Overview
Contact:
View
company
contact information for 12 Angry Men on
IMDbPro.
Release Date:
29 July 1957 (Sweden)
more
Tagline:
Life Is In Their Hands -- Death Is On Their Minds!
more
Plot:
A dissenting juror in a murder trial slowly manages to convince the others that the case is not as obviously clear as it seemed in court.
full summary |
full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 3 Oscars.
Another 13 wins
&
6 nominations
more
User Comments:
Should be in everyone's top ten list of greatest films of ALL TIME.....
more
Crew verified as complete
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Twelve Angry Men (USA) (alternative spelling)
more
Runtime:
96 min
Aspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1
more
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The melody juror #7 whistles before juror #8's reenactment of the handicapped man walking to the door is "Dance of the cuckoos", which is also the theme song for the "Laurel & Hardy" series.
more
Goofs:
Crew or equipment visible: When Juror #8 is imitating the old man going to the door, as he is completing the first leg of his walk the shadow of the camera following him is clearly visible on the floor by his feet.
more
Quotes:
[
first lines]
[
In a tedious manner, sounding bored and tired]
Judge:
To continue, you've listened to a long and complex case: murder in the first degree. Premeditated murder is the most serious charge tried in our criminal courts . You've listened to the testimony, you've had the law read to you and interpreted as it applies in this case...
more
FAQ
A NOTE REGARDING SPOILERS
How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie
How does it end?
more
more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on
IMDb message board for 12 Angry Men (1957)
more
Recommendations
Related Links
........Films rarely get this uplifting and brilliant. I cannot think of the last time I was so intrigued by the flawless plot, dialogue and acting since 12 Angry Men. For such a simplistic story set in one jury room, it is surprising that Sidney Lumet can drain you of all your emotions and leave you on the edge of your seat with suspense, mystery, and some of the best acting your bound to ever see grace the silver screen!
When a boy is on last day of trial for killing his father in the heat of domestic arguments, 12 jury men are forced to present a verdict in which if guilty, is the one way ticket to the electric chair for the boy. When the jury men decide to quickly end the discussion and raise their hands to find out who thinks the boy is guilty, only one jury man (Henry Fonda) doesn't put his hand up. Trial and Character revelations, doubts, and possibilities follow.
So masterfully crafted is this film, that every time I watch it, only gets better. It includes some of the best character development I've ever seen. Sidney Lumet is an expert in this field and this is by far his greatest contribution to Hollywood history - one of the most important contributions to world cinema. However it was Henry Fonda and Lee J. Cobb who really made this film legendary, with their incredibly realistic performances. Casting was genius. And the dialogue was astoundingly riveting up until the brilliant finale. What really impressed me personally also was the camera angles and movements that made the film so suspenseful. Black and White made the film all the more powerful. And the music was minimal, which gave the film a more atmospheric experience, like you were their in the jury room with them - and you just feel that tension really built up as the movie proceeds.
This inexpensive film, with such a simple setting had the world talking, the academy awards nominations rolling and Henry Fonda at his complete best form. I have rarely been so hypnotized by a film - 'Lawrence Of Arabia' and 'It's A Wonderful Life' are other ones that come to mind. This is a definitive viewing for anyone who loves film. It sums up everything I love about film. Everything from a technical point of view to superb acting and a simple yet complex character driven story, it's platinum and is most definitely one of the greatest cinematic achievements of all time - bar none! A statue should be erected in Sydney Lumet's honor......
"Is it possible?" - Juror #8/Henry Fonda