Despite being about a court case, The Verdict is really about a washed up attorney's decision to go to trial on behalf of his client, rather than taking the easy way out and accepting a cash settlement from the powerful defendant.

Paul Newman plays Frank Galvin, an alcoholic attorney who spends his days reading the obituaries and visiting funeral homes. He tries to convince the bereaved that he knew and was a friend of the deceased. He always remembers to leave his business card telling them to call if they need help. The rest of his day he spends playing pinball and drinking at various establishments around Boston.

One day out of pity his associate, Mickey Morrissey (Jack Warden), tosses Frank an open-and-shut case of medical malpractice. A doctor at the prestigious Catholic hospital gave his patient the wrong anesthetic, damaging her brain and putting her into a permanent coma. Since the church doesn't want a scandal, all Frank has to do is show up at the Archdiocese and accept a check, and he goes there fully intending to do just that. But, when the bishop offers Frank a check for $210,000, one-third of which will be his, he suddenly develops a conscience. His client has become a real person to him. Frank is going to try this case and let the jury decide.

Everybody is against Frank taking this to trial. Mickey, the client's relatives, and even the presiding judge in chambers tells Frank to accept the settlement. But this has become more than a simple case to Frank - he has hung his self-esteem on the outcome and there is no turning back. Besides, he has a witness - a prominent anesthesiologist who is willing to testify on his behalf.

Feeling good with himself, Frank tries to get lucky and succeeds. Laura Fischer (Charlotte Rampling), a new girl in town, likes Old Bushmills and apparently hasn't heard of Frank's losing reputation. She goes home with him…

The opposing counsel is formidable, headed up by a high powered lawyer named Concannon (James Mason) whom Mickey refers to as the "Prince of Darkness." Concannon is going to bring all his guns to bear at the problem at hand. We see him planning strategy with his battery of associates; teaching a witness the right things to say in his testimony; Concannon has even planted a spy in Galvin's camp... Yes, the defense is ready and eager to go to trial.

On the eve of the trial Frank Galvin finds to his dismay that his star witness has been bought off. After a miserable night, where even Charlotte Rampling abandons him, Frank makes his opening statement to the jury. His biggest point is that the client could be any of them and that although they cannot expect the court to do justice, they do expect a chance at justice. These are powerful words, even if delivered in a halting voice by a lawyer with the alcoholic shakes. Still, it doesn't look good for the plaintiff's side… Galvin doesn't give up and by the time he makes his closing argument you are ready to stand up and cheer for a man who was willing to go the distance, if nothing else.

David Mamet wrote and Sidney Lumet directed The Verdict. While the dialog has a number of good lines, the story is one that has been told many times before. However, Lumet has the insight to let Newman and the supporting cast ACT and let his camera be an onlooker. The result is a tremendous character study of a man coming to terms with himself and ultimately redeeming himself against all odds. Sort of a new take on the tortoise and the hare fable.

Newman is at his finest playing underdog Frank Galvin. One look at the battered, almost defeated alcoholic speaks volumes. Supporting actor Jack Warden also is spot on as Galvin's partner. James Mason is deliciously evil as the unscrupulous defense attorney who will do anything to win.

While I can't speak to the accuracy of the legal proceedings, I can say that they were only a side issue in this story. The real question was, "Can a man long accustomed to his habits redeem himself?" Whether you believe the answer is yes or no, director Sidney Lumet has made a convincing case for his view in The Verdict.




Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening