Abe Lincoln in Illinois

In New Salem, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln (Raymond Massey) falls in love with Ann Rutledge (Howard). Locals persuade him to run for the State Assembly, but Ann's death upsets Lincoln into leaving the Assembly. He meets Mary Todd (Gordon), who has political ambitions for him, but his worries that his anti-slavery views will damage the Union drive him away. However, thoughts of Ann revitalize him, and he and Mary are wed. Later, Abe faces Stephen Douglas (Lockhart) in debates that gain national attention. Knowing that as President, his views will further divide the Union, Lincoln still leaves Illinois for Washington.