Frank Galvin (Paul Newman) is a broken lawyer who regularly drinks himself into a stupor. Ten years ago, he narrowly dodged being disbarred. Now, he is an ambulance chaser with few cases. Mickey (Jack Warden) is an old friend who steers cases to Frank, only to have Frank lose in court. However, the case of Deborah Ann Kaye looks like a winner. Better yet, he meets a gorgeous woman, Laura (Charlotte Rampling), at his regular bar and is soon in a relationship with her. Yes, things are looking up. In fact, it looks so good that he declines a settlement check, infuriating his clients. And then everything starts crashing. Defense counsel is Ed Concannon (James Mason), a truly formidable lawyer. Frank's star witness has suddenly gone to the Carribean for an extended vacation. His easy win is now looking like a certain loser and the offered settlement has been withdrawn. Can Frank dig himself out?
Though Frank has a sad backstory that explains his current troubles, he is still hard to like. Of course, he is a lawyer, which is already big strike against anyone. Concannon is competent and smooth but likewise entirely unlikeable; again, lawyer. As for Laura, she seemed a little too eager to hop in the sack with an alcoholic, even if he was Paul Newman. She likewise proves to be a less than worthwhile character. Really, it's all up to Jack Warden to provide a likeable character. Of note, this was one of David Mamet's first screenplays. Also, Bruce Willis appears as an extra in the courtroom audience.
Just okay.
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