This is an excellent movie for use with case law readings (Gideon v Wainwright.)It is a bit slow. I think a condensed version would be good. The students might lose the significance of this case.
Professor Cavanaugh
March 27, 2008As a review or account of an important historical event it was O.K., but I was disappointed in the performance of an Academy Award-winning actor in the person of Henry Fonda. Overall the movie was lackluster and had no screenplay or music score to thoroughly engage the viewer as you would look for in a motion picture. It is more of something you would see on public television....Certainly, not a blockbuster.
January 20, 2008 |  | NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF ONE!! |  |
It's 1961 and Clarence Earl Gideon (Fonda), a destitute, four time felon from Panama City, FL, is arrested again for robbery and breaking and entering. When his case comes to trial, he asks the state to appoint an attorney because he can't afford one. The state denies his request, stating that only applies in capital offenses. He is forced to represent himself, ending in conviction and a five year prison sentence. In prison he pursues his belief that everyone is entitled to a fair trial with competent representation regardless of the severity of the crime and regardless of the person's ability to pay. Amazingly, his handwritten appeal to the Supreme Court finds its way into the hands of a sympathetic law clerk who pushes it through. Abe Fortas (Ferrer), who would later become a Supreme Court Justice himself, is assigned to represent Gideon before the high court with John Houseman playing the Chief Justice. This is a fascinating true story of how one destitute prisoner literally changed the law of the land, resulting in what we all know as the Miranda Law giving specific rights to everyone charged with a crime. This is one of Fonda's least known movies, yet perhaps one of his best. There is no soundtrack to get you emotionally involved, just great acting and a story worthy of these outstanding performances. It is endorsed by the National Education Association and apparently is used in many law schools. Never underestimate the difference one person can make. You could be that person. WWW.LUSREVIEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM.
January 5, 2008| | | What's wrong with the actors in this movie? | |
Is it me, or is everyone acting in slow motion in this movie? Horrible, horrible acting. From the initial interrogation, to the talk inside the prison yard, to the trial implicating Gideon, to the review by the Supreme Court. It pained me to see Clarence Gideon try to complete a sentence, and when he did it seemed that everyone hung on his every word. The only bright spots have to go to Tommy Lee Jones for referencing "Appalachicola" and frail Sam Jaffe for having a smaller chair than the other Supreme Court Justices. Other than that, I wanted to slit my wrists watching this movie.
Nice win for Gideon, though. 9-0. Uuuuunanimous!
November 19, 2004| | | Landmark Film on Land Mark Case | |
Fonda's performance is perfect, and the film covers all the issues without missing a beat. I use it every year in my government class.
March 16, 2002More reviews at Amazon.com ...
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