The Verdict Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Boozy lawyer accidentally finds a conscience and sues a hospital, probably because he ran out of beer money.

🍿 The Verdict: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Frank Galvin

Frank Galvin, portrayed by Paul Newman, is a down-on-his-luck, alcoholic lawyer in Boston. Once a promising attorney, he is now reduced to chasing ambulances and soliciting clients at funerals. His career and personal life are in shambles, haunted by a past scandal and a lost marriage.

The Medical Malpractice Case

Galvin is presented with a medical malpractice case by his friend and colleague, Mickey Morrissey. The case involves a young woman, Deborah Ann Kaye, who is in a vegetative state due to negligence during childbirth at a Catholic hospital. Initially, Galvin sees the case as a chance for a quick settlement and easy money.

A Change of Heart

After visiting the comatose Deborah Ann Kaye and witnessing her condition firsthand, Galvin experiences a moral awakening. He decides to reject a substantial settlement offer from the Archdiocese and take the case to trial. This decision shocks those around him, including his clients, who were eager to settle.

Facing an Uphill Battle

Galvin faces numerous obstacles as he prepares for trial. He is up against a powerful and well-resourced defense team led by Ed Concannon. The presiding judge, Judge Hoyle, is also biased against Galvin. His expert witness disappears, forcing him to find a last-minute replacement.

Betrayal and Discovery

Galvin begins a relationship with Laura Fischer, who seems supportive. However, it is revealed that Laura is spying on Galvin for the defense team, providing Concannon with inside information. Mickey discovers Laura’s betrayal, leading to a confrontation between Galvin and Laura.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frank Galvin (Paul Newman): A down-on-his-luck, alcoholic lawyer seeking redemption by taking on a challenging medical malpractice case.
• Ed Concannon (James Mason): The smooth and formidable defense attorney hired by the Archdiocese to counter Galvin’s efforts.
• Mickey Morrissey (Jack Warden): Frank’s loyal, albeit weary, friend and legal mentor who helps him with the malpractice case.
• Laura Fischer (Charlotte Rampling): A mysterious woman who enters into a relationship with Frank while secretly working for the opposing counsel.
• Judge Hoyle (Milo O’Shea): The biased judge presiding over the case who consistently favors the defense.
• Kaitlin Costello Price (Lindsay Crouse): The admitting nurse whose testimony and evidence are crucial to Frank’s case.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Frank Galvin: “I object. Counsel is badgering the witness.” – Frank, initially fumbling, begins to find his footing, asserting himself against Concannon’s aggressive tactics.
• Frank Galvin: “You know, so much of the time we’re just lost. We say, ‘Please, God, tell us what is right; tell us what is true.’” – Part of Frank’s closing argument, reflecting his personal journey and the film’s theme of seeking justice in a flawed world.
• Frank Galvin: “In my religion, they say, ‘Act as if ye had faith… and faith will be given to you.’” – Also from his closing argument, highlighting the importance of belief and action in the pursuit of justice.
• Frank Galvin: “If we are to have faith in justice, we need only to believe in ourselves. And ACT with justice.” – The core message of Frank’s closing argument, emphasizing the power of individual belief in achieving justice.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $53,977,250
• Worldwide Gross: $53,993,738

💥 The Verdict Reviews

Personal Review

I was absolutely riveted by this movie. Paul Newman’s performance is just heartbreakingly real. The scene where he’s piecing together the truth about the case, and the one with Lindsay Crouse as Kaitlin, just blew me away. It’s not just a courtroom drama, it’s a story about finding hope in the darkest places.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of courtroom dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Admirers of Paul Newman’s acting”
  • “Those who enjoy films exploring moral and ethical dilemmas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Brief scene of violence”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Implied affair/relationship”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A masterclass in acting, direction, and writing. Newman delivers a career-defining performance, and Lumet’s direction perfectly captures the grim reality of the legal system. A must-see for fans of courtroom dramas.
• The New York Times: “Newman excels as a lawyer seeking redemption in Sidney Lumet’s ‘The Verdict’, a courtroom drama with a touch of suspense.
• Variety: “Sidney Lumet’s ‘The Verdict’ provides a powerhouse acting showcase for Paul Newman in particular and James Mason, Jack Warden and Charlotte Rampling.

Audience Reactions

Newman’s performance as the down-on-his-luck lawyer is unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the realistic portrayal of the legal system and the powerful performances.

Lindsay Crouse’s courtroom scene steals the show.: The film is often cited as a classic courtroom drama with suspense and thought-provoking themes.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted and thought-provoking legal drama, with Paul Newman delivering a career-defining performance.

Awards

1. David di Donatello Awards (Best Foreign Actor)- 1983
2. Silver Ribbon (Best Director – Foreign Film)- 1983

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Paul Newman delivered Frank Galvin’s closing statement in a single take, showcasing his mastery of the character and the script.”
• “The film’s ending is intentionally ambiguous, leaving the audience to interpret Frank’s final decision regarding Laura’s phone call and his future.”
• “Director Sidney Lumet, known for his realistic and gritty style, shot the film on location in Boston during the winter to capture the city’s bleak atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Verdict?

As of October 2024, The Verdict is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Verdict, you might like these similar films:

• 12 Angry Men (1957): Directed by Sidney Lumet, it also explores the complexities of justice and the power of individual conviction within a legal setting.
• A Civil Action (1998): Features a lawyer who becomes obsessed with a case against a corporation, similarly risking everything for justice.
• Erin Brockovich (2000): A modern legal drama where an underdog fights against a powerful corporation, seeking justice for those harmed.
• Anatomy of a Murder (1959): A classic courtroom drama that explores the complexities and moral ambiguities of a murder trial, similar to the legal and ethical dilemmas presented in ‘The Verdict’.

🛒 The Verdict Related Products

• The Verdict [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in stunning high-definition Blu-ray quality, with enhanced audio and visual clarity. The disk includes commentary and behind the scenes.
• David Mamet: Collected Plays, Volume 1: Includes several of David Mamet’s most lauded plays like Glengarry Glen Ross and American Buffalo along with an introduction by Mamet himself. Get to know his playwriting style before he wrote the movie.
• Paul Newman: A Life: The biography by Shawn Levy, goes behind-the-scenes of Newman’s personal and professional life. Provides insights into Newman’s character and motivations.
• Boston Legal: The Complete Series: Inspired by ‘The Verdict’, with similar courtroom drama style, witty dialogue, and complex characters. A great follow-up for fans of legal dramas.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Verdict features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Johnny Mandel
• “Bar Blues” – performed by Unknown Artist
• “Summation” – performed by Dialogue from the movie

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Verdict – I kept a copy

Ever wonder what it looks like when a lawyer makes a HUGE mistake in court? Check out this clip where James Mason asks a question he clearly regrets! It’s a classic moment.

The Verdict (5/5) Movie CLIP – Frank’s Closing Statement (1982) HD

Ready for some serious acting chops? Paul Newman absolutely nails this closing statement, and honestly, it gives me chills every time. You HAVE to see it!

✨ Rate