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starring: Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, James Mason, Milo O'Sheadirected by: Sidney Lumet
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786301599894
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
ISBN: 6301599896
Label: 20th Century Fox
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: April 01, 1997
Running Time: 129 minutes
Sales Rank: 3382
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Theatrical Release Date: December 08, 1982
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video:
In this 1982 courtroom drama written by David Mamet and directed by Sidney Lumet, Paul Newman found the perfect role for a transitional period of his stellar career. As alcoholic Boston lawyer Frank Galvin, Newman shook off his screen persona as a handsome, blue-eyed hunk to portray an aging, weary man whose best years are behind him, with a shot-glass future that looks very bleak indeed. But when Galvin is given a chance to redeem himself--by proving medical negligence in the case of a comatose woman--he makes one final effort to regain his self-respect and tarnished reputation. He's an underdog against formidable odds, facing a powerful, politically connected lawyer (James Mason, slick as ever) who will do anything to win his case, regardless of professional ethics. Further complicating matters is a woman (Charlotte Rampling) who only appears to be worthy of Galvin's trust and love, until Galvin's best friend and colleague (Jack Warden) proves otherwise. Excellent as both courtroom drama and riveting character study, the film crackles with Mamet's sharp dialogue; and Lumet's direction is a brilliant example of forceful restraint. The film gave Newman one of the best roles of his career; many felt he deserved the Oscar (he lost to Ben Kingsley in Gandhi) that would belatedly be given to Newman for The Color of Money. Along with Hud, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Verdict ranks highly as a signature performance by one of America's all-time greatest actors. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - My Favorite Newman Role -- Hands Down!
It's an awesome experience watching Paul Newman play the role of down-and-almost-out attorney Frank Galvin in The Verdict; not to mention James Mason, Jack Warden, and Charlotte Rampling; all given "classic" understated direction by Sidney Lumet. As has been pointed out by another reviewer here, what lets the film down a bit and keeps it from being a legal drama for the ages is that this great performance is draped in a script which shamelessly flaunts nearly every cliché imaginable -- like that ... Read More
Rating: - Best of Newman and full of memorable lines
I've loved Newman, especially as he's taken on older character roles - Nobody's Fool of course stands out - but this is where the great 3rd act of his career started. The first two acts, hot bod Newman of the H-films, and buddy Newman of Butch Cassidy and the Sting, have their charms, but here he's all grown up, having to decide if he's going to keep being a youngster, or finally sholder responsibility.
However, what I espeically love of this film are its many memorable scenes and lines. ... Read More
Rating:  - An acting lesson from from Paul Newman puts this one over
"The Verdict" is a powerful film about a down-and-out lawyer - played by Paul Newman - who has a last chance to redeem himself in a medical negligence case. David Mamet's script has enough holes in it to drive a bulldozer through but a superlative performance by Newman and equally great direction from Sidney Lumet put this one over.
Rating: - An Astonishing Treasure
I originally saw The Verdict when it was first released theatrically, but I had forgotten how wonderful this film is until I ordered the Two-Disc Collector's Edition. The Verdict captures perhaps the best performance of Paul Newman's storied career, plus a memorable appearance by film legend James Mason as his ably evil legal adversary. The Verdict is much more than a courtroom drama: it is the timeless tale of a character who realizes that he has only one shot left at redemption. Every moment in this ... Read More
Rating: - Paul Newman seems to melt into his character
My best friend and I decided that this summer we would start a Paul Newman night. On our second night we watched The Verdict. Mr. Newman's illustration of Frank Galvin is beautiful.
I am not an alcoholic but could feel his need for a drink. I felt his pain when he visited his client in the hospital. His desperation was personal when he felt as if his mistake was tearing down not only him but his client's family. The frustration of doors slamming in his face (sometimes literally) hurt my feelings ... Read More
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