The Verdict

1982 "Frank Galvin has one last chance to do something right."
7.7| 2h9m| R| en| More Info
Released: 08 December 1982 Released
Producted By: 20th Century Fox
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Info

Frank Galvin is a down-on-his-luck lawyer and reduced to drinking and ambulance chasing, when a former associate reminds him of his obligations in a medical malpractice suit by serving it to Galvin on a silver platter—all parties are willing to settle out of court. Blundering his way through the preliminaries, Galvin suddenly realizes that the case should actually go to court—to punish the guilty, to get a decent settlement for his clients... and to restore his standing as a lawyer.

Genre

Drama

Watch Online

The Verdict (1982) is now streaming with subscription on Max

Director

Sidney Lumet

Production Companies

20th Century Fox

The Verdict Videos and Images
View All
  • Top Credited Cast
  • |
  • Crew

The Verdict Audience Reviews

Solidrariol Am I Missing Something?
Glucedee It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.
Phillida Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.
Haven Kaycee It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film
Matt Greene A patient character study mixed with a smart courtroom drama. Taut, smart, steady, quiet, palpable and powerful, with performances that are perfect and natural from top to bottom.
HotToastyRag The Verdict is what The Color of Money should have been. In The Color of Money, Paul Newman plays an old hustler who used to be young and famous. He trains and teaches a young upstart, but it was hardly an interesting storyline. Wouldn't it have been a more captivating plot if he used to be young and famous, and now, he's washed up, playing the small time again and struggling with an alcohol problem? I think so.In The Verdict, Paul Newman plays a lawyer who once had a future in a prestigious law firm. Now, he's a washed up alcoholic, chasing ambulances for clients. He's given one last chance to bring a big case to court, but can he get and keep his act together and win? With a running time of over two hours, it feels a little slow. But courtroom dramas can be notoriously slow, especially in the 80s, so it's not the end of the world. It's also a little predictable, but if you like Paul Newman or stories about underdogs, definitely give it a chance.
funsterdad In "The Verdict," you have Sydney Lumet directing a tight, evenly paced courtroom drama. Paul Newman delivers an Oscar worthy performance, as he lets us inside the character of a drunk, washed-up lawyer. This performance was somewhat pivotal in his career: Newman had been cast in more dashing lead roles, but now (1982) was the time for him to take on a role more revealing of his age (56, at the time). Jack Warden delivers a powerful performance as Newman's "side man," a guy trying to encourage Newman to recall his earlier successful days before becoming the classic ambulance chaser. Newman's performance is very emotional, as he seems to be seeking redemption. James Mason is perfectly cast as his foil on the other side, representing two negligent doctors and a diocese-backed hospital of renown. Charlotte Rampling's contribution to the film left this film viewer somewhat dissatisfied, and the film's ending seemed a little abrupt. Otherwise, The Verdict is well worth the time.
OllieSuave-007 I first watched this movie in a government class, either in high school or college. While it wasn't a truly exciting or action-packed film from what I remember, but it was an educational one. It stars Paul Newman as an attorney who (according to IMDb plot online) sees the opportunity to salvage his career and self-respect by taking a medical malpractice case to trial rather than settling.This film carefully delves upon the aftermath of Newman's attorney character and the drama that ensues, from him taking on the legal system and how he will try to come out victorious in his case.The acting was pretty good and all the courtroom drama was pretty intense. Not a bad movie.Grade B-