When attorney Frank Calvin (Newman) is given an open-and-shut medical malpractice case that no one thinks he can win, he courageously decides to refuse a settlement from the hospital. Instead he takes the case, and the entire legal system, to court... Sidney Lumet's riveting courtroom drama earned five Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor for Paul Newman's towering performance as a down-and-out alcoholic who stumbles onto one last chance to redeem himself.
Directed by
Sidney Lumet
Written by
Barry Reed (novel) David Mamet (screenplay)
Starring
Paul Newman (Frank Galvin); Charlotte Rampling (Laura Fischer); Jack Warden (Mickey Morrissey); James Mason (Ed Concannon); Milo O'Shea (Judge Hoyle); Lindsay Crouse (Kaitlin Costello); Ed Binns (Bishop Brophy (as Edward Binns)); Julie Bovasso (Maureen Rooney); Roxanne Hart (Sally Doneghy); James Handy (Kevin Doneghy); Wesley Addy (Dr. Towler); Joe Seneca (Dr. Thompson); Lewis J. Stadlen (Dr. Gruber (as Lewis Stadlen)); Kent Broadhurst (Joseph Alito); Colin Stinton (Billy). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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Close to perfect
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
I can't believe I let this film sit around on my shelf waiting to be watched for so long - it's now gone straight into my Top-100 and will stay there for quite some time I believe. Paul Newman is fantastic in his portrayal of down-and-out attorney Frank Galvin in this finely directed Boston-based film from Sidney Lumet. Like many a good courtroom drama the audience is kept in genuine suspense as to the outcome of the final verdict. However, unlike many a courtroom drama The Verdict also manages to strike a fine balance in creating an amiable, believable protagonist with more than a few problems of his own. This is in addition to the apt inclusion of a few well-judged references to faith and prayer that are also so sadly lacking from many of today's movies. Lumet's filming on the city streets of Boston through the seasons adds further grounding to this fine production based upon the virtues of courage, faith and honesty.
