Review of The Verdict (1982) by Thomas B — 24 Jul 2013

One of the Academy awards greatest foul ups is that they waited until 1987 to give Paul Newman an award for his acting in the Colour Of Money.

If there had been any justice he would have won for his role as alcholic Lawyer Frank Galvin in this classic from master director Sidney Lumet.

Galvin is an ambulance chasing deadbeat who is handed a last shot when he is handed a medical negligence case by his friend Mickey played by Jack Warden.

After he visits the victim in a coma in hospital and is given the chance to settle out of court by the church that ran the hospital ,he decides he can win the case and goes ahead building his legal arguements.

During the process he becomes involved with Laura Fisher played by Charlotte Rampling ,who is more than meets the eye as the events unfold.

He is also up against a powerful law firm headed by James Mason who will use every trick in the book to ensure Galvin doesnt stand a chance.

Lumet is of course a seasoned pro at this kind of drama and thanks to David Mamets sparkling script he gets great performances from Rampling ,Jack Warden and James Mason.

But this is Newmans show and boy what a show it is,he really does command the screen here and its a long long way from his lighter performances.

The final courtroom showdown is nothing short of brilliant as Galvin summons all his powers to sway the jury.

The film shows again if any proof were needed just what a master director of actors Sidney Lumet was when the script and the right actors were in place.