Final Verdict

This film lacks only one thing, really - a believable,consistent script.

I hoped for the first 20 minutes that it would have a twist at the end, then realised it wouldn't. It's "To Kill a Mockingbird" lite.

I know I'm in England, but was US law in this period REALLY that shoddy? I didn't believe it for a minute.

Good performances all round, though: special mention to Fionnula Flanagan (Pearl, the Madame) - she really should, at least, have been Oscar nominated for Best Supporting for "The Others" this year.

Good cast,solid direction, good art direction. Pity about the story & script.

See "To Kill a Mockingbird" or "Inherit the Wind" instead.

With real material abundant on the great Earl Rogers, this ridiculous melodrama based on his daughter's book of the same title is not worth watching. Glenn Ford stood out as the only professional who rose above the lack of script and direction to deliver a believable performance.

It's a good thing that this was released (just 3 years) after Adela Rogers' (author) death so that she never had to see it.

A truly epic film could be made about this legal defense legend, who in his only role as prosecutor in the LA Times bombing, defeated the bomber's defense attorney Clarence Darrow, then defended Darrow against jury tampering charges and got him acquitted.

Adela's book 'Final Verdict' (1962), and 'Take the Witness' (1932), both outline Earl Rogers as a groundbreaking attorney who introduced modern forensics, ballistics, alcohol defense, and other modern concepts into American courts with a flair never before seen. Roger's precedent of allowing the defendant (Darrow) to summarize his own defense to the jury was cited in the Simpson trial in the 1990's.

His life would make an excellent TV miniseries centered around his most famous and groundbreaking cases - without the needless melodrama.

Someone please make it.

FINAL VERDICT

Aspect ratio: 1.33:1

Sound format: Mono

Treat Williams plays Earl Rogers, a defense lawyer who specialised in sensational murder trials in turn of the century California, in the true-life TV movie FINAL VERDICT. Williams' performance is restrained and dignified, much like the film itself, which lacks passion. Instead of relating Rogers' entire life story, the film chooses to focus on the events surrounding two particular trials, and is narrated from the point of view of his inquisitive young daughter (Olivia Burnette), who's admiration for her father's legal skills was always tempered by his battle with alcoholism and by the dissolute nature of some of the people he defended. It's a sugar-coated reminiscence, glossy and nostalgic, but the pacing is just a little too laidback for its own good, and the film never really rises to the occasion. But Williams is excellent, as usual, and the production values are solid.

It's true that this movie is not fast-paced, but there are so many historical details to notice, and enjoy, that it's not the point. How could we have progressed so little in such a long time (100 years)? -- look out for great Model T (et al) replicas, trams, moustaches, telephones and a fantastic cigarette lighter... it's the first movie I've seen that gives whorehouses a truly romantic glint. The acting is very good throughout, and not strained. Relax and wonder what it is that we've actually improved on in a century of "civilisation".

This made for TV movie with Treat Williams(The Phantom) as lawyer trying to defend two people at the same time. Earl Roger's (Williams) is a lawyer who was taught believe in truth and justice . Earl learned of this through his father played Glenn Ford(Superman). During the story , Earl takes on two cases, in which his daughter tags along and helps the father.They become partners during the trial of these two people. But there are problems that the two of them must deal with. A sudden death and family problems at home are thrown in for the family. This movie will have you guessing as the final verdict at the end. The daughter also narrates so if you leave or need to do something else , there is a way to keep with this touching family movie!!