A couple of problems but still very good

Rating: 9/10 (15 March 1999)

First of all, I have a couple of problems with this movie which keeps this from being a classic for me. First of all, I recognize that this is a different time than now, but I find it hard to believe that a defense lawyer would allow such obviously prejudiced jurors like the ones played by Ed Begley and Lee J. Cobb onto the jury. Even if he was just the public defender, it seems to me he'd have some sense. Also, again even though this was a different time, I read an article by Alan Dershowitz who points out there's no way Henry Fonda would have been able to bring a knife into the deliberation room. Nevertheless, this is still a good film, because it really explores what reasonable doubt truly means, and it showcases some excellent acting. Sidney Lumet also does a good job directing his first film.