THE VERDICT

THE VERDICT - 1982

RATED - R for language. Mostly early in the movie in onc scene a number of 'f' words. Pretty minor after that.  No sex or nudity.  One incident of violence where a woman is slapped across the face and shown with bloody nose.

RATINGS - 94 Amazon (5/5), 252.718 Netflix (3.8/5), 10,518 IMDB (7.7/10).

STARRING - Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, James Mason, Jack Warden.

AWARDS - Five 1983 Academy Award and four Golden Globe nominations including BEST PICTURE and BEST ACTOR. 

THEMES - Justice, relationships.

STORY - The film opens with down and out attorney Frank Galvin (Newman) spending his day the way he usually does - with alcohol and playing pin ball games.  A former editor of his college law review and partner in a prestigious law firm, he is now an ambulance chaser and alcoholic.  A professional lapse in judgment which led to almost being disbarred and to the end of his marriage has taken its toll.  A friend and former colleague, Mickey Morrissey (Warden) refers him a 'softball' case which should easily settle out of court with the insurance company for a nice fee.  With only ten days before the case goes to court (Frank has forgotten) his conscience starts to bother Frank and he really believes he can go to court and win, contrary to the client's wishes and everyone else's advice. What follows is a fascinating courtroom drama as well as character study.  Enough surprises and twists to keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.  One of Newman's more overlooked gems.  If you like legal thrillers and courtroom drama, this is a classic.  Great supporting performances from Mason, Warden and Rampling.

LINKS -  IMDB/TRAILER