The Paper Chase (1973)

Here's a movie that should convince anyone that law school is not for them--particularly Harvard Law School. Timothy Bottoms leads a group of would-be shysters through their first year at Harvard--which amounts to endless studying and backbiting as they try to memorize whole books at a sitting. As the grueling routine begins to get to them, each reacts to the stress in different way. Bottoms's character becomes consumed with winning the attention and approval of the school's crankiest teacher, the crusty Prof. Kingsfield, the role that won "newcomer" John Houseman an Oscar. Alternately funny and harrowing, it makes law school look like the academic equivalent of coal mining. --Marshall Fine Amazon.com

Modest story, but a strong cast

John Housman, as the brilliant, unapproachable, Harvard Law professor, pulls this train. A first year law student, Timothy Bottoms, is not satisfied with getting what his professor has to teach him about contract law; he is driven to get the professor to recognize him as an individual. His professor is like the old school football coach; He doesn't care if you like him, but you will be a great football player when he is done with you. Houseman, plays the professor to perfection even with a slight hint, but nothing revealed, of a human being. The high levels of anxiety and competition, that are awash in ego, is depicted through Bottoms' fellow students. Modest story, but a great cast of characters. December 17, 2008

Good, but a little dated

I enjoyed the TV series years ago, but had never seen the movie. I watched it with my daughter, who is now in her first year of law school. It was enjoyable, but very much a movie of the early seventies. Professor Kingsfield wasn't nearly as intimidating as he once was. My daughter was bored. November 4, 2008

Excellent film!

This is what should be coming out of Hollywood now! This film from 1973 is thought-provoking and truly entertaining without any silly special effects to blur the meaning! September 7, 2008

Great Film, Decent DVD

This DVD is based on a print that's in good shape. The only problem I noticed was with the audio. In a couple of scenes -- such as in Brooks' apartment, where he's confessing his struggles to Hart -- the audio isn't 100 percent in sync with the video, although fortunately not to the point that it's annoying.

The only downside to this DVD is the limited features, which are the trailer and commentary. Maybe there simply wasn't anything left the cutting room floor, or maybe nobody bothered to save it because at the time they ddn't realize that this film would become a minor classic. August 5, 2008

Still great, but dated.

Always a great movie for incoming law students. Emphasizes the henious Socratic method. A bit dated. August 4, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...