12 ANGRY MEN (1957) First Time Watching MOVIE REACTION

[@jenmurrayxo]

Please leave me a comment below! I love reading them! 1940-50's Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLQHhQlj8i5dotFJl59gM2R0DW8hFkFTJH

[@tomhoffman4330]

...And I Love Writing them for You!😇

[@jrobwoo688]

You’re the best, Jen! Thanks for watching all these wonderful films and sharing your reactions with us.

[@kevinlewallen4778]

@@tomhoffman4330 Me too!

[@rnrsteev]

can I donate without a cell phone acct. ? I tried,no success.

[@williampetterson126]

The boy is guilty far beyond reasonable doubt, cause "losing" his knife only hours before his father gets killed and someone else buying a similar looking knife and killing the dad? These 2 facts combined mean the chances are a million to one, they even said it in the movie explicitly, but they just ignored that extreme high (im)probability later for storytelling reasons. No8 when buying a similar knife in a pawn shop was exactly aware of what he was looking for, the mysterious murderer had to pick a weapon just by a lucky guess and he didnt buy a bat or a gun, he bought a knife a very similar looking one too, sorry that is too far beyond any reasonable assumption. Real supreme court justice Sotomayor stated the same about his movie.

[@BigSleepyOx]

12:56 - Jen, regarding your question, "How come he didn't remember the name of the movie he saw?" Well, this was back in the day when often, people, rather than going to see a specific movie, just "went to the movies", and would watch whatever happened to be playing. They'd typically see some news reels, then a couple cartoons, then some short serial episodic movie (Batman, Superman, cowboys, etc), then finally see the main feature, then see the second feature film. So it's akin to in later years, someone just turning on the TV to watch whatever was playing, and then not remember the names of the shows.

[@laurelg9586]

Exactly...we would consider going to a movie and say..."what's Playing" and "what's playing with it?" and the second feature would decide yes or no! You could go in halfway through the movie, you could sit through it twice to see the first half you missed so the movie may not have been more important than just something to do...and movie theatres were beautiful so it was fun just being there!

[@robwalsh9843]

Henry Fonda putting Lee J. Cobb's coat on him is one of my favorite scenes in the history of cinema. This is how people should be.

[@kenfreeman8888]

I agree.

[@marleybob3157]

For me, it is the very end of the movie when each juror is walking down the steps. Lee J. Cobb's Juror #4 is last and you can tell by his hesitation that the experience changed him.

[@johnflynn8879]

Ive been on jury service 7 times you are not supposed to prejudge but we all did.

[@Ultracity6060]

That, and how even Cobb's character turns his back on the racist guy.

[@andrewtuell1991]

@@marleybob3157 Cobb is Juror #3.

[@susanliltz3875]

The actor that demonstrated how to use the knife is “Jack Klugman “he also was in many movies and television shows. He starred in the tv show “The Odd Couple “and “Quincy ME I got to meet him at a charity event where I work , very nice and I got to tell him how talented he was!!

[@steveleslie2170]

Quincy was a cool show...right at the beginning of the use of DNA research...one of the actors forensic staff (Mark) was an actual forensic analyst. He was a technical advisor for the show first. He was was one of the early DNA researchers irl. They hired him because he already knew the medical jargon.

[@xzonia1]

I loved Klugman growing up! Henry Fonda and he were both big names back in the day. :)

[@jonathanross149]

It's crazy to think how old Klugman was on The Odd Couple from 1970, compared to how young he was in this film.

[@TheFerretLives]

Don't know whether anyone has beaten me to it but Lee J Cobb who you said you recognised played the detective in your favourite movie ever The Exercise, lol

[@VOTOG-ic6hm]

Quincy M. E. He was a medical examiner.

[@trinaq]

Lee J. Cobb's monologue at the end was so powerful and gut wrenching, that it really stirs up ALL of your emotions. He should have been nominated for an Oscar, at least. Then, Henry Fonda shows compassion by helping him with his jacket.

[@TheTurinturumbar]

Well, credit where credit is due. He had done a man's job and came out on the side of rationality in the end. Fighting inner demons while in a highly confrontational, uncomfortable, miserably sweating situation among strange men where the basic idea is to pick a side which people tend to degenerate into rather vicious tribalism in short order and that is a man bred for exactly that primarily. Unless anybody has a different take on the story about the son. Essentially a psychological breakthrough in public. Mortified doesn't really cover it, does it? Edit: oh, and let's not forget that weaker backboned people could easily choose to die on their hill just to avoid admitting they were wrong and should apologize for their behavior.

[@bobcobb3654]

He got a golden globe nomination, so it wasn’t a total loss.

[@djgrant8761]

I prefer George C. Scott’s monologue in the 1997 remake.

[@migmit]

He kinda returns him his dignity, symbolically.

[@derekfnord]

This is one of the 5-6 best films I've ever seen, and I think it has the greatest ensemble cast. It's almost 70 years old, and it not only holds up, but it's still just as relevant now as it was when it was made.

[@smadaf]

It's been in my top five for many years. Aren't we fortunate to get to love it and watch it again and again?

[@CFWhitman]

I've always thought of it as a top tier film. Also, it's a very star-studded cast, which current reactors tend not to realize because of its age. That's why the acting is so good all around.

[@captainkangaroo4301]

Many members of this cast were giants of the stage and/or screen from the 1920’s-80’s.

[@tensor131]

agreed .. this was a HUGE cast of players at their best ... monumental casting in a monumental drama. All sides of humanity exposed in a single room.

[@GeraldH-ln4dv]

Perfect storm of great director, great cinematographer, and 12 great veterans of stage and screen.

[@hmr171]

The acting is amazing in this movie. Every character is so convincing, even the ones you aren't supposed to like.

[@Trip_Fontaine]

I also love how they never tell you if he really was guilty or not. It doesn't matter because there was reasonable doubt. Even if he was guilty, the jury still did the right thing in acquitting him.

[@casedismissed8581]

HAHAHAHAHA with an attitude like THAT, do you wonder why trump won ?

[@BEBruns]

@@casedismissed8581Unfortunately that may be true. Are you actually suggesting the government should have the power to execute people even when they haven’t proven their guilt? Are you suggesting we eliminate one of the fundamental principles of Western civilization? I hope I’m misreading your comment.

[@radiocameron]

@@casedismissed8581 Ass.

[@missk8tie]

The point of the movie isn't about if the kid really did it - that's why they don't say.

[@casedismissed8581]

"even if he was guilty" spoken like a true LIBERAL, zero moral compass coupled with the inability to comprehend logical/rational thought process !!

[@NoLegalPlunder]

Lee J Cobb's self-owns in this are a thing of beauty.

[@barbarakiewe4917]

Self-owns or cellphones? 😐

[@xander66644]

Lee J Cobb was the detective in the movie "The Exorcist". He was 1 of the last 2 characters at the end of the film; when it was all over.

[@jpkc86]

It's simply one of the greatest films ever made. Nearly 70 years later and it hasn't aged at all. You said it and I concur, brilliant. I saw this movie for the 1st time when I was in 3rd grade. They showed us it at elementary school in the 80's. It's established at that crazy young age the framework of how I would argue/debate things in every aspect of my life since. It should be seen by everyone!

[@LilHoss]

The Ed Begley speech is like a ballet of movements by the actors, they get up, turn away, one by one, then come back and sit down. Masterful!

[@notabritperse]

All except Juror 4, who is a procedural man. He stays seated, takes in every word, then advises the man to never speak again. As one who was then still on the "guilty" side, for defensible reasons, he knew that kind of appeal would do nothing to change a "not guilty" vote and would only repel your own allies.

[@susanliltz3875]

The little guy bald head and glasses, the one you said you’d be him , he was the “voice” Piglet from the cartoons “Winnie The Pooh”!!

[@JohnCameron624]

He was also the "administrator" who was the mass murderer entity in the Star Trek TOS episode where Scotty was accused of murder.

[@olivegreenpants7153]

Yes, my favorite episode!​@@JohnCameron624

[@olivegreenpants7153]

Also the stockbroker with er glasses was E.G.Marshall who played Ellen Griswolds father in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

[@shawnmiller4781]

@@JohnCameron624And the Lawyer J Nobke Dagget in True Grit. Also was one of the cars playing friends in “The odd couple”

[@bobbuethe1477]

​@@JohnCameron624 That’s right. "Wolf in the Fold"

[@edwardtoal]

One of the best movies in cinema history. Story, script, performances, cinematography. Masterpiece’s like this are few and far between. Very few movies now have this combination.

[@ImAlsoMerobiba]

Its one flaw is that it's an inaccurate depiction of jury deliberation. I've seen people argue it's just used as a storytelling device but the problem is that jury service is an important civic duty, right and privelege of American citizens. Many who watch it end up being misinformed about deliberations, and there are countless anecdotes about people encountering #8 (Fonda) type jurors who were influenced by this movie. Except in real life, that can result in a mistral if you're bringing in or considering outside evidence... On the other hand, it does a great job of showcasing what "reasonable doubt" is and I'm sure a lot of people learned about that concept from this movie.

[@glenngalloway6191]

A classic. What's amazing about this movie (one of many amazing things) is how the setting can be so seemingly restrictive, yet the camera work is phenomenal.

[@aaronmurphy9353]

When you watch it again, Jen... look at the kids face. He truely believed he was screwed. Guilty or Not Guilty, he believed he was toast. I don't remember if he got any credit attention like the 12 Jurors, but the actor, John Savoca, definitely should have gotten props. One brief look, no dialog, and you see a tidal wave of emotions of the kid. He lost his dad and was facing the death penalty for the murder... and believed he was screwed. I'm surprised the actor didn't go on to do more movies.

[@hadrenspicer9035]

All of these men are superior actors.they have made many movies top 10 movie of all time

[@trinaq]

One of my absolute favourite films, and the one that made me fall in love with both storytelling, and cinema. You wouldn't think that watching twelve men argue for 90 minutes about events that don't directly concern them could make for riveting, thought provoking entertainment, but it does.

[@andrewpetik2034]

Well written script....well acted

[@conureron3792]

Truly, one of the best movies ever. Love how the director changed the camera angle during the process, above eye level to start, then eye to eye, then slightly below.

[@TheDaringPastry1313]

3:05 I think my favorite detail in this movie is that the old man was the last to slowly raise his hand on the public vote. In psychology, humans want to belong and not stand out, so it was like peer pressure for him to not be seen as a nuisance and to conform. I feel like he wouldn't have raised his hand at the start if they started with the secret-written ballot. This is one of my favorite scripts in cinema. A soft sell is basically persuading without being forceful about it. There is a 2003 movie called Phone Booth with Colin Farrell that is a mystery and it unravels as he is confined to a Phone Booth. Actually a fun little movie with a lot of tension.

[@TrCic]

To Kill a Mockingbird, PLEASE!

[@amydhm]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@ThePsywren]

That one is great, too. It was an assigned reading that I wanted to hate, but when we finished it and watched the film, I was like “yeah, okay. It IS a classic…”

[@djgrant8761]

Great film. A must watch.

[@susanliltz3875]

The foreman is “Martin Balsam”he was in a ton of movies, he was the detective in the movie “Psycho “!

[@Slade347]

I first saw him as Archie's business partner in Archie Bunker's Place. I've since become more familiar with his career. He was a terrific actor, and as you mentioned, showed up in a lot of great movies.

[@kevinlewallen4778]

For fans of the series "Mad Men," Balsam's daughter Talia played Mona, the wife of account exec Roger Sterling, played by her real-life husband John Slattery. Talia was previously married to George Clooney.

[@Nasty-Canasta]

He was also in "All The Presidents Men" and "Tora Tora Tora"

[@JohnSipe-jt7bm]

He was the last of the villains the original Pelham 123( the motorman who sneezed). 9:57

[@chetstevensq]

The defendant really needed to hire My Cousin Vinny!

[@NThurkettle]

Sidney Lumet may be one of the most underrated directors in Hollywood history, and it's because he always used filmmaking craft to serve the story without imposing any particular style on it. "The Verdict" is another legal drama he made, and I know your request site has several other excellent movies from him. Thanks for being the rare reactor willing to go this far back into the classics!

[@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra]

Lumet is, absolutely, underappreciated as a master! ...and: The Verdict is, definitely, a masterpiece. [If Newman didn't deserve an Academy Award for that, the Academy Awards shouldn't, even, exist!🤦👍]

[@conureron3792]

The Verdict is stellar!

[@clarkness77]

Hardly underrated he gets alot of praise

[@cathleencooks748]

​​@@clarkness77Sorry to disagree with you but except for people with a passion & knowledge of older movies Sydney Lumet is unknown. I've watched many reactions to 12 Angry Men & none of the reactors seemed to recognize his name. Add to that while he was nominated 5 times for an Oscar he never won only receiving an Honorary Oscar in 2004

[@robertstallings7820]

Some classic courtroom dramas I’d like to add to Jen’s watchlist: The Caine Mutiny (1954) Witness for the Prosecution (1957) Anatomy of a Murder (1959) Inherit the Wind (1960) Judgement at Nuremberg (1961) To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) Breaker Morant (1980)

[@frantaf]

The actor with foreign accent is Jiří George Voskovec. Czech actor, who had great success in theather with his partner Werich. They both emigrated to U.S. in 1939. Voskovec stayed in U.S., Werich returned to his homeland but communist regime limited his profesional live.

[@tolotko1786]

well, its a pleasure to see here (i presume 🙂) fellow countryman ...

[@frantaf]

@tolotko1786 I am from a village near Olomouc.

[@foxmcleod64]

This film rightfully deserves to preserved in the National Film Registry and ought to a part of any high school social science/civic course. The ensemble cast is phenomenal, amazing direction, and overall just a really good piece cinema.

[@rdumontdebeque]

I played juror #3 in my high school’s production of 12 Angry Jurors. There weren’t enough boys in drama class so we staged the play with a mixed cast. My friend Vicki A. was juror #8. It was a little weird lunging at her screaming “I’ll kill her.” This was in 1975.

[@szandorkane6372]

That's great!

[@APigsEye]

Sidney Lumet, the director, wrote a book. "Making Movies", in which he describes the thought process in bringing a story to the cinema. He uses this movie to describe the process. Each chapter deals with an element of the process: the selection of the score, actors, cinematography lighting, etc.. Worth a read if you really want to understand movies.

[@donsample1002]

It was originally written and produced as a TV teleplay. The actors who played the old man, and the immigrant watchmaker reprised their roles from the tv version for the movie. You can find the full tv version on KZbin.

[@kirkdarling4120]

The teleplay was aired live, so it suffers, in a way, from the limitation of having to use one camera at a time with limited angles. But it also shows how deftly the director and crew worked within those limitations. Kind of funny...at commercial breaks the actors have to manually "freeze" until the camera is turned off.

[@smadaf]

Your deliberate watching of this was refreshing. (By "deliberate", I mean "slow, thoughtful, avoiding premature judgment".) Many of the people I've seen watching _12 Angry Men_ for the first time in KZbin videos either (A) assume the defendant's innocence from the beginning and yell angry illogicalities at everything a juror says that might suggest his guilt or (B) bounce back and forth excitedly a zillion times-"He did it!", "How dare you suggest he did it?!"

[@3DJapan]

A soft sell is a salesman gently persuading the customer to buy something vs. a more aggressive hard sell.

[@jimglenn6972]

The salesman, Jack Warden, also played Yeoman 1st Class Mueller in the sensational submarine movie, Run Silent, Run Deep.

[@chrisrobinson196]

@@jimglenn6972 'Fun' Jack Warden was in the mid-80s "Crazy Like A Fox" TV series, which got short-shifted by scheduling geniuses after a good start. I need to find if it's streaming anywhere.

[@long-timesci-fienthusiast9626]

Hi Jen, I`m glad you enjoyed this classic film. I grew up watching all these Actors in different films & Tv programs through the `60`s-`80`s.

[@BenRollinsActor]

This film is, quite simply, a master class in acting.

[@pencilnecked1579]

Another courtroom drama for ya would be The Verdict starring Paul Newman from 1982. Also has Jack Warden in it, the guy who just wanted to go to the baseball game in this.

[@conureron3792]

Stellar choice

[@Dillpicks95]

If there is one thing that I can always count on to help me feel better, it’s Jen’s reactions because they are the absolute best 🔥

[@raymondamador1487]

Yes, she has a good combo of smarts and emotions.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

How are you doing, I've missed you from the chat these past months?

[@Dillpicks95]

@@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis. things haven’t been great, I found out I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and there’s no cure for it.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

@@Dillpicks95 Oh, I'm really sorry to learn that, can it be managed with treatment at all? I suffer from four medical conditions which could kill me at any time, I take nineteen forms of medication each day, and I have altered my lifestyle as much as possible to help so, I do understand what it's like living with incurable conditions.

[@Dillpicks95]

@@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis. Oh wow I’m sorry to hear about that I can’t imagine how difficult that is for you. There are some treatments that can manage it but eventually overtime it’ll get worse they said.

[@tomfowler381]

Some of the finest actors of their generation, each giving outstanding performances while locked in a small room. No special effects or extras. Just talented actors, one of the best scripts every written. By the way, the final scene with Fonda helping him on with his coat gets me every time. In a way, it’s the point of the movie. ✌️

[@iKvetch558]

I am always really happy to see young people checking this one out for the first time...especially my favorite reactors. 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.

[@foggygray]

I didn’t realize Fail Safe was the same director. That is an amazingly shot movie as well.

[@folcotook3049]

Fail Safe is an amazing movie, the sober, serious companion movie to Dr. Strangelove.

[@bradleybowles7979]

Great reaction Jen! I got so excited when I got the notification that you had uploaded this reaction. This movie never gets old or boring, no matter how many times I've watched it. I think Lee J. Cobb steals the show as Juror #3, the last holdout to say "not guilty". The pathos he brings as a hurt father is amazing. You've also seen Lee J. Cobb in "The Exorcist", he was the detective. Again, great reaction and many blessings to you and yours.

[@jenmurrayxo]

Thank you so much bradley! I really loved this one, I've been thinking about it since I watched it. I'll definitely rewatch it in future & keep an eye out for more details 😊

[@Gameflyer001]

Lee J. Cobb was well-known for being the first to portray Willy Loman in the Broadway adaptation of Death of a Salesman 8 years earlier. Much like this film, that play explores animosity between his character and his sons, especially with the eldest one.

[@malarkey2217]

Jack klugman was Quincy, a medical examiner in a '70s tv show where he solved a murder or a strange death every week.

[@michaelodonnell6078]

I fully recommend you watch a courtroom drama made in 1957 called “Witness For The Prosecution” starring Tyrone Power and Charles Laughton. Am sure you will enjoy it.

[@rollmops7948]

the juror with glasses who went to the movies with his wife, was the President ' s close friend in the movie "Absolute Power" with Gene Hackman as the President, Clint eastwood as a thief, Scott Glenn as a Secret Servie agent.

[@shawnmiller4781]

He also played the actual president in Superman II

[@keithgoode6313]

@@shawnmiller4781 E.G. Marshall is his name, great actor as is everyone in the room.

[@ks4isu]

He also played Clark Griswold's father-in-law in "Christmas Vacation."

[@blueeyedcowboy8291]

I clicked on this so fast. My immediate thought was Jen is going to LOVE this movie. It's a classic, one of my top 10 movies. Just perfect writing and acting.

[@djgrant8761]

Jack Klugman was Quincy M.D. and was Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple with Tony Randall. Henry Fonda was in Yours, Mine and Ours (1968), Midway (1976), and On Golden Pond (1981). Henry Fonda is the father of actress Jane Fonda and her acting brother Peter Fonda.

[@auckalukaum]

Lee J Cobb, the stubborn juror with the estranged son, was the police detective in The Exorcist.

[@fergalstackstreams]

There is a stage version. I almost played Juror #6 in high school. But it wasn't an official school production, just something our English class was doing, and it fell apart at the last minute.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

Jen, I'm so glad that you liked it, it's a classic film for a reason, and I loved your reaction to it. It's a great study of humanity and the prejudices which we can all carry, I love this film, it's simple, no elaborate story, and no effects needed, just 12 men in a room, great film making.

[@kevinlewallen4778]

Well said, Adam.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

​@@kevinlewallen4778 Thank you, Kevin. I hope that, Jen reacts to some more classic films like this.

[@kevinlewallen4778]

@@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis. Me too. Of course, Jen has to think of the numbers, but I'm glad she sprinkles in some high-quality older films like this one.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

@@kevinlewallen4778 Yeah, I'm always aware of that, Kevin, it's her livelihood. I'd really like to see her reach 100K, she is getting closer, but I feel that she gets disheartened by the time that it's taking. I'll keep my fingers crossed for her.

[@Rycel2001]

There is a 1997 remake of this movie starring George C. Scott as Juror #3 (the Lee J. Cobb role) and Jack Lemon as Juror #8 (the Henry Fonda role), alongside a phenomenal supporting cast featuring actors like James Gandolfini, Tony Danza, Ossie Davis, and Edward James Olmos. While not a 1-for-1 remake, it does a remarkable job of being both evocative of the original while being it's own movie. I would also highly recommend attending a stage play of this you ever have the opportunity. 12 Angry Men/Jurors is one of those brass ring plays that actors fight over the chance to be in because the setting, stakes, pacing, and character dynamics offer a great chance to showcase their craft.

[@rg3388]

This film came to mind when I watched DUNE part 1. When the Fremen are said to be "dangerous and unreliable," I sarcastically said, "Oh, there're some GOOD things about 'em, too. I've known a COUPLE who were okay."

[@JohnBham]

Lee J Cobb- the angry guy with the kid- you might have noticed as playing the police detective many years later in 'The Exorcist'.

[@jasonward1470]

He was really good in The Exorcist

[@philshorten3221]

"if you think too much you'll get mixed up" If you want the perfect example Harry Enfield "Women Know Your Limits" 😂😂😂

[@kevinlewallen4778]

Trivia for Jen: Henry Fonda's granddaughter, actress Bridget Fonda, is married to musician Danny Elfman.

[@ThePsywren]

I first watched this film in my American Government class during High School. My teacher introduced this movie as “the reason why educated people aren’t chosen for jury duty.” We objected from the start because it was in b&w and those were the guys our grannies and great aunts watched, but by the end, we were exclaiming and pounding our desks. It was a very relevant introduction to the civic duty unit and it has become one of my favorites of the Old Hollywood era.

[@Hammster69official]

"It's really a good news/bad news situation - the judge denied your bail, but you have a real attorney, instead of a public defender." - Bill Murray, WILD THINGS (1998).

[@Bat-Twenty-Two]

You could almost do a "six degrees of 12 Angry Men" with a cast like this. Juror 1: Psycho (1960), Hombre (1967) Juror 2: A Raisin in the Sun (1961), True Grit (1969), classic Disney cartoons Juror 3: The Virginian television series, Our Man Flint (1966), Mackenna's Gold (1969) Juror 4: Superman II (1980), Creepshow (1982) Juror 5: A Game of Pool (The Twilight Zone S3E70, 1959), the Quincy, M.E. television series Juror 6: North by Northwest (1959), The Verdict (1982) Juror 7: The White Buffalo (1977), The Presidio (1988), Problem Child (1990) Juror 8: The Ox-Bow Incident (1943), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) Juror 9: The eldest has the shortest filmography, but I did see The Fastest Gun Alive (1956). Juror 10: Hang 'Em High (1968) Juror 11: Somewhere in Time (1980) Juror 12: The Dirty Dozen (1967)

[@HassoBenSoba]

When I was visiting New York (March, 1977), a sign in front of Lincoln Center announced the current run of Chekov's "The Cherry Orchard", featuring actor George Voskovec. "Ah! Juror #11", I said. Voskovec was a very distinguished stage actor. Now I wish I had bought a ticket.

[@nealrepetti2396]

Just a couple of points about this fantastic movie. 1 . It all takes place in one room. But, the diolag is so good, you never even think about it. 2 . Sidney Lumet is one of the greatest directors of all time. 3 . As they were shooting this movie, the director would slowly move the set walls in making the room smaller and smaller. 3 . He made it hot so the sweat should be real. That's how you make a great movie!

[@StephenHooper-p1i]

This movie was based upon a teleplay written by Reginald Rose for Westinghouse Studio One in 1954. Henry Fonda saw it and the two got together to collaborate on this production. The first decision the two of them made was to hire Sidney Lumet to direct the movie, even though this would be his first film. Sidney had a great reputation as a theater and TV director because he worked well with actors and brought projects in on time and on budget. They made the film for under $350,000, even though it contained one of the greatest ensemble casts ever assembled. It was nominated for four Oscars, best picture, best director, best screenplay and cinematography. The film is studied to this day for Sidney's creative use of lighting and camera angles. Rose also adapted this into a stage play, which believe it or not may be even better as the language is more authentic, for it was not hobbled by the Hays Code which governed film back then.. you can watch the teleplay on KZbin and see just how much better this film is. In my opinion, it is work of art. only two actors were holdovers from the original Tele play,, Joseph Sweeney and George Voskovec, Jurors #9 and 11.

[@Nomad-vv1gk]

Twelve Angry Men is an American courtroom drama written by Reginald Rose concerning the jury of a homicide trial. The production was staged in New York City and aired live on TV, September 20, 1954, as the first episode in the seventh season of the program, Studio One. The following year it was adapted for the stage. It was adapted for a film of the same name, directed by Sidney Lumet, and released in 1957. The production won three Emmy Awards: for Rose's writing, Schaffner's direction, and for Robert Cummings as Best Actor. The cast included performances by: Robert Cummings as Juror #8 Franchot Tone as Juror #3 Edward Arnold as Juror #10 Paul Hartman as Juror #7 John Beal as Juror #2 Walter Abel as Juror #4 George Voskovec as Juror #11 Joseph Sweeney as Juror #9 Bart Burns as Juror #6 Norman Fell as Foreman Lee Phillips as Juror #5 Will West as Juror # 12 Uncredited cast Vincent Gardenia as Bailiff[

[@Phil-p7p]

Jen, you mentioned that Lee.J.Cobb looked familiar. You may have seen him in the Exorcist, where he plays the detective.

[@raterus]

I showed this to my then 15-year old son years ago and he now regards this as his favorite movie.

[@Sarah_Gravydog316]

awesome

[@fredholland7525]

I was in a jury several years ago. It was a theft case involving several thousands of dollars. I hadn't seen this film at that point, but looking back I can say it went a lot like that.

[@ristomattikolsi5711]

Absolutely marvelous movie. Incredible performances and the best of them as always, mr. Fonda.

[@smadaf]

In his 1975 interview with Michael Parkinson (available at KZbin), Henry Fonda said that this would be the one film he did to go in a time-capsule if he had to pick one. He was also the producer of it.

[@richarddefortuna2252]

Anatomy of a Murder with Jimmy Stewart and so many others. It's why I went to law school. And with a banging soundtrack from Duke Ellington!

[@twoheart7813]

Grapes of Wrath & Fail Safe with Henry Fonda are great classics.

[@georgeheilman4243]

Still one of my favorite classic films. I first saw this as a teenager and it made me take courtroom drama seriously. It's full of tension, wit and fantastic performances. I'm glad you shared your experience with us.

[@Sunsetjoy]

One of the coolest trick in story is the weather. Starting in very hot (like that before a rainstorm coming, it's no wind, feel like something on your chest), and the rain comes, and at the end the rain is stopped, the temperature is much more nice and refreshing. Like in the situation in that room, slowly turning one side to the another... At 6:6 (at 16:46) stage, the rain is started, the things come to turn.

[@htim8997]

The first movie I saw Lee J. Cobb in was "Our Man Flint," a secret agent action comedy in which Cobb plays the boss of super spy Derek Flint (James Coburn). He's also in the sequel, "In Like Flint." As you are a James Bond fan, they might be in your wheelhouse.

[@dmprdctns]

The Verdict with Paul Newman is a really intriguing lawyer story... Has one of these actors in it, too... Oh, and Bruce Willis is an extra in it.

[@mildredpierce4506]

Anatomy of a murder is also a courtroom movie, but slightly on the lighthearted side.

[@ed-straker]

I've been called four times, served once. It was a shooting case, and the whole thing had to be done in Spanish through interpreters. We all knew he did it, but by the rules we had to find him not guilty. He ended up going down on a Federal drug case about four months later.

[@macroman52]

I think it was written and broadcast as a TV play, back in the day when they broadcast live TV plays.

[@waterbeauty85]

Because my stroke affected my equilibrium, I had an attack of dizziness and fell off a ladder last night. Fortunately, I didn't break anything or hit my head, but I'll be in too much pain to do physical therapy for a while. When I'm laid up like this, videos like yours help keep my mind from dwelling on the negatives and help the recuperation time pass faster. Kind of like the point of Preston Sturges comedy "Sullivan's Travels" in which a pretentious Hollywood director travels around the country disguised as a vagabond to gain "life experience" to make serious, heavy message movie, but along the way. he comes to realize that pure entertainment helps lift people's spirits and get them through difficult times. Just a round about way of letting you know that your reaction video have greater value than you realize.

[@szandorkane6372]

Hope you feel better soon mate!

[@AndrewGivens]

Excellent reaction throughout, Jen. It's great that you were actively engaged with the process. I remember seeing it one afternoon when I was about 13-14, not knowing anything about it but definitely having heard of it. It was a magnetic, compelling experience. The central quandary obviously holds the movie together, but the characters are the essence of it. Fabulous acting and the setting, like something out of Tennessee Williams, sweltering, oppressive and claustrophobic. Yeah, I loved it too. Been a fan of Fonda ever since. If you enjoyed the ensemble character dynamic of this single-setting drama, you might consider watching the Jimmy Stewart / Hardy Kruger survival movie 'Flight of the Phoenix'. Again, the fractious interplay of the various characters makes the whole film.

[@brandonflorida1092]

The jury foreman was the detective Arbogast in "Psycho." The juror who was angry at his son was the kindly police detective in "The Exorcist."

[@christopherschafer7675]

Another good job Jen. There are lots of great stories from 40's and 50's to see, hope you will expand your playlist with many of them. I was called to jury duty a number of times when I was your age. Most of the other jurors were decades older and I caught a glimpse of the defendant down the hall, an 18 year old boy. I remember thinking this was not exactly a jury of peers. The defendants always pled out at the last minute rather than face trial. The system in place now goes for plea deals instead of trials.

[@muddeer5383]

This was when America was "great." In some states, women were not allowed on jury for state cases. Another courtroom drama worth watching is Witness for the Prosecution (1957).

[@tolotko1786]

actor with moustache under nose is Jiří Voskovec (very famous Czech theatre and movie star in 1930´ - 1940´) He had to emigrate to USA due occupation of Czechoslovakia by Hitlers nazi armies. I am always glad too see his performance in Hollywood... you may notice his english accent... anyway great movie 🙂

[@christophercrane9540]

I genuinely feel like seeing this movie as a fifteen year old helped to define my morality and my understanding of the world. Henry Fonda's character to me is one of the greatest heroes of cinema, a man who stands up justice in the face of adversity, on behalf of a boy he doesn't even know. Not even because he thinks the boy is innocent but he just isn't as sure as everyone else. The ideal of what it used to mean to be a citizen - to take your civic duties seriously, to honor the oaths you make. Wholesome, decent, kind, thoughtful, brave.

[@LeeWinstead1962]

The one you identify with is John Fiedler I've always been a fan since I saw him on ab episode of Star Trek but I didn't know until I just checked the spelling of his name that he was the original voice of Piglet in Winnie the Pooh

[@richelliott9320]

Yep Jack the ripper possessed him

[@bobcobb3654]

Sidney Lumet was one of those directors that could seemingly just do anything. His streak in the 70s, putting out Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, and Network within 3 years was incredible.

[@nmt2k2]

This movie is a perfect example of why I wish that you would return to awarding the MVP, Low Key MVP and The Worst.

[@allenporter6586]

In High School we did this play in English class, I was the Ad Guy. This movie is great, a story intriguing enough to make even Jen forget to check out the music, a stellar cast, cinematography that's out of this world... It's not Casablanca, but durn close.

[@socalpaul487]

The acting talent in this room is extraordinary. Jack Klugman, the man that grew up in the slums, not only starred in four separate episodes of "The Twilight Zone", but 114 episodes of "The Odd Couple" and 147 episodes of "Quincy, M.E.". He also was in dozens of movies and TV shows.

[@Solitaire001]

In addition to Jack Klugman, many up-and-coming actors also made appearances. This includes: William Shatner, Robert Redford, Jonathan Winters (in a serious role), and Julie Newmar.

[@62salv]

Lee J Cobb played the detective in The Exorcist (1973)

[@NateAZ]

This is one of the all time great films. There was also an extremely good remake of this in 1997 that I would recommend.

[@davismccardle1]

Glad you finally watched this one. I liked it so much I took my screen name from the ending.

[@markcole5108]

I was on a jury for a murder trial once. It wasn’t enjoyable. We didn’t have to deliberate a verdict because the defendant changed his plea to guilty part way through. That same month, a coworker of mine was stuck on a month long trial where a family member was being tried for SA of his minor aged niece. My friend said hearing testimony in that case was the worst experience of his life.

[@Sarah_Gravydog316]

awful (I'm a new doctor, but i was a nurse, & my mom is a nurse & has had to be a witness 3 times in court)

[@edkeaton]

This was such an amazing film to watch. I have seen it so many times and the cast headed by Henry Fonda, was top notch. Every single cast member has each shined in their own way throughout key points in the film. The 1997 version with Jack Lemmon in the Henry Fonda role, was equally compelling as this one. Thanks Jen for sharing your thoughts on this film.

[@RedKytten]

I love the heavy character based stories like this one. Ones that usually take place in just a couple of locations, where it doesn't distract from the characters. While this one is the best at it, some of others I love with the same format (in case others want too check them out) are "How too rob a bank in 10 easy steps" and a Canadian horror called "Pontypool".

[@claudelemire2451]

I like the fact they exchanged their names at the end of the movie. They were only numbers in that small room.

[@captbunnykiller1.0]

I love how in this movie, if you pay real good attention, you can practically see the lives of the jurors right in front of you and get to understand why they make the choices they make.

[@Phil-p7p]

Great reaction. Another film, by the same director Sidney Lumet, that also takes place almost entirely in one room, and also on one of the hottest days of the year, is 'Dog Day Afternoon' starring Al Pacino. Like 12 Angry Men, it also features some superb acting from the whole ensemble. Highly recommended.

[@chuckg3818]

A whole room of great actors. Another great Fonda movie is The Oxbow Incident.

[@charlieeckert4321]

The fact that a juror went to the defendant's neighborhood and brought an identical knife into the jury room would cause a mistrial. It's evidence that the judge did not allow and was not part of the case. And the juror could have been fined or even jailed.

[@szandorkane6372]

I think showing obvious and clear racial bias during the jury deliberation would also be enough for a mistrial, at least nowadays, not sure if it was back then. Of course a juror would have to bring it to the judge's attention first, too.

[@jeffreyphipps1507]

The "soft sell" is an advertising methodology that chooses less obvious persuasive language and a less aggressive approach. In audio and video commercials, longer commercials tend to be softer, whereas shorter commercials tend to be more aggressive due to time constrictions. It reminds me of a commercial I helped make in the 80s for a radio station for an appliance shop that wanted to advertise their sale on Whirlpool appliances. They wanted the word Whirlpool in the ad six times in the 30s allotment. We had to remake the ad 33 times because one of us would mispronounce Whirlpool during the ad. We finally finished, but not without breaking out laughing each time we failed. It took *hours* to make a 30 *second* ad.