Watch The Verdict

The Verdict is a dramatic film released in 1982 starring Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, and Jack Warden. The movie was directed by Sidney Lumet and written by David Mamet. The story is based on a novel of the same name by Barry Reed. The Verdict follows the story of Frank Galvin (Paul Newman), a washed-up lawyer who takes on a medical malpractice case that no one expects him to win. Galvin is an alcoholic and has lost most of his cases, but he sees this as a chance to redeem himself.

Galvin takes on the case of a woman who is left in a vegetative state after undergoing a botched surgery at a Catholic hospital. The hospital and its lawyers expect Galvin to settle out of court for a small sum of money, but he insists on taking the case to trial. Galvin's determination to win the case is fueled by his desire to prove that he is still a competent lawyer and by his growing affection for the woman's sister, Laura Fischer (Charlotte Rampling).

Throughout the trial, Galvin faces numerous challenges. He must deal with a biased judge who appears to be in cahoots with the defense, a powerful and unscrupulous opposing counsel, and the mounting evidence that the woman's condition is not entirely the hospital's fault. Galvin also struggles with his own personal demons, including his alcoholism and his troubled relationship with his ex-girlfriend, who is also a key witness in the case.

Despite these obstacles, Galvin perseveres, putting his heart and soul into the trial. Newman delivers a powerful performance as Galvin, conveying the character's inner turmoil and his fierce determination to do what is right. Rampling also shines as the woman's sister, playing the role with a quiet strength and grace that makes her a perfect foil for Galvin.

Jack Warden delivers a standout performance as Galvin's mentor and friend, Mickey Morrissey. Morrissey is a former lawyer who now runs a bar, and he gives Galvin the guidance and support he needs to make it through the trial. Morrissey's dry humor and down-to-earth wisdom add a much-needed touch of levity to the film.

The Verdict is a gripping legal drama that explores themes of justice, redemption, and personal responsibility. The film's characters are complex and well-drawn, and the story is both engaging and thought-provoking. The film's climax, in particular, is a tour de force of acting and storytelling, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

In conclusion, The Verdict is a classic legal drama that showcases the talents of some of Hollywood's finest actors. The film has endured as a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Anyone who appreciates a good courtroom drama or a compelling character study should give this film a watch.

The Verdict is a 1982 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 77.