The Star Chamber
Seen it?1983 | 105 min | Drama, Thriller
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (77% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.0 out of 10 from audiences and a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Juror #2, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 45 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect violence.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
As violence escalates in Los Angeles and heinous murders are committed, Steven Hardin, a young judge of the California Supreme Court, must struggle with his tortured conscience and growing despair as he watches helplessly as the ruthless criminals brought before his court go free because clever lawyers find obscure loopholes in the law.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
77% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.0 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$6 million worldwide on a $8 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 31K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Peter Hyams
- Michael DouglasSteven Hardin
- Hal HolbrookBenjamin Caulfield
- Yaphet KottoDetective Harry Lowes
- Sharon GlessEmily Hardin
- James B. SikkingDr. Harold Lewin
- Joe RegalbutoArthur Cooms
- Don CalfaLawrence Monk
- John DiSantiDetective James Wickman
- DeWayne JessieStanley Flowers
- Jack KehoeHingle