IMDb on iPhone and iPod touch Learn more Learn more Download from the App Store
IMDb > The Chamber (1996)
The Chamber
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user reviewsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

The Chamber (1996) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 29 | slideshow) Videos (see all 3)
The Chamber (1996) -- Home Video Preview
The Chamber (1996) -- Sinematurk - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
5.7/10   5,653 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 12% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers (WGA):
John Grisham (novel)
William Goldman (screenplay) ...
more
Contact:
View company contact information for The Chamber on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
11 October 1996 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
Time is running out.
Plot:
A young man fresh out of law school tries to win a reprieve for his racist grandfather who is on death row. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
1 nomination more
NewsDesk:
(3 articles)
In Memoriam: Harve Presnell (1933-2009)
 (From Cinematical. 3 July 2009, 7:02 AM, PDT)

William Monahan Adapting John Grisham for Shia Labeouf
 (From Rope Of Silicon. 17 February 2009, 2:27 AM, PST)

User Reviews:
slightly better than most people said more (32 total)
US TV Schedule:

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Chris O'Donnell ... Adam Hall

Gene Hackman ... Sam Cayhall

Faye Dunaway ... Lee Cayhall Bowen
Robert Prosky ... E. Garner Goodman

Raymond J. Barry ... Rollie Wedge / Donnie Cayhall (as Raymond Barry)
Bo Jackson ... Sgt. Clyde Packer

Lela Rochon ... Nora Stark
David Marshall Grant ... Gov. David McAllister
Nicholas Pryor ... Judge Flynn F. Slattery
Harve Presnell ... Atty. Gen. Roxburgh
Richard Bradford ... Wyn Lettner
Greg Goossen ... J.B. Gullitt (as Gregory Goossen)
Seth Isler ... Marvin B. Kramer
Millie Perkins ... Ruth Kramer
Sid Johnson ... Josh Kramer
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated R for violent images and some language.
Runtime:
113 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
In a 2006 BBC TV Culture Show interview, John Grisham stated that this was the adaptation of his work he liked least more
Goofs:
Audio/visual unsynchronized: As Adam watches, the digital LED clock in his hotel room changes from 3:59 to 4:00 am, and makes a faint click as it does. Clocks of this kind do not make such sounds. more
Quotes:
Lee Bowen: Pretty good for poor white trash. How well I'll be accepted after everybody finds out I'm Hitler's daughter is another thing. more
Soundtrack:
Sister more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
6 out of 9 people found the following review useful.
slightly better than most people said, 30 August 2006
6/10
Author: Lee Eisenberg (eisenberg.lee@gmail.com) from Portland, Oregon, USA

First, I should admit that I've never read any of John Grisham's novels. I've seen many of the film adaptations (which usually seem to be worthy, if absolutely nothing else). It seems like most critics - and much of the public - considered "The Chamber" the worst adaptation of a Grisham novel ever. When I saw the movie, I didn't find it terrible, though not a great movie either. Maybe it was just that many people - myself not included - counted "A Time to Kill" as one of the best adaptations, and dismissed this one.

Anyway, Gene Hackman makes a pretty ugly Klansman (well duh, he gets into any character), and I'd say that he overshadows Chris O'Donnell (who just looks a little out of place in this sort of movie). I can't tell whether or not Faye Dunaway is just there for show. But overall, what I like about this movie is that it doesn't lionize Hackman's character, but it shows why he became a Klansman - sort of like what "Dead Man Walking" does with Sean Penn's character. Obviously, "The Chamber" isn't in the same league as that one. But still, I think that most people need to reassess this movie. Also starring Robert Prosky, Raymond J. Barry, Bo Jackson and Lela Rochon.

Was the above review useful to you?
more (32 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Chamber (1996)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Casting superguido
THE ENDING! kayeanna77
Ending of the book? pansy-fairy
Death Cell Question. Toadle
Script? viewtifuljoe1010
Gas chamber movies? bsaucer1
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
A Time to Kill The Believer A Mighty Heart The Client The Assassination of Richard Nixon
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.