The Verdict (1982) - “I Wanted To Be A Nurse!” - Film Scene

[@mark-shane]

Amazing performance by Lindsay Crouse.

[@ChefDuane]

I believe that Lindsay Crouse was David Mamet's wife, or soon to be wife, at the time. I met her once at LAX. Lovely woman.

[@mikebasil4832]

@@ChefDuane I've always had great respect for Lindsay's acting abilities. Most memorably for her guest appearance on Columbo.

[@twofiveb]

Amazing script and acting in this film. Audiences love a great villain and James Mason totally delivered!

[@steved8053]

After your failed marriage you wanted to come back to the law....welcome back.....

[@ericingham9925]

I believe this was Newman's best work supported by a great cast. As I'm a nurse, Lindsay Crouse's Kaitin is heart wrenching.

[@StorytellerConnor]

Absolutely agree, Sidney Lumet is one of the best filmmakers ever and I think the storytelling was executed with true depth and raw emotion.

[@jim5746]

Yes, his performance here was better than The Color Of Money.

[@milart12]

All great acting performances here -James Mason, Charlotte Rampling, Jack Warden, Lindsay Crouse, Miles O' Shea.

[@jim5746]

@@milart12 Great director, Sidney Lumet.

[@davecostello3095]

I agree. So many powerful scenes in this movie. This one brings me to tears. Newman's closing argument, alone, should have won him the Oscar. Instead, that bore-fest Ghandi, took home all of the awards that year.

[@rosienorton665]

James Mason was such a powerful actor. Wonderful

[@ryanevans8566]

A reason why you have to put your phone (second screen) away when watching a classic: The silent cutaways to Debra's sister & brother-in-law at 0:39 & 2:32, and James Mason's slight mouth drop at 1:05, are absolutely heart stopping moments, in the context of the scene. These moments can be easily missed by a distracted viewer who is "listening" to the film.

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

I loved Paul Newman and I love this movie. An underrated, unappreciated classic as sure a thing as a blue sky on a sunny day.

[@brians9508]

It is not underrated. Stop overusing the word underrated.

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

@@brians9508 But overusing the word _is_ underrated.

[@RealTruthNowBA]

Lawyers absolutely HATE this film. It's too close to the actual truth of how their world operates. And let's not forget about the Catholic church. They HATE it too...

[@EzraStyles-b6n]

@@brians9508 very underrated film....

[@brians9508]

@@EzraStyles-b6n sigh

[@smctrout4423]

Concannon (James Mason) broke the cardinal rule of cross-examination: Never ask a question if you don't already know the answer. Then he kept digging the hole deeper by asking her why she kept the copy, which allowed her to testify about the doctor asking her to change the form.

[@feanedhell]

He thought he knew, he got screwed by his client

[@marilynsobel7414]

I remember seeing this movie when it first came out. I've always remembered her crying, "I wanted to be a nurse". Such a sad moment.

[@sscot720]

The best 3 minutes of the movie

[@aidanmca4177]

Thanks for uploading this, it’s been one of my favourite scenes since I saw it and no one had uploaded the full scene here. Amazing how with such a small part she can make me tear up, some of the best acting I’ve seen

[@StorytellerConnor]

So glad you enjoyed it! I shared the same thought and thought others would like to watch! :)

[@jim5746]

Paul Newman should have won the Oscar for this.

[@comeacross9]

Yup!

[@taramoschetto7086]

I second this.

[@markfinley3703]

@@taramoschetto7086 I'll third. Can they make Oscars retroactive?

[@Fee212]

@jim5746 "Won the Oscar."

[@markfinley3703]

@@Fee212 two true. 8)

[@davidsecord6412]

If you've never seen this movie, it is a must. A compelling story line, stunning acting and a conclusion you couldn't predict.

[@marymusic8920]

Any Healthcare worker can identify, and empathize....

[@zejaguar]

Great film . Amazing actors. In this scene,Mason was A+.

[@StorytellerConnor]

Yes, the acting and storytelling in this film is excellent. Sidney Lumet is my favorite director!

[@chrisotto8370]

Mason really is. You can see in his eyes that he knows the whole case is going over the cliff, and he's grasping desperately for anything.

[@98IrishRebel]

My wife, who has worked as a nurse and in management for 46 years, has always loved this scene. She can do a good Irish accent so when she quotes the ending line it’s kind of hilarious! That said, she always sympathized with Lindsay Crouse’s character and new where she was coming from.

[@StorytellerConnor]

Wow, thanks for your comment! So glad to hear that she resonates with this scene, Crouse is so powerful in this scene!

[@jsmcguireIII]

One of Newman's greatest movies IMO.

[@jim5746]

I think it his greatest performance of all !!!

[@mmmarkww]

Lindsay Crouse is amazing in this scene

[@chevexx1111]

She nailed it. The whole case hinged on whether you believed this nurse. And Lindsay Crouse is vulnerable enough to be believable as the bullied nurse.

[@mirazusta2002]

The Cast in this movie is phenomenal.

[@nufc40]

My favourite Paul Newman film.

[@shanekilpatrick3378]

Great movie. My favourite scene is when the brother in law of the woman in hospital, gives Newman a spray. Sums up the feeling of all working class people like me. “You guys are all the same. You promised to do your best, then you screw up! Then you say I’m sorry. Yet we’re the ones who have to pay for your mistakes for the rest of our lives.!” Jack Warden had to step in to save Newman from a beating. One of the best cout room movies ever 👏

[@StorytellerConnor]

Yes! I love that scene too, James Handy acted that beautifully. Such a timeless film. Thanks for your comment Shane!

[@comeacross9]

Might be the best court room movie ever. 👍

[@mikewypasek8855]

Not sure a lawyer would start a question with “why” about anything after being hit by that bombshell. Great film

[@ge2623]

"Never ask a question you don't already know the answer to"- Lawyering 101.

[@chrisotto8370]

He was flustered and hoping in desperation that she'd say something that he could object to seek a mistrial for

[@susanb4816]

I was finished all the schooling and doing my practical with only 2weeks left when a doctor wanted to blame me for his action. The patient wasn’t having it but my head nurse took me aside and said to take the blame because it would affect the doctor badly. I literally said, this is not the profession for me” and walked out the door. That was in 1979

[@StorytellerConnor]

Wow, thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry that happened to you. I’m really glad to hear that you were able to do what you felt in your heart! 💖💖

[@tumadoireacht]

@@StorytellerConnorI would love to have heard that the doctor paid but they probably got someone else to gloss over it .doctors bury their mistakes in every sense

[@MrMowww1]

One of my favorite movies amazing acting!

[@reving19]

I love how when James Mason starts to feel the case slip away from him and he looks to the judge, who has been kicking Paul Newman's butt the entire time, and he just looks back as if to say, "I'm not helping you this time, bud. You're on your own."

[@rtg1960]

One of my favorite films of all time along with Prince Of The City. This scene is brilliant.

[@StorytellerConnor]

Nice! I love Sidney Lumet’s storytelling style and direction, I need to check out Prince of the City!

[@rtg1960]

@@StorytellerConnor Prince of The City is a masterpiece. If you love Lumet run and see it. The 70’s at its best.

[@techserviceondemand9409]

Prince of the City certainly is one of the greatest. Like all Lumet films, the whole cast is incredible. If you have not seen it, Anderson's Tape is another great but forgotten one.

[@kurtwillig4230]

Never the glass tower law firm stuff, this is what a law practice is like. Brilliant.

[@bobbyg9662]

My older Brother became a lawyer and the family was extremely proud. We were not a family of money. He got a case of a teen girl with diabetes was treated so wrong she became a brainless vegetable. He won the case and made lots of money, bought a sailboat. His second wife, a “trophy” wife didn’t like his 2 boys and loved money. He mentioned to me once when he was drunk that she was great in bed. He drank and drank eventually went to rehab for alcohol abuse, advised our parents he was free of alcohol. He died from drowning next to his big sail boat with a blood alcohol level very high. I miss my brother!

[@williammorris584]

That FU look Mason’s character gets at 1:39 from the judge.

[@Tom-vm2wh]

Such a great movie. Such a great scene.

[@Twin540i]

The mention of settlement by counsel would of warranted an objection that is sustained by competent judges

[@CliffBronson1212]

Brilliant film 🎥 all acting superb ...directing, etc 💚💚💚

[@markfinley3703]

Extraordinary scene in an excellent movie.

[@albertmontoya6413]

James Mason and Paul Newman should have taken home Oscars for their performances.

[@slashtopher2193]

I saw this movie long ago. It was awesome! I I highly recommend it. But if you don't feel like watching this OLD movie, watch The Rainmaker.

[@buddyvilla7393]

Lindsay Crouse co- starred with Treat Williams In Sidney Lumets film “Prince of the City” one year earlier in 1981. Obviously Sidney thought much of her acting ability to cast her again in The Verdict. Heartbreakingly devastating performance/ scene. As the victim of medical malpractice “I didn’t die but 25 years later I’m still limping from what was a totally botched knee operation. I thought back to this scene when I went to court. Paul Newman probably had a little bit to do with casting of Lindsay Crouse. They co- starred together in “Slapshot “ 1977. Yes I know a completely different film. Once again no love from Oscar for Paul Newman,losing to Ben Kingsley for Gandhi “Paul would have to wait another four years”The Color of Money” to finally win that elusive Oscar b

[@jmcgaw]

In real life, of course, James Mason's character would never ask her why she made a copy without already knowing the answer. Nor would he look all befuddled and confused for the jury like this, nor would he let her finish her answer.

[@StorytellerConnor]

Thanks for the comment, I appreciate your insights! Yes, when presenting something in film, the characters and story have to be more heightened and more flawed than in real life, in order to convey the weight and truth of what the director is hoping to show to the audience and society. I personally think letting her finish is a profound part of the scene because so often powerful men silence women, blatantly minimize their perspective and don’t let women speak their truth. Having said that, I think the acting and storytelling in this film is so important. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!

[@jerryklooster438]

I agree with all you've said. If I said that to my wife, however, she would say: "Just enjoy it. You were probably the kid telling everyone that Gilligan would never get off the island." :)

[@tommost1]

Also in real life wouldn't the defense have had to show the plaintiff's attorney the document in discovery?

[@grf15]

I guess you think he's psychic. How would he possibly know she kept a copy? The doctor's lied to their lawyer, and he believed them. The lawyer was acting in good faith. He thought he caught her in a lie. He had a signed form stating 9 hours. He didn't know, and couldn't know, that his clients had coerced the nurse into altering the form.

[@billyrauers5964]

As I remember I think Lindsey Crouse was nominated for an Oscar. I’ve got to believe that’s the scene that did it.

[@mmmarkww]

Lindsay Crouse was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Places in the Heart. She was not nominated for The Verdict. She should have been. Her performance is heartbreaking

[@sheldondrake8935]

this scene is great for allergy season, give those tear ducts a deep rinse

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Costello on the stand ...standing strong 🐛🦋💚

[@scootdaws25]

Great movie!

[@georgehardie2016]

The judge the whole trial has James masons back but that look for three seconds says I can’t help you now your on your own Milo O’Shea

[@bitfenix90]

Powerful film. One of the best 'courtroom dramas' we have. AND JUSTICE FOR ALL... ABSENCE OF MALICE (not exactly a 'courtroom' is used but still; - an awesome entry into The Law and its value). PRESUMED INNOCENT with Harrison Ford and Brian Dennehy... CLASS ACTION (Gene Hackman and Mary Elizabeth Mastriantonio). Even REGARDING HENRY (more Harrison Ford).

[@StorytellerConnor]

Yes this is such a powerful film. And I loved Pacino in And Justice For All! I personally think Pacino’s monologue at the end is one of the best acted monologues in film history. Thanks for your comment!

[@awedelen1]

Cool scene, it felt like something right out of Law and Order.

[@chrisotto8370]

Talk about a defense attorney's worst nightmare

[@BrownEyedGirl331]

This is the witness you believe every word they say, and they did.

[@brianforbes8325]

The problem with this scene is that no doctor then or now has the power to fire a nurse. If a doctor is dissatisfied with a nurse's performance, he or she can complain to the hospital administration, but they cannot threaten to fire the nurse, because the nurse does not work for them; the nurses work for the hospital. And if a doctor did threaten a nurse as such, the hospital administration would come down on them like a ton of bricks and possibly revoke the doctor's hospital appointment. Also, the nurses' union would come to the defense of the nurse against the doctor. So the scene provides good drama, with good acting by James Mason and Lindsay Crouse, but it has no bearing on reality.

[@HoldenNY22]

I have standard CAble plus my Building gives me Showtime, STarz and Starz/Encore. I saw this Movie at the Theater when it first came out. I don't think I have ever seen this Movie on Standard Cable or the Prem Channels I have. (I could be wrong) I think that is because it has a very RAdical Message that the Powers that Be don't want the Average Person seeing. The same goes for the Movie- And Justic for All with Al Pacino. I have only seen some KZbin Cliips, but I can't find that Movie on Cable either.

[@JohnFazio-k2u]

perfect

[@thomaslapsley7867]

I also wanted to be a nurse. Something like this happened to me with an old boy network that continues to stalk me till this day.

[@agathajadwiszczok3503]

What happened?

[@Zak6959]

All this is a movie. Think about the text.

[@tonylatempa3340]

Super hot Charlotte Rampling too

[@allanC5454]

Real courtroom

[@JohnnyJohns-eb9qb]

Who were these men? Well, after losing his license to practice medicine, he went into a much more lucrative field. He became a congressman.

[@rahulsawsomething]

The Amber Heard Trial mistake...... Objecting to your own question :P

[@uhlijohn]

Lawyers are scumbags......

[@martinrichards1854]

So, Newman is a scum.

[@ICU-Witness]

And Hospital administrations are STILL doing this. Gotta love Capitalism.

[@RealTruthNowBA]

Lawyers and the Catholic church absolutely HATE this movie. There's a REASON that we NEVER see this film on network T.V. or the cable movie channels...

[@agathajadwiszczok3503]

Well ...is that why, though? Audiences aren't keen on this sort of thing, unless they are real nerds. They like The Avengers and stuff.