Let's see. We need to cast a justice of the United States Supreme Court. Who would be good? I can't say that Walter Matthau would come to my mind very readily. And yet, as I sat there watching this film again after 34 years, it occurred to me that perhaps, this was Matthau's best performance because it is not at all type casting. And his repartee with Jill Clayburgh when they were discussing pornography is just brilliant.
Of course, today this film seems dated. We have more than one female justice of the Supreme Court, and indeed, one was selected right about when this film came out.
There is one big problem with this film from my perspective. The ending leaves everything up in the air. So much more could have been done with the conclusion of the film.
Beyond that, it's a very nice production (and for film buffs, one of the producers was actress Martha Scott). Other than the interiors of the Supreme Court, much was shot on location.
The cast was excellent. As I already indicated, Walter Matthau was superb here in his role as a liberal curmudgeon on the Supreme Court. And, there's great chemistry with Jill Clayburgh, who played the first female member of the Supreme Court. Barnard Hughes was just right for the role of Chief Justice. Jan Sterling had a minor role as Matthau's wife. James Stephens was a young actor who sort of disappeared after a while, but I always thought he was excellent, as he is here.
While not a perfect film, it's darned good, and I rather admire it. A strong "7".
Of course, today this film seems dated. We have more than one female justice of the Supreme Court, and indeed, one was selected right about when this film came out.
There is one big problem with this film from my perspective. The ending leaves everything up in the air. So much more could have been done with the conclusion of the film.
Beyond that, it's a very nice production (and for film buffs, one of the producers was actress Martha Scott). Other than the interiors of the Supreme Court, much was shot on location.
The cast was excellent. As I already indicated, Walter Matthau was superb here in his role as a liberal curmudgeon on the Supreme Court. And, there's great chemistry with Jill Clayburgh, who played the first female member of the Supreme Court. Barnard Hughes was just right for the role of Chief Justice. Jan Sterling had a minor role as Matthau's wife. James Stephens was a young actor who sort of disappeared after a while, but I always thought he was excellent, as he is here.
While not a perfect film, it's darned good, and I rather admire it. A strong "7".