dingle
Bobby JordanJoe 'Joey' Dingle
Lloyd CorriganDr. Pender
John KelloggBill Edison
Clem BevansMr. Waddell
Where to Watch Young Tom Edison Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Young Tom Edison is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Young Tom Edison stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1940 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Young Tom Edison movie hit or flop?
Young Tom Edison has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Young Tom Edison worth watching?
Young Tom Edison is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Young Tom Edison online?
Young Tom Edison may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Young Tom Edison
How Young Tom Edison Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Young Tom Edison
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Mickey Rooney
View full filmography
Part of the Edison Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise