Frank Galvin (Paul Newman) is a rundown drunk lawyer chasing cases in the obituaries and spending his days in a bar. He was accused of jury tampering and resigned from his job. His former associate Mickey Morrissey (Jack Warden) gives him an easy medical malpractice suit. The Doneghys are suing the Archdiocese of Boston for leaving her sister in a coma after childbirth. Frank is looking to settle and then changes his mind despite the easy $70k payday. He meets Laura Fischer (Charlotte Rampling) at his bar. His opposition Ed Concannon (James Mason) has a big team. His expert Dr. Gruber has gone vacationing. Judge Hoyle (Milo O'Shea) is blocking him at every turn for turning down the offer. He himself is not prepared. The case is going badly until he discovers nurse Kaitlin Costello (Lindsay Crouse).
This is a terrific performance from Newman. His drunk acting is masterful. His inherent likability shines through this darker messy character. The David Mamet script is well-researched and meticulous. Sidney Lumet's direction is a little slow and needs greater intensity. Nevertheless, it's a great movie to see great acting from everybody in a well-written script.
This is a terrific performance from Newman. His drunk acting is masterful. His inherent likability shines through this darker messy character. The David Mamet script is well-researched and meticulous. Sidney Lumet's direction is a little slow and needs greater intensity. Nevertheless, it's a great movie to see great acting from everybody in a well-written script.