Dir: Sydney Lumet, 1957, bw (8*)
This was Sydney Lumet’s (The Verdict, Absence of Malice) first film, and forever changed legal films. Very evidently based on a play, the entire film takes place in the jury room, yet the action is riveting, thanks to a great script and terrific cast. The jury is led by foreman Martin Balsam, and all but one think a murder defendant is guilty, primarily due to bigotry, as he’s from an urban slum. The lone holdout is Henry Fonda, who gradually makes his arguments to the others, based on reasonable doubt. His staunchest opponent is Lee J. Cobb, in one of his best appearances. Other jurors include E.G. Marshall, Norman Fell, Robert Webber, Jack Warden and some unknowns who are equally good. Somehow Lumet keeps this from becoming claustrophobic, as well as using the jury room to expose our weaknesses and prejudice as a society.