Modest story, but a strong cast
John Housman, as the brilliant, unapproachable, Harvard Law professor, pulls this train. A first year law student, Timothy Bottoms, is not satisfied with getting what his professor has to teach him about contract law; he is driven to get the professor to recognize him as an individual. His professor is like the old school football coach; He doesn't care if you like him, but you will be a great football player when he is done with you. Houseman, plays the professor to perfection even with a slight hint, but nothing revealed, of a human being. The high levels of anxiety and competition, that are awash in ego, is depicted through Bottoms' fellow students. Modest story, but a great cast of characters.
Good, but a little dated
I enjoyed the TV series years ago, but had never seen the movie. I watched it with my daughter, who is now in her first year of law school. It was enjoyable, but very much a movie of the early seventies. Professor Kingsfield wasn't nearly as intimidating as he once was. My daughter was bored.
Excellent film!
This is what should be coming out of Hollywood now! This film from 1973 is thought-provoking and truly entertaining without any silly special effects to blur the meaning!
Great Film, Decent DVD
This DVD is based on a print that's in good shape. The only problem I noticed was with the audio. In a couple of scenes -- such as in Brooks' apartment, where he's confessing his struggles to Hart -- the audio isn't 100 percent in sync with the video, although fortunately not to the point that it's annoying.
The only downside to this DVD is the limited features, which are the trailer and commentary. Maybe there simply wasn't anything left the cutting room floor, or maybe nobody bothered to save it because at the time they ddn't realize that this film would become a minor classic.
Still great, but dated.
Always a great movie for incoming law students. Emphasizes the henious Socratic method. A bit dated.
(78 reviews)
