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uses Galvin’s weakness and shady past as a bludgeon to force settlement of the case. By this time, however, Galvin is de- termined to take the case to trial. Again Lumet infuses this decision with ambiguity. Is Galvin turning down settlement because he believes in the strength of the case and the offer is insufficient, or because he realizes that trial of the case offers him one final chance at redemption? Does he want justice for his clients, or for himself? When his only expert witness, Dr. Gruber, bails out of the
case by leaving the country on vacation, Galvin is left with the prospect of losing not only the case, but his future. Galvin’s last minute substitute expert, Dr. Thompson, is retired, not Board certified, and worse in the context of 1980’s Boston, African American. As Concannon, with the help of Judge Hoyle, deconstructs Dr. Thompson on cross examination, all seems lost. The ultimate twist, through which Galvin saves the case seems a bit forced, yet is ultimately believable and satisfying. The film’s only significant flaw involves Charlotte Ram-
pling’s portrayal of Galvin’s love interest, Laura Fischer. Rampling’s character is out of place. Her performance is wooden and stilted; although it is unlikely that another ac- tress could have done much better. Even with the final plot twist involving her character, her presence in the story line seems forced. The court room scenes in the verdict are, as usual for the
genre, somewhat contrived and unrealistic. Nonetheless, the final court room scene, in which the case comes to a head and the verdict is returned, is powerful and moving. The jury “gets it” even if the system seems indifferent to whether justice prevails. Small criticisms aside, The Verdict has aged well and remains one of the great legal dramas. n
About the Author
David J. Wildberger is a shareholder in the firm of Iliff & Meredith, P.C. in Pasadena, Maryland. He received his J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. Mr. Wild- berger serves on the MTLA Board of Governors, and is the Chairperson of the Public Awareness and Outreach Commit- tee, as well as a member of several other MTLA committees and sections. He is a member of the Maryland, District of Columbia and Federal Bars. His primary area of practice is the representation of individuals and families harmed by acts of medical negligence.
60
Trial Reporter
Fall 2008
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