I am always really happy to see young people checking this one out for the first time. Sidney Lumet is one of the great directors of all time, and this is his first movie and also one of his best. Another movie by Lumet that I always recommend is Fail Safe from 1964...it also stars Henry Fonda. Other older movies that I suggest that were not made by Lumet are...To Kill a Mockingbird(1962), Inherit the Wind(1960), and Judgement at Nuremberg(1961)...all three are highly renowned courtroom dramas filmed in black and white.
@@criminalcontent Don't MAKE me ... **Right now, there is a whole, an entire generation that never knew anything that didn't come out of this tube. This tube is the gospel, the ultimate revelation; this tube can make or break presidents, popes, prime ministers; this tube is the most awesome goddamn propaganda force in the whole godless world, and woe is us if it ever falls into the hands of the wrong people, and that's why woe is us that Edward George Ruddy died.**
Yes, that’s Jack Klugman from the Odd Couple. And this cast is full of great actors who popped up in movies and TV from the 30s (movies) through several more decades! John Fiedler (Juror 2) was also in the Odd Couple, but known as the voice of Piglet in Winnie The Pooh!
But not from the original Odd Couple. The original was Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Jack Lemmon was in a 1997 remake of this movie as the Henry Fonda character.
THE EYEWITNESS. The woman who lived directly across from where the father and son lived claims to be able to positively identify the killer, even though she witnessed the stabbing from 60 feet away, at midnight, while lying in bed trying to get to sleep, without wearing her glasses, while having to see through the windows of a passing elevated train, with only a three-second or so glance. Any rational person would have a reasonable doubt about her ability to do so.
Bravo Coby, a superb script, acting and directing. Btw the same director also did another favorite court room dramas, The Verdict 1982 with Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling and Jack Warden(here). Remember, it wasn’t until 1973 that all 50 states allowed women on juries. Unthinkable today but still waiting for our first Woman President.
I’ve sat on a jury before, it was a one day thing, but it’s amazing how you kind of bond with your fellow jurors with a shared experience never to see any of them again
Yes! This masterpiece is the best in a few categories: best writing to have 12 characters each distinct and well developed, best story told entirely in one room, and the cinematography is among the best, some truly stunning shots and camera movements. I love to see Coby react to truly great movies.
I was in a debate class and the professor cited this movie as an example of how to use an argument to change a group opinion to your side. Broke down how he saw it done. Great professor.
I suggested To Kill a Mockingbird and Inherit the Wind during the live chat, so again here. Both are truly classics, and deal with subjects that are as important today as they were 60+ years ago.
My vote for "Inherit the Wind" is not for the subject matter but for the epic acting duel between Spencer Tracy and Frederick March. "To Kill A Mockingbird" is superb.
The guy (Jack Klugman) you thought was the original "Oscar Madison" in the "Odd Couple" did play Oscar Madison in the original "Odd Couple" TV series which was made in the 1970s. But Jack Klugman was not the original "Oscar Madison". The "Odd Couple" was originally a play (That opened in 1965) that originally starred Walter Matthau as "Oscar Madison' and he played the role for several months until Jack Klugman replaced Matthau. Then in 1968, the movie version came out, in which Walter Matthau once again starred as "Oscar Madison" Then came the original TV series which ran from 1970-1975 and which starred Jack Klugman as "Oscar Madison".
The movie is so impactful because it exposes all our prejudices. Henry Fonda portrays the logic in us that fights against our preconceived notions of what is the truth. People will take a stand for or against something when all the evidence points to the opposite. This movie is fantastic on so many levels.
One of the greatest movies ever made. Literally a study in Acting, Directing, Lighting, etc. For older classics, I recommend "Boys Town" 1938, "The Grapes of Wrath" 1940, "Sahara" 1943, "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" 1947, "The African Queen" 1951, "Bad Day at Black Rock" 1955, "Fail-Safe" 1964. "Lifeboat"
All good suggestions. One I would add is "The Human Comedy" (1943). It was nominated for best picture but lost to "Casablanca" (any film would have lost to "Casablanca") and Mickey Rooney was nominated for best actor.
Originally, I thought 12 Angry Men came from a stage play. It was actually a teleplay for the CBS Studio One anthology television series in 1954, became a stage play In 1955, and this outstanding film In 1957.
Sidney Lumet's feature film debut after working in TV for a number of years. His concise, character-driven style would carry him through a countless number of gritty classics through the '60s and into the '70s and '80s. Though nominated often he sadly never won a directing Oscar. His final film, "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" (2007), starring Ethan Hawke and Philip Seymour Hoffman as brothers caught up way over their heads in a crime, was a worthy way to go out.
Hey Coby. This is what movies used to be like. Great acting, stellar screenplay, subtle direction. No super heroes or car chases. I knew you would appreciate it. Wouldn’t it be great if it was remade today. What actors would play the 12 roles?
FINALLY!! Seen 3 other reactions of this movie 🍿🎥 and you are the only one who recognizes Henry Fonda and others!! I expected you would! Great Job Miss Content! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼
Coby is probably my favorite reactor precisely because she is such a filmophile she does recognize names and faces of various actors, etc. She also seems to pay more attention to the details of the story than most reactors. Hell, she'll catch stuff the first time around it took me several watchings to catch!
This film is perfect in every conceivable way, even more so for me, it is an absolute masterclass in cinematography; the lighting, blocking, framing and shot compositions are such a sight to behold that I'm convinced that this is one of the best shot American films of all time. Also, Sidney Lumet was a maverick filmmaker, and you DEFINITELY need to watch Q&A, The Verdict, Prince of the City, Serpico, Night Falls on Manhattan, Deathtrap and Before the Devil Knows You're Dead. You're welcome in advance ❤
I also recommend The Hill (one of Sean Connery's best non-James Bond roles), The Pawnbroker (Rod Steiger got robbed at the Oscars and it's the first film score job of the late Quincy Jones), Dog Day Afternoon (Al Pacino's great), Network (frighteningly prophetic) and The Anderson Tapes (another Connery romp and Christopher Walken's first film). I miss Lumet because he was a great craftsman who focused on corruption within human beings and institutions.
I find the cinematography to be insanely simple and effective. The height, width and length of the shots tell you exactly who is in power, who is not in power and who is currently gaining/losing power. And it does it without making it obvious. Brilliant. Just brilliant.
I've watched the movie a few times and I've watched nearly 100 reactions to this superb set piece drama. It's always fascinating to watch new viewers as the plot as it unfolds to climax. The character interactions are the secret sauce that makes this film the finest set piece drama ever.
I've seen this film countless times and never tire of it. Some of the greatest actors of their time performing one of the greatest theatrical pieces ever written (we read the play in high school). The acting credits of the performers would stagger you. Yes, Klugman was in the TV Odd Couple (and Quincy, and several excellen Twilight Zone episodes). John Fiedler was the voice of Piglet in the Winnie the Pooh cartoons. Ed Begley, Sr. is the father of our Ed Begley - he was the biggot in this piece. I could go on. And the cinematography! Every frame is composed like a painting. And as the play goes on the camera angles get progressively lower and tighter and the set gets progressively smaller. Genius! You never catch anyone acting. They ARE their characters. It is a master class. Oh, and caught you! "Noughts and Crosses"? You reveal your true identity!
Garry Marshall played Mr Harvey in A League of Their Own. Yes, Jack Klugman played Oscar in The Odd Couple (and a couple of years ago I played Felix opposite my brother in a local stage production of The Odd Couple). Martin Balsam played Arbogast in Psycho. This was such an A-list ensemble. The actor who played the old man was in the original TV play.
The whole time he judged the defendant boy through the lens of his resentment for his son was the moment he realized he sentenced his own son to the chair... epic.
Talk about damn timing😂. I legit just got back from a classic movie screening of this (like 5 hours ago). It’s like my 3rd favourite movie of all time. Flawless as far as I can tell. And btw this was actually Sidney Lumet’s very FIRST movie (he started as a tv or stage director I forgot) and hits it out of the park (even though it wasn’t that much of a success when it was released and Henry Fonda never wanted to produce again thinking that he made a mistake. But the movie got a much better reputation as the years gone by). Also you are right, this was in fact originally a play
Sidney started out as a kid actor on the stage. His father, Baruch, who was also an actor, got him into it. Sidney's daughter, Jenny, got into it too, then gravitated towards screenwriting ("Rachel Getting Married") and TV producing (the "Star Trek" shows on Paramount+).
One of the most brilliant and timeless movies ever. I saw this in elementary school, at school! That teacher or curriculum was clearly was brilliant af cause it landed so well even then. It made me understand bias is multiple ways that's been outright foundational. They should start showing it in schools again. The gesture with the coat at the end.. perfect.
One of my favorite little details is one that plays with human psychology. The old man was the last one to slowly raise his hand when they did the first public vote. He is also the one that voted not guilty once they did the written secret ballot. That tells me that he was on the verge of not voting guilty on the first vote, but as humans, we like to belong and not cause problems for others. So he most likely voted guilty to not be the odd one out and not be a bother to the others. The fact that this movie has 12 distinct characters and you can go through every single one after the movie is over to describe their personalities. The script on this movie is dang near perfect.
In 2010, I played Juror #8 in a community theatre production. My brother and some others in the audience remained convinced the defendant was guilty. I tried to remind them that the play was fiction; it was all in the author's mind. There was no real answer to the question of guilt, which was the point of the play.
The knife could have fallen out of the hole in the boys pocket, as he said. If it fell out just as he was leaving to go to the movies, which fits the timeframe he gave, then the knife would be lying on the floor right outside the front door. That would eliminate the need for a second, nearly identical knife, and also explain away the problem mentioned in the movie (that some stranger - who doesn't know where the old man lived - supposedly found the knife somewhere on the street away from the home and happened to end up and the old man's place by pure chance).
I found it interesting that you recognized Jack Klugman, Oscar from the tv show The Odd Couple. Another interesting fact, he also played Quincy M.E. a Los Angeles County medical examiner who routinely engages in police investigations and solved crimes.
Jack Warden - the juror who wanted to get to the ball game - has been in everything. Off the top of my head, he was John Cusack’s manager in Bullets Over Broadway. And, if I remember correctly, the judge in And Justice for All who keep trying to kill himself.
This has long been one of my favorite movies since I first saw it! You’re right, Coby, this was originally a stage play. And I highly recommend you read it. While it has much the same impact as the film adaptation I feel this is one of the rare cases where the film surpasses the original source material. If you ever do read the script you’ll see what I mean! Glad you had such a great experience watching this movie!
@@TedLittle-yp7ujAnd the actors who played the old man who was first to change his vote, and the immigrant watchmaker reprised their roles from the tv version in the film.
This has probably been said but, the "Stallone mouth" guy is Lee J Cobb, legend. The guy you thought was Ed Begley was in fact E G Marshall, another legend. This is rightly considered one of the great American films. Great watching with you young lady.
This was a personal project for Henry Fonda, he produced it. The movement during the Ed Begley speech was a true ballet. The way each man got up and moved away, then after the speech they one by one came back and sat down. They don't make movies like this anymore! 👍
The Quality of acting in this film is unsurpassed in my opinion, I remember watching this as a young man with my late father and I had never seen a film like this at that time of my life and I don't think I have seen a better one since . Lee j Cobb is amazing in his role he was a wonderful actor who was incredibly underrated, , it's one of those films that you can watch time after time and still get totally involved in even when you know what is going to be said next.
Another role in which Mr. Lee J. Cobb shone very brightly was as Willie Loman in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" (1966). Add that one to this tour de force performance for Mr. Cobb!
I played Juror 4 in a local production of the play a few years ago; great experience; still relevant and so engaging for the audience. This movie is based on the original TV play that is available to watch on UA-cam. Fascinating to compare and contrast them. The play is very close to this film version.
Yes, Jack Klugman did play Oscar in the original "The Odd Couple" opposite Tony Randall. How does someone so young know about that show, it was on in the early 70's? I used to watch it.
For my part, the favorite, other than Henry Fonda, is E.G. Marshall (the proper bespectacled man). For years, when I was growing up, he was the host of the National Geographic specials on T.V. I would very much like to see you react to another gripping and horrifying Fonda vehicle, "Fail-Safe".
Possibly my favourite Henry Fonda film. The first time I got called up for jury service, I tried to think up of any excuse to get out of it, but I'm glad i didn't, one of the best experiences of my life. There's a lot of responsibility, but engrossing too.
I was also called for jury duty on a first degree murder case. At the beginning of the second day the prosecution notified us that it was downgraded to second degree. It was definitely a learning lesson.
This story was originally created as a TV play. It was adapted for the stage a year later and then this movie came out a couple years after that. The lack of a reveal of the truth of if the defendant was guilty or not is really the key to this story. It’s not a story of guilty or innocent, it’s all about reasonable doubt. It may be that they let a killer off the hook or they may have saved an innocent boys life. We just won’t ever know for certain and that’s perfect.
One of my all time favorites. Great supporting cast. You might like The Oxbow Incident, another morality tale with Henry Fonda. Jack Warden is the guy who just wants to go to the ballgame. You should check out another one of my favorites with him and Warren Beatty, Heaven Can Wait.
Many people put this movie in the top ten, all time. Yeah, most of these actors are known for movies or TV in the 60's and 70's as well. The foreman was in Psycho, Lee Cobb in the Exorcist.
This movie's superheroes connection: Ed Begley (Juror #10) is the father of Ed Begley Jr, who played a Wayne Enterprises character killed by Jim Carrey's Riddler in BATMAN FOREVER. E.G. Marshall (Juror #4) played the President in SUPERMAN II. Henry Fonda (Juror #8) is the father of Jane Fonda, BARBARELLA.
Great Movie, Great Play. I have played Juror #8 (Henry Fonda) 5 times, I really want to play EG Marshal and Lee Cobbs roles some day. You could spend an entire career just doing this play. Every season do a different Juror, thats the dream!
Well, Klugman was in the TV show The Odd Couple, but Walter Matthau originally portrayed Oscar Madison, to Jack Lemmon's Felix Ungar, in the film. The Odd Couple, itself, began life as a Broadway play. Again, Matthau played Oscar in the original 1965 production and was later replaced by Klugman, just as Matthau was in the 1968 film only to be replaced by Klugman, again, for the TV show.
My ex was on a jury that had to acquit a woman of murder who everyone was pretty sure she'd done it; the prosecution hadn't been able to prove their case. Six months later we found out that she had been acquitted of another murder a year or two before under virtually identical circumstances. She was well-known around town as an extremely violent person.
This is a wonderful film with top-tier performances across the board. It is an exceptional achievement in writing not just for (mostly) taking place in a single room but for the character dynamics, depth and the second-perfect pacing of the storytelling. What has to be said though is that the jurors themselves behave completely unethically, making wild suppositions, introducing their own evidence and effectively re-trying the case rather than reaching their verdict based on the evidence laid out for them in court. Davis (Fonda) is presented in a heroic light despite being every bit as pushy and ideologically driven as Lee Cobb or Ed Begley's characters. He claims to be impartial yet arguably acts more unethically than anyone by pressuring others to change their votes based on 'evidence' introduced outside court and hypotheticals with basis in little more than guesswork. All three operate from predetermined beliefs, but Davis' are just more sympathetic and his manner less abrasive. Whether or not the boy committed the murder is not the point of the film but the right to a fair trial very much is, and on that count Davis' behaviour is in direct opposition to the fundamental principle that it is down to the prosecution and defence to present the facts of the case, overseen by a learned judge, not jurors operating alone and outside any semblance of oversight. One can fully sympathise with Davis' desire to talk through the case before sending someone to execution but based on the information the film gives us from the trial, the only admissable evidence, it seems perfectly reasonable to say the prosecution proved their case beyond reasonable doubt, which is all the jury are there to determine.
Jack Warden and Martin Balsam were in another mood together, All the Presidents Men, about the Watergate scandal. A fun movie that Jack Warden was in was called Used Cars with Kurt Russell.
Ed Begley was a successful supporting actor at a time when there were less opportunities than there are today. His next film was 'Odds Against Tomorrow' a pretty good caper film and just right for a channel called Criminal Content.
Part II 😁 Jack Klugman!! Oscar of the series The Odd Couple and Tony Randall as Felix Unger but not the original movie 🎥🍿 That was Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon as Felix Unger. Jack Klugman later had a successful TV series as QUINCY M.E. medical coroner. ☮️
Great reaction. The movie is a master class in movie making and stands as one of the great films of the 20th century. Some fun facts: Yes, the movie was a play adapted to the screen: most of the cast went on to star in other movies or tv shows, some of them became big names appearing in other great films; the reason there are 12 white men on the jury was a conscious decision of the director done in order to showcase the culture of the US in 1957 the year the movie was made. That year was the first time women were allowed to be jurors in the Federal court system. There are no black jurors because the race situation in the US at the time would not have given any credibility to the opinion of a black man. Finally, if you want to read about movie making decisions read the book "Making Movies" by the director, Sydney Lumet. In the book each chapter is devoted to a different aspect of the choices made in making this movie: the heat and closeups of the jurors sweating, the score, the dark cinematography of every scene, the cast selection, the lighting and breath of fresh air in the last scene. As a cinephile you'll enjoy the book immensely and watch movies in the future with a different eye.
Great movie, but making the woman's glasses such a crucial plot point always bothered me a bit. Lots of people wear glasses only for reading. Could the jury have asked the judge/attorneys about her vision before reaching a verdict? Maybe not. Anyway, great video!
Idk if you’ve seen them, but “RUNAWAY JURY” is an Xcellent movie! As well as “A TIME TO KILL”. Both amazing courtroom dramas. The Fugitive w Harrison Ford & Tommy Lee Jones. 😊❤
So, hard question Coby. Was the boy guilty or innocent? (Did they let off a killer?) No right or wrong answer, just curious to see what you think after watching. You can also say, "not sure" if you're still unsure.
I was on a jury once! But it was only for a few hours....the guy was accused of exposing himself to a woman and two kids walking by his car....he swore up and down he was just adjusting his pants. The prosecution used the fact that he ran from the police as evidence, but, he was an undocumented immigrant, so that's not unexpected. I didn't think he did it, but about four hours into the case, the prosecution said unexpectedly that they could not fulfill their burden of proof, and dropped the case! 😲 🙂
henry fonda starred in 2 other films with similar themes of "american justice." first there's "the ox-bow incident" (1943) a classic western directed by william a. wellman and the 1956 hitchcock classic "the wrong man" based on a true story. in 1939 fonda starred as abraham lincoln in the wonderful john ford directed "young mr. lincoln" and in 1955 he starred in ford's "mr. roberts." co-starring jimmy cagney its guaranteed to make you laugh and bring a tear to your eye. lastly fonda starred as the president in the sydney lumet 1964 cold-war shocker "fail safe." all are classics and well worth a look!
walter mathau (oscar) and jack lemon (felix) starred in the original 1968 "the odd couple" film. its really funny. you should watch it. but your right jack klugman played oscar to tony randall's felix in "the odd couple" tv show.
Ed Begley was the racist who everyone turned their back on. Henry Fonda was the original not guilty. Robert Webber was the ad exec. Lee J Cobb was the hot head (was in Exorcist). Martin Balsam was the jury foreman. Jack Klugman was the juror who grew up in the slums and he was in Odd Couple. Jack Warden wanted to go to the ball game.
Coby which do you like doing more, your Australian accent or our California one? lol I remember an episode of the new Magnum PI, from 2018, with alluring British woman Perdita Weeks starring as a female version of Higgins, and Higgins had to do an American accent for a mission they did, and Magnum told her "you do a great American accent!" and she replied "there's nothing great about your American accent" lmao 🙂
The old bigot was played by Ed Begley. Is the father of another actor, a bit more prominent, Ed Begley Jr. The last thing I saw him on was Young Sheldon.
Hey Coby, you have such an interesting insight into film that many YT film reactions might miss. I think this was a play and so enjoyed seeing this with you♥
Coby + Sidney Lumet - Round 2
DOG DAY AFTERNOON: ua-cam.com/video/htBkRR3JJCM/v-deo.html
What haven't we done?
Network?
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!111
I am always really happy to see young people checking this one out for the first time.
Sidney Lumet is one of the great directors of all time, and this is his first movie and also one of his best. Another movie by Lumet that I always recommend is Fail Safe from 1964...it also stars Henry Fonda.
Other older movies that I suggest that were not made by Lumet are...To Kill a Mockingbird(1962), Inherit the Wind(1960), and Judgement at Nuremberg(1961)...all three are highly renowned courtroom dramas filmed in black and white.
@@kaboulscabal4816 yep, that's a top 5 screenplay for us and she hasn't seen it
@@criminalcontent Don't MAKE me ...
**Right now, there is a whole, an entire generation that never knew anything that didn't come out of this tube. This tube is the gospel, the ultimate revelation; this tube can make or break presidents, popes, prime ministers; this tube is the most awesome goddamn propaganda force in the whole godless world, and woe is us if it ever falls into the hands of the wrong people, and that's why woe is us that Edward George Ruddy died.**
Just sayin'
Henry Fonda helping the last angry man with his coat is so respectful and compassionate. It's one of my favorite moments in this excellent film.
Fun fact, the walls of the room were movable. They changed the size of the room to heighten the tension
Jack Klugman played in the TV series Quincy M.E., Martin Balsam was in Psycho and John Fiedler was in an episode of Star Trek.
Nearly every cast member was someone known or would be known. Excellent character actors who had terrific careers.
Mr. Fiedler provided the voice talent for PIGLET in Disney's "Winnie the Pooh"!
Yes, that’s Jack Klugman from the Odd Couple. And this cast is full of great actors who popped up in movies and TV from the 30s (movies) through several more decades! John Fiedler (Juror 2) was also in the Odd Couple, but known as the voice of Piglet in Winnie The Pooh!
And don't forget Quincy. That was a fun show
@ , it really was.
Sterling Holloway was the voice of Pooh.
But not from the original Odd Couple. The original was Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Jack Lemmon was in a 1997 remake of this movie as the Henry Fonda character.
@ , that’s right! Jack was from the TV show.
THE EYEWITNESS. The woman who lived directly across from where the father and son lived claims to be able to positively identify the killer, even though she witnessed the stabbing from 60 feet away, at midnight, while lying in bed trying to get to sleep, without wearing her glasses, while having to see through the windows of a passing elevated train, with only a three-second or so glance. Any rational person would have a reasonable doubt about her ability to do so.
Nominated for 4 Oscars including Best Picture but lost to the WWII epic The Bridge On The River Kwai, which took home 7 Oscars
Yes, starring a Star Wars alum that Coby would recognize.
we should def see if she'll take on "Bridge..." gotta start getting in the William Holden fare
@@criminalcontent Which would also take her to Network!
Bravo Coby, a superb script, acting and directing. Btw the same director also did another favorite court room dramas, The Verdict 1982 with Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling and Jack Warden(here). Remember, it wasn’t until 1973 that all 50 states allowed women on juries. Unthinkable today but still waiting for our first Woman President.
Not only a masterpiece of a film, but also a master class in film-making. Everything about this movie is perfect.
I’ve sat on a jury before, it was a one day thing, but it’s amazing how you kind of bond with your fellow jurors with a shared experience never to see any of them again
Yes! This masterpiece is the best in a few categories: best writing to have 12 characters each distinct and well developed, best story told entirely in one room, and the cinematography is among the best, some truly stunning shots and camera movements. I love to see Coby react to truly great movies.
I was in a debate class and the professor cited this movie as an example of how to use an argument to change a group opinion to your side. Broke down how he saw it done. Great professor.
I suggested To Kill a Mockingbird and Inherit the Wind during the live chat, so again here. Both are truly classics, and deal with subjects that are as important today as they were 60+ years ago.
My vote for "Inherit the Wind" is not for the subject matter but for the epic acting duel between Spencer Tracy and Frederick March. "To Kill A Mockingbird" is superb.
Both awesome movies!
The guy (Jack Klugman) you thought was the original "Oscar Madison" in the "Odd Couple" did
play Oscar Madison in the original "Odd Couple" TV series which was made in the 1970s.
But Jack Klugman was not the original "Oscar Madison". The "Odd Couple" was originally a play (That opened in 1965) that originally starred Walter Matthau as "Oscar Madison' and he played the role for several months until Jack Klugman replaced Matthau.
Then in 1968, the movie version came out, in which Walter Matthau once again starred as "Oscar Madison"
Then came the original TV series which ran from 1970-1975 and which starred Jack Klugman as
"Oscar Madison".
The movie is so impactful because it exposes all our prejudices. Henry Fonda portrays the logic in us that fights against our preconceived notions of what is the truth. People will take a stand for or against something when all the evidence points to the opposite. This movie is fantastic on so many levels.
One of the greatest movies ever made. Literally a study in Acting, Directing, Lighting, etc.
For older classics, I recommend "Boys Town" 1938, "The Grapes of Wrath" 1940, "Sahara" 1943, "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" 1947, "The African Queen" 1951, "Bad Day at Black Rock" 1955, "Fail-Safe" 1964. "Lifeboat"
All good suggestions. One I would add is "The Human Comedy" (1943). It was nominated for best picture but lost to "Casablanca" (any film would have lost to "Casablanca") and Mickey Rooney was nominated for best actor.
Also to add to those, The Count of Monte Cristo 1933, Passage to Marseilles 1944, Gunga Din 1939, The Charge of The Light Brigade 1936
Originally, I thought 12 Angry Men came from a stage play. It was actually a teleplay for the CBS Studio One anthology television series in 1954, became a stage play In 1955, and this outstanding film In 1957.
Sidney Lumet's feature film debut after working in TV for a number of years. His concise, character-driven style would carry him through a countless number of gritty classics through the '60s and into the '70s and '80s. Though nominated often he sadly never won a directing Oscar. His final film, "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead" (2007), starring Ethan Hawke and Philip Seymour Hoffman as brothers caught up way over their heads in a crime, was a worthy way to go out.
Hey Coby. This is what movies used to be like. Great acting, stellar screenplay, subtle direction. No super heroes or car chases. I knew you would appreciate it. Wouldn’t it be great if it was remade today. What actors would play the 12 roles?
Today? Perhaps not but recently? Yes. in 1997. It starred James Gandolfini. Tony Soprano himself.
FINALLY!! Seen 3 other reactions of this movie 🍿🎥 and you are the only one who recognizes Henry Fonda and others!! I expected you would! Great Job Miss Content! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼
Coby is probably my favorite reactor precisely because she is such a filmophile she does recognize names and faces of various actors, etc. She also seems to pay more attention to the details of the story than most reactors. Hell, she'll catch stuff the first time around it took me several watchings to catch!
@WmTRiker She's freaking AWESOME!! By the way,,, Congratulations Fleet Admiral!! ☮️
Missed Ed Begley though.
This film is perfect in every conceivable way, even more so for me, it is an absolute masterclass in cinematography; the lighting, blocking, framing and shot compositions are such a sight to behold that I'm convinced that this is one of the best shot American films of all time.
Also, Sidney Lumet was a maverick filmmaker, and you DEFINITELY need to watch Q&A, The Verdict, Prince of the City, Serpico, Night Falls on Manhattan, Deathtrap and Before the Devil Knows You're Dead.
You're welcome in advance ❤
I also recommend The Hill (one of Sean Connery's best non-James Bond roles), The Pawnbroker (Rod Steiger got robbed at the Oscars and it's the first film score job of the late Quincy Jones), Dog Day Afternoon (Al Pacino's great), Network (frighteningly prophetic) and The Anderson Tapes (another Connery romp and Christopher Walken's first film). I miss Lumet because he was a great craftsman who focused on corruption within human beings and institutions.
I find the cinematography to be insanely simple and effective. The height, width and length of the shots tell you exactly who is in power, who is not in power and who is currently gaining/losing power. And it does it without making it obvious. Brilliant. Just brilliant.
One of the best movies where you never find out if the guy is guilty or not
I've watched the movie a few times and I've watched nearly 100 reactions to this superb set piece drama. It's always fascinating to watch new viewers as the plot as it unfolds to climax. The character interactions are the secret sauce that makes this film the finest set piece drama ever.
One of the best movies ever made
Yep that's Oscar and the jury foreman was the detective in Psycho.
just 12 men in a room with dialogue & still an amazing film
I've seen this film countless times and never tire of it. Some of the greatest actors of their time performing one of the greatest theatrical pieces ever written (we read the play in high school). The acting credits of the performers would stagger you. Yes, Klugman was in the TV Odd Couple (and Quincy, and several excellen Twilight Zone episodes). John Fiedler was the voice of Piglet in the Winnie the Pooh cartoons. Ed Begley, Sr. is the father of our Ed Begley - he was the biggot in this piece. I could go on. And the cinematography! Every frame is composed like a painting. And as the play goes on the camera angles get progressively lower and tighter and the set gets progressively smaller. Genius! You never catch anyone acting. They ARE their characters. It is a master class.
Oh, and caught you! "Noughts and Crosses"? You reveal your true identity!
Garry Marshall played Mr Harvey in A League of Their Own. Yes, Jack Klugman played Oscar in The Odd Couple (and a couple of years ago I played Felix opposite my brother in a local stage production of The Odd Couple).
Martin Balsam played Arbogast in Psycho.
This was such an A-list ensemble. The actor who played the old man was in the original TV play.
Ed Begley was Juror #10 ("those people"). And yes. Juror #5 was Jack Klugman TV's first Oscar Madison from the Odd Couple.
The whole time he judged the defendant boy through the lens of his resentment for his son was the moment he realized he sentenced his own son to the chair... epic.
Talk about damn timing😂. I legit just got back from a classic movie screening of this (like 5 hours ago). It’s like my 3rd favourite movie of all time. Flawless as far as I can tell.
And btw this was actually Sidney Lumet’s very FIRST movie (he started as a tv or stage director I forgot) and hits it out of the park (even though it wasn’t that much of a success when it was released and Henry Fonda never wanted to produce again thinking that he made a mistake. But the movie got a much better reputation as the years gone by).
Also you are right, this was in fact originally a play
Sidney started out as a kid actor on the stage. His father, Baruch, who was also an actor, got him into it. Sidney's daughter, Jenny, got into it too, then gravitated towards screenwriting ("Rachel Getting Married") and TV producing (the "Star Trek" shows on Paramount+).
@@Madbandit77got it.
that's amazing! we wanted something a little cozy for the holiday weekend and lumet is our god, so...
He was... Jack Klugman from the Odd Couple... Also, he had a couple of appearances on the Twilight Zone.
HOPE HE WASN'T THE ONE WHO GOT KILLED DURING THE FILMING OF THAT MOVIE! 😕😟
One of the most brilliant and timeless movies ever. I saw this in elementary school, at school! That teacher or curriculum was clearly was brilliant af cause it landed so well even then. It made me understand bias is multiple ways that's been outright foundational. They should start showing it in schools again. The gesture with the coat at the end.. perfect.
For some reason I actually laughed out loud when Coby said, "This judge is over it."
One of my favorite little details is one that plays with human psychology. The old man was the last one to slowly raise his hand when they did the first public vote. He is also the one that voted not guilty once they did the written secret ballot. That tells me that he was on the verge of not voting guilty on the first vote, but as humans, we like to belong and not cause problems for others. So he most likely voted guilty to not be the odd one out and not be a bother to the others. The fact that this movie has 12 distinct characters and you can go through every single one after the movie is over to describe their personalities. The script on this movie is dang near perfect.
In 2010, I played Juror #8 in a community theatre production. My brother and some others in the audience remained convinced the defendant was guilty. I tried to remind them that the play was fiction; it was all in the author's mind. There was no real answer to the question of guilt, which was the point of the play.
Simply amazing what can be done with a small cast and limited set.
one of the greatest movies of all time. Not flashy at all
A lot of masters of the craft of acting...almost exclusively in one room makes for magic.
The knife could have fallen out of the hole in the boys pocket, as he said. If it fell out just as he was leaving to go to the movies, which fits the timeframe he gave, then the knife would be lying on the floor right outside the front door. That would eliminate the need for a second, nearly identical knife, and also explain away the problem mentioned in the movie (that some stranger - who doesn't know where the old man lived - supposedly found the knife somewhere on the street away from the home and happened to end up and the old man's place by pure chance).
Coby- your "what if the kid did it at the end!?" haha, there ARE movies like that out there, really good ones. Can't say more without spoiling them.
Garry marshall was the guy in league of their own. His sister, penny, directed it
I found it interesting that you recognized Jack Klugman, Oscar from the tv show The Odd Couple. Another interesting fact, he also played Quincy M.E. a Los Angeles County medical examiner who routinely engages in police investigations and solved crimes.
Jack Warden - the juror who wanted to get to the ball game - has been in everything.
Off the top of my head, he was John Cusack’s manager in Bullets Over Broadway. And, if I remember correctly, the judge in And Justice for All who keep trying to kill himself.
This has long been one of my favorite movies since I first saw it!
You’re right, Coby, this was originally a stage play. And I highly recommend you read it. While it has much the same impact as the film adaptation I feel this is one of the rare cases where the film surpasses the original source material. If you ever do read the script you’ll see what I mean!
Glad you had such a great experience watching this movie!
Actually it was a television play. It was, however, later adapted for the stage.
@@TedLittle-yp7ujAnd the actors who played the old man who was first to change his vote, and the immigrant watchmaker reprised their roles from the tv version in the film.
This has probably been said but, the "Stallone mouth" guy is Lee J Cobb, legend. The guy you thought was Ed Begley was in fact E G Marshall, another legend. This is rightly considered one of the great American films. Great watching with you young lady.
This was a personal project for Henry Fonda, he produced it. The movement during the Ed Begley speech was a true ballet. The way each man got up and moved away, then after the speech they one by one came back and sat down. They don't make movies like this anymore! 👍
Four words. To. Kill. A. Mockingbird.
The Quality of acting in this film is unsurpassed in my opinion, I remember watching this as a young man with my late father and I had never seen a film like this at that time of my life and I don't think I have seen a better one since . Lee j Cobb is amazing in his role he was a wonderful actor who was incredibly underrated, , it's one of those films that you can watch time after time and still get totally involved in even when you know what is going to be said next.
Another role in which Mr. Lee J. Cobb shone very brightly was as Willie Loman in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" (1966). Add that one to this tour de force performance for Mr. Cobb!
They say he wouldn't stab down with the knife because it's a switchblade, but the knife was left in the body and had been stabbed down
That possibly means that the person that did the killing didn't grow up around them, and sort of further exculpates the kid....
I played Juror 4 in a local production of the play a few years ago; great experience; still relevant and so engaging for the audience.
This movie is based on the original TV play that is available to watch on UA-cam. Fascinating to compare and contrast them. The play is very close to this film version.
Yes, Jack Klugman did play Oscar in the original "The Odd Couple" opposite Tony Randall. How does someone so young know about that show, it was on in the early 70's? I used to watch it.
Jack Klugman did indeed play Oscar Madison in the Odd Couple, but in the TV show, not the original movie.
For my part, the favorite, other than Henry Fonda, is E.G. Marshall (the proper bespectacled man). For years, when I was growing up, he was the host of the National Geographic specials on T.V. I would very much like to see you react to another gripping and horrifying Fonda vehicle, "Fail-Safe".
Possibly my favourite Henry Fonda film. The first time I got called up for jury service, I tried to think up of any excuse to get out of it, but I'm glad i didn't, one of the best experiences of my life. There's a lot of responsibility, but engrossing too.
I was also called for jury duty on a first degree murder case. At the beginning of the second day the prosecution notified us that it was downgraded to second degree. It was definitely a learning lesson.
This story was originally created as a TV play. It was adapted for the stage a year later and then this movie came out a couple years after that.
The lack of a reveal of the truth of if the defendant was guilty or not is really the key to this story. It’s not a story of guilty or innocent, it’s all about reasonable doubt. It may be that they let a killer off the hook or they may have saved an innocent boys life. We just won’t ever know for certain and that’s perfect.
One of my all time favorites. Great supporting cast. You might like The Oxbow Incident, another morality tale with Henry Fonda. Jack Warden is the guy who just wants to go to the ballgame. You should check out another one of my favorites with him and Warren Beatty, Heaven Can Wait.
"The Oxbow Incident" is great. "Heaven Can Wait" was done much better in 1941 as "Here Comes Mr Jordan,"
Jack Klugman was also in several Twilight Zone episodes from the original TV series. Never missed an episode of Quincy M.E.
The most amazing cast ever. Legends, all of them.
I have loved this movie for decades now. Absolute classic.
"it could be a play"
heheh it was actually
I've seen 2219 movies. This remains #1.
Many people put this movie in the top ten, all time. Yeah, most of these actors are known for movies or TV in the 60's and 70's as well. The foreman was in Psycho, Lee Cobb in the Exorcist.
Lee Cobb was also the original Willie Loman in “Death of a Salesman” on Broadway.
This movie's superheroes connection: Ed Begley (Juror #10) is the father of Ed Begley Jr, who played a Wayne Enterprises character killed by Jim Carrey's Riddler in BATMAN FOREVER.
E.G. Marshall (Juror #4) played the President in SUPERMAN II.
Henry Fonda (Juror #8) is the father of Jane Fonda, BARBARELLA.
pretty awesome lol
Great Movie, Great Play. I have played Juror #8 (Henry Fonda) 5 times, I really want to play EG Marshal and Lee Cobbs roles some day. You could spend an entire career just doing this play. Every season do a different Juror, thats the dream!
Jack Warden (juror with the baseball tickets) was also in All the President’s Men (1976) with Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.
on the list to watch very soon - Martin Balsam was also in President's Men
It was originally a one-hour live TV drams later adapted as a stage play.
She needs to watch Stranger Than Fiction.
It is a hidden GEM
Jack Klugman did perform in The Odd Couple as you said. He also starred in the TV show Quincy.
Quincy was awesome. It kind of reminds me of a forerunner to "The Mentalist".
Well, Klugman was in the TV show The Odd Couple, but Walter Matthau originally portrayed Oscar Madison, to Jack Lemmon's Felix Ungar, in the film. The Odd Couple, itself, began life as a Broadway play. Again, Matthau played Oscar in the original 1965 production and was later replaced by Klugman, just as Matthau was in the 1968 film only to be replaced by Klugman, again, for the TV show.
My ex was on a jury that had to acquit a woman of murder who everyone was pretty sure she'd done it; the prosecution hadn't been able to prove their case. Six months later we found out that she had been acquitted of another murder a year or two before under virtually identical circumstances. She was well-known around town as an extremely violent person.
Sounds like the boy didn't have a defense lawyer. Henry Fonda sounds like the boys lawyer.
The way camera and framing works in this movie is incredible. Almost like an loat art compared to modern movies.
This is a wonderful film with top-tier performances across the board. It is an exceptional achievement in writing not just for (mostly) taking place in a single room but for the character dynamics, depth and the second-perfect pacing of the storytelling. What has to be said though is that the jurors themselves behave completely unethically, making wild suppositions, introducing their own evidence and effectively re-trying the case rather than reaching their verdict based on the evidence laid out for them in court. Davis (Fonda) is presented in a heroic light despite being every bit as pushy and ideologically driven as Lee Cobb or Ed Begley's characters. He claims to be impartial yet arguably acts more unethically than anyone by pressuring others to change their votes based on 'evidence' introduced outside court and hypotheticals with basis in little more than guesswork. All three operate from predetermined beliefs, but Davis' are just more sympathetic and his manner less abrasive.
Whether or not the boy committed the murder is not the point of the film but the right to a fair trial very much is, and on that count Davis' behaviour is in direct opposition to the fundamental principle that it is down to the prosecution and defence to present the facts of the case, overseen by a learned judge, not jurors operating alone and outside any semblance of oversight. One can fully sympathise with Davis' desire to talk through the case before sending someone to execution but based on the information the film gives us from the trial, the only admissable evidence, it seems perfectly reasonable to say the prosecution proved their case beyond reasonable doubt, which is all the jury are there to determine.
You sound like a prosecutor.
Jack Warden and Martin Balsam were in another mood together, All the Presidents Men, about the Watergate scandal.
A fun movie that Jack Warden was in was called Used Cars with Kurt Russell.
used cars is hysterical
You saw juror 1 get slashed by Norman Bates' "mother."
Yes, Martin Balsam who was the foreman was also Arbogast, the detective killed on the stairs in the Bates house.
Excellent reaction and correct we really don’t know for sure if he’s guilty or not, it’s the reasonable doubt, definitely all star cast , thanks again
The guy U recognized was Jack Klugman...Felix Unger's room-mate in 'The Odd Couple'..=)
Ed Begley was a successful supporting actor at a time when there were less opportunities than there are today. His next film was 'Odds Against Tomorrow' a pretty good caper film and just right for a channel called Criminal Content.
Yup Jack Klugman played Oscar Madison.
12 Angry Men is in my top 40 for a reason.
Juror #2 is the voice of Piglet in Winnie the Pooh.😊
"Ed Begley? Oh, Ed Begley Jr.'s dad!"
Yep, that's how it works. 😁
Love love 12 Angry Men!! Such a wonderful classic. 😊
Part II 😁 Jack Klugman!! Oscar of the series The Odd Couple and Tony Randall as Felix Unger but not the original movie 🎥🍿 That was Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon as Felix Unger. Jack Klugman later had a successful TV series as QUINCY M.E. medical coroner. ☮️
I think Garry Marshall is who you’re thinking of from A League of Their Own.
Great choice. I know you'll love it
Great reaction. The movie is a master class in movie making and stands as one of the great films of the 20th century. Some fun facts: Yes, the movie was a play adapted to the screen: most of the cast went on to star in other movies or tv shows, some of them became big names appearing in other great films; the reason there are 12 white men on the jury was a conscious decision of the director done in order to showcase the culture of the US in 1957 the year the movie was made. That year was the first time women were allowed to be jurors in the Federal court system. There are no black jurors because the race situation in the US at the time would not have given any credibility to the opinion of a black man. Finally, if you want to read about movie making decisions read the book "Making Movies" by the director, Sydney Lumet. In the book each chapter is devoted to a different aspect of the choices made in making this movie: the heat and closeups of the jurors sweating, the score, the dark cinematography of every scene, the cast selection, the lighting and breath of fresh air in the last scene. As a cinephile you'll enjoy the book immensely and watch movies in the future with a different eye.
Henry Fonda's best B&W movie is 'Fail Safe'...=))
Great movie, but making the woman's glasses such a crucial plot point always bothered me a bit. Lots of people wear glasses only for reading. Could the jury have asked the judge/attorneys about her vision before reaching a verdict? Maybe not. Anyway, great video!
A great film to watch next would be Once upon a time in the west. Another Fonda film.
Idk if you’ve seen them, but “RUNAWAY JURY” is an Xcellent movie! As well as “A TIME TO KILL”. Both amazing courtroom dramas.
The Fugitive w Harrison Ford & Tommy Lee Jones. 😊❤
So, hard question Coby.
Was the boy guilty or innocent?
(Did they let off a killer?)
No right or wrong answer, just curious to see what you think after watching.
You can also say, "not sure" if you're still unsure.
I was on a jury once! But it was only for a few hours....the guy was accused of exposing himself to a woman and two kids walking by his car....he swore up and down he was just adjusting his pants. The prosecution used the fact that he ran from the police as evidence, but, he was an undocumented immigrant, so that's not unexpected. I didn't think he did it, but about four hours into the case, the prosecution said unexpectedly that they could not fulfill their burden of proof, and dropped the case! 😲 🙂
henry fonda starred in 2 other films with similar themes of "american justice." first there's "the ox-bow incident" (1943) a classic western directed by william a. wellman and the 1956 hitchcock classic "the wrong man" based on a true story. in 1939 fonda starred as abraham lincoln in the wonderful john ford directed "young mr. lincoln" and in 1955 he starred in ford's "mr. roberts." co-starring jimmy cagney its guaranteed to make you laugh and bring a tear to your eye. lastly fonda starred as the president in the sydney lumet 1964 cold-war shocker "fail safe." all are classics and well worth a look!
walter mathau (oscar) and jack lemon (felix) starred in the original 1968 "the odd couple" film. its really funny. you should watch it. but your right jack klugman played oscar to tony randall's felix in "the odd couple" tv show.
Ed Begley was the racist who everyone turned their back on. Henry Fonda was the original not guilty. Robert Webber was the ad exec. Lee J Cobb was the hot head (was in Exorcist). Martin Balsam was the jury foreman. Jack Klugman was the juror who grew up in the slums and he was in Odd Couple. Jack Warden wanted to go to the ball game.
Coby which do you like doing more, your Australian accent or our California one? lol I remember an episode of the new Magnum PI, from 2018, with alluring British woman Perdita Weeks starring as a female version of Higgins, and Higgins had to do an American accent for a mission they did, and Magnum told her "you do a great American accent!" and she replied "there's nothing great about your American accent" lmao 🙂
The old bigot was played by Ed Begley. Is the father of another actor, a bit more prominent, Ed Begley Jr. The last thing I saw him on was Young Sheldon.
Hey Coby, you have such an interesting insight into film that many YT film reactions might miss. I think this was a play and so enjoyed seeing this with you♥
Glad you enjoyed it!
My absolute favorite movie that I think you Ms Coby would live if you haven’t seen it is A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN - starting Peggy Ann garner.
Such a well-written play & well-executed movie. Definitely recommend "Inherit the Wind" if you enjoyed this.
I love this movie. It never gets old.