Vintage Fonda & Lumet; an American classic

Rating: Null/10 (23 April 2003)

12 ANGRY MEN (1957) **** Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, Ed Begley, E.G. Marshall, Jack Klugman, Jack Warden, John Fiedler, Robert Webber, Joseph Sweeney, Edward Binns, George Vosolov.
Fonda's first foray into producing and director Sidney Lumet's debut as a filmmaker make for a unique combination in their adaptation of Reginald Rose's play about a jury deciding the fate of a teen accused of murdering his father that culminates in a juicy scenario: lone juror Fonda believes he's not guilty and his What If theories drive a wedge from his fellow appointees that culminates in outbursts of ire, shock, disbelief and ultimately skepticism with a liberal dose of racism, ignorance and personal demons.
Excellent ensemble cast of truly talented actors especially Cobb as the most vitriolic of the group. The film still packs a wallop perhaps the times have only changed in the legal system as getting worse. Oscar nominated for Best Director and Best Picture (hard to believe Fonda and anyone in the cast got snubbed for a nomination!)