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The Verdict poster

The Verdict (1982)

“Frank Galvin has one last chance to do something right.”

7.5/10 · 764 votes 2h 9m r Drama

#10 of 41 films from 1982 #796 of 3759 in drama

Directed by Sidney Lumet · Written by David Mamet, Barry Reed, Jay Presson Allen

▶ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Frank Galvin is a down-on-his-luck lawyer and reduced to drinking and ambulance chasing, when a former associate reminds him of his obligations in a medical malpractice suit by serving it to Galvin on a silver platter—all parties are willing to settle out of court. Blundering his way through the preliminaries, Galvin suddenly realizes that the case should actually go to court—to punish the guilty, to get a decent settlement for his clients... and to restore his standing as a lawyer.

Cast

Paul Newmanas Frank Galvin
Charlotte Ramplingas Laura Fischer
Jack Wardenas Mickey Morrissey
James Masonas Ed Concannon
Milo O'Sheaas Judge Hoyle
Lindsay Crouseas Kaitlin Costello
Edward Binnsas Bishop Brophy
Julie Bovassoas Maureen Rooney
Roxanne Hartas Sally Doneghy
James Handyas Kevin Doneghy
Wesley Addyas Dr. Towler
Joe Senecaas Dr. Thompson
Lewis J. Stadlenas Dr. Gruber
Kent Broadhurstas Joseph Alito

Facts

Release dateDecember 8, 1982
Runtime129 min (2h 9m) — longer as the 1982 average of 110 min
GenresDrama
LanguageEN
Budget$16,000,000
Box office$53,977,250 (3.4× budget)
IMDbtt0084855

More from Sidney Lumet

12 Angry Men12 Angry Men1957 · ★ 8.6 · 1h 37m Dog Day AfternoonDog Day Afternoon1975 · ★ 7.9 · 2h 4m NetworkNetwork1976 · ★ 7.8 · 2h 2m SerpicoSerpico1973 · ★ 7.5 · 2h 9m Murder on the Orient ExpressMurder on the Orient Express1974 · ★ 7.1 · 2h 8m Before the Devil Knows You're DeadBefore the Devil Knows You're Dead2007 · ★ 7.1 · 1h 57m Find Me GuiltyFind Me Guilty2006 · ★ 6.5 · 2h 5m

If you liked The Verdict

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The Godfather Part IIThe Godfather Part II1974 · ★ 8.6 · 3h 22m GoodFellasGoodFellas1990 · ★ 8.5 · 2h 25m Twin PeaksTwin Peaks1989 · ★ 8.5 · 1h 56m Grave of the FirefliesGrave of the Fireflies1988 · ★ 8.4 · 1h 29m Cinema ParadisoCinema Paradiso1988 · ★ 8.4 · 2h 4m Once Upon a Time in AmericaOnce Upon a Time in America1984 · ★ 8.4 · 2h 19m One Flew Over the Cuckoo's NestOne Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest1975 · ★ 8.4 · 2h 15m Dead Poets SocietyDead Poets Society1989 · ★ 8.3 · 2h 9m

Questions

How long is The Verdict?
The Verdict runs 129 minutes (2h 9m).
Is The Verdict worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.5/10 across 764 votes, which places it #10 of 41 films released in 1982 in this index (top 78%) and #796 among 3759 drama titles.
Who directed The Verdict?
The Verdict was directed by Sidney Lumet. Other well-rated titles by the same director: 12 Angry Men (1957), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Network (1976).
Who stars in The Verdict?
Paul Newman as Frank Galvin; Charlotte Rampling as Laura Fischer; Jack Warden as Mickey Morrissey; James Mason as Ed Concannon; Milo O'Shea as Judge Hoyle; Lindsay Crouse as Kaitlin Costello.
What is The Verdict rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for The Verdict?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/31468.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.