Tarfumes.com - Gideon's Trumpet

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Manufacturer: Acorn Media
Starring: Henry Fonda, José Ferrer, John Houseman, Fay Wray, Sam Jaffe
Directed By: Robert E. Collins

Average Customer Rating:

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0054961974894
Format: Color
Label: Acorn Media
Manufacturer: Acorn Media
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Acorn Media
Release Date: 2007-08-28
Running Time: 104
Studio: Acorn Media
Theatrical Release Date: 1980-04-30

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Editorial Reviews:

Henry Fonda stars in a Hallmark Hall of Fame classic seen on CBS

In one of the finest and final performances of his distinguished career, Henry Fonda portrays Clarence Gideon, the destitute prisoner whose handwritten plea for justice changed the course of American legal history. Based on the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Anthony Lewis, Gideon’s Trumpet tells the remarkable human story behind the landmark "right to counsel" Supreme Court case.

Nominated for three Emmys® and winner of the prestigious Peabody Award, this powerful Hallmark Hall of Fame drama also features Oscar®- and Tony®-winner José Ferrer (Cyrano de Bergerac, The Caine Mutiny) as Abe Fortas, Oscar®-winner John Houseman (The Paper Chase, Rollerball) as Chief Justice Earl Warren, and Fay Wray (King Kong) in her final screen performance.

"Ranks with the best films of the early 1980s" -- All Movie Guide.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE insert with production notes by Anthony Lewis and cast filmographies.

Spotlight customer reviews:

Customer Rating:

Summary: A true story the teaches and entertains
Comment: I've been teaching Political Science classes at various schools in the South for 24 years and I always try to show this film during my section on civil liberties. In a little over 90 minutes students learn how the right to a lawyer in all cases was established, how important this right is, and they are entertained at the same time. Wonderful acting from Fonda, Houseman, and Fay Wray also appeal to film buffs. I'm glad to be able to get it on DVD as my VHS copies are starting to show their age.

Customer Rating:

Summary: Gideons Trumpet
Comment: 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

Customer Rating:

Summary: Disappointed
Comment: As 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.

Customer Rating:

Summary: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF ONE!!
Comment: 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.

Customer Rating:

Summary: What's wrong with the actors in this movie?
Comment: 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!

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