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

Ed Concannon (James Mason) cross examines Nurse Kaitlin (Lindsay Crouse) about a document.
The Verdict was based on the novel by Barry Reed; the screenplay was written by David Mamet and the film was directed by Sidney Lumet.
This film is owned by the 20th Century Fox Film Corporation.

[@mark-shane]

Amazing performance by Lindsay Crouse.

[@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.

[@jim5746]

Paul Newman should have one the Oscar for this.

[@comeacross9]

Yup!

[@taramoschetto7086]

I second this.

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-kv2tj4du8p]

same! all these years later-and I remember her saying that line-it was such a brilliant moment. and she does it expertly.

[@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!

[@marymusic8920]

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

[@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!

[@twofiveb]

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

[@rosienorton665]

James Mason was such a powerful actor. Wonderful

[@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

[@nufc40]

My favourite Paul Newman film.

[@scootdaws25]

Great movie!

[@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!

[@Tom-vm2wh]

Such a great movie. Such a great scene.

[@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.

[@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! 💖💖

[@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.

[@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.

[@kurtwillig4230]

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

[@williammorris584]

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

[@BrownEyedGirl331]

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

[@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." :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@sheldondrake8935]

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

[@uhlijohn]

Lawyers are scumbags......