The Verdict
Seen it?1982 | 129 min | Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (87% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention and it was a solid box office hit. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Philadelphia or Good Will Hunting, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 9 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
87% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Nominated for 5 Oscars, 5 Golden Globes and 1 WGA Award.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$54 million worldwide on a $16 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 182K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Philadelphia Saturday SpecialAnother legal drama, and a Saturday Special.
Good Will Hunting
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed legal drama.
The Rainmaker Saturday SpecialAnother legal drama, and a Saturday Special.
Juror #2 Saturday SpecialAnother legal drama.
Just Mercy Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved legal drama.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Sidney Lumet
- Paul NewmanFrank Galvin
- Charlotte RamplingLaura Fischer
- Jack WardenMickey Morrissey
- James MasonEd Concannon
- Milo O'SheaJudge Hoyle
- Lindsay CrouseKaitlin Costello
- Edward BinnsBishop Brophy
- Julie BovassoMaureen Rooney
- Roxanne HartSally Doneghy
- James HandyKevin Doneghy