12 Angry Men (1957) | Reaction and Commentary | First Time Watching

[@VerowakReacts]

This may be a tough one, but who is one of your favourite jurors? Juror #2 is one of mine with those amazing responses of his!!! Patreon (full length & polls): www.patreon.com/ Subscribe to the channel: kzbin.info Follow me on Twitter for stuff and selfies: twitter.com/verowak

[@LightheartedLoon8]

If we mean a Juror besides the Henry Fonda Juror, I'd have to say....the Old Man next to him.

[@Stogie2112]

McCardle, Juror 9, was the MVP, in my opinion.

[@brettg274]

We’re probably talking the characters here, but for the actors, Lee J Cobb’s performance is the best imo

[@Marc_Fredrick]

It's #8 for me. It's a short movie without him.

[@lyles1962]

I agree it's Lee J Cobb. His acting is so believable you actually hate his character.

[@cspaikido]

Lee J. Cobb the "emotional one" is a fabulous actor.

[@TheChiefpokishi]

Juror #4 (the one in a suit with glasses) is my absolute favorite character in this film. Unlike some other jurors who continued to vote a guilty verdict, he had no bias or agenda. He arrived at his verdict through logic and reasoning. It was only after all the evidence was scrutinized and given probable cause as to their legitimacy did he then change his mind and admitted that he could be wrong. Great example of how a debate should work and be carried out.

[@richelliott9320]

I feel the same way .EG Marshall was fantastic

[@racheldrum1982]

My thoughts exactly and well expressed.

[@killiansalah]

I absolutely agree about Juror 4 being my favorite. I’m sure bias is involved for me because EG Marshall has always reminded me of my grandfather, especially in Christmas Vacation, but still. But he is cool, calm, and collected nearly the entire film. I say nearly, because of how significant the bead of sweat is. I tend to think logically like he does, or at least I think I do. And I can be easy to get along with in any situation but also have a limit too, hence the “sit down and don’t open your mouth again”. Every character in this film is amazing, but I’m with you, #4 is my favorite.

[@zeppelinfan_123]

​@@killiansalahAbsolutely agreed

[@ZeroOskul]

I always felt that he just got sick of being the fist for Juror 3. Juror 4's initial bias is: It is common knowledge that slums are breeding grounds for criminals. If he truly arrived at his final decision through logic, as he does insist, he would not have been among those first to vote guilty before discussing it. He should have reached his initial verdict in the same way as his final verdict, and should have come to the same doubtful conclusion from the get-go.

[@captbunnykiller1.0]

"What are they so pissed off about? The weather?" Precisely.

[@VerowakReacts]

Old man yells at cloud, is the vibe I was going for 🤣

[@jnagarya519]

@@VerowakReacts The "Old Man" was probably the most insightful of the jurors. And the immigrant -- the juror with the moustache -- was an example of integrity and actual respect for the system and due process.

[@gawainethefirst]

The weather did play a factor.

[@MusicBlik]

@@gawainethefirst Yeah, mostly symbolism. The weather mirrored the action--it was great directing.

[@mattslupek7988]

@@jnagarya519 I love how the immigrant corrected the racist’s grammar.

[@petercastaneda5338]

Lee J. Cobb was a brilliant actor with an incredible and lengthy acting repertoire, playing both good guys and villains You’ve got to remember that actors usually take on roles to explore and they are trying to express ideas and beliefs that they’re trying to convey to the audience. Your disdain for the character is a testament to the actors performance.

[@TedLittle-yp7uj]

To see Cobb in a very different role, watch "The Song of Bernadette."

[@thamnosma]

Lee J. Cobb is always a calling card. Just rewatched The Dark Past in which he plays a criminal psychiatrist. A bit of a Spellbound copy as he explores the deeply repressed memory of William Holden's character. Obviously he's a good guy in that one.

[@markdodson6453]

I've always thought that if I could go back in time to see one legendary performance, it would be Lee J. Cobb in the original staging of Death of a Salesman. Cobb is such a force of nature, to see his portrayal of Will Loman, a man brought low by life, must have been an amazing thing.

[@SueProv]

Lee J Cobb also played rather psychiatrist in 3 Faces of Eve.

[@SueProv]

Nevwmer watching another performance of either actor because the current role was unlikeable is as ridiculous as the character who judged an entire ethnicity.

[@StarShipGray]

The best part about this film is that we still don’t know for certain if the kid did it or not and that’s exactly the point.

[@VerowakReacts]

Yes!! I think it's great that we don't know

[@Spidercat616]

Yes, the US judicial system requires jurors with reasonable doubt to vote "not guilty" - which makes me wonder how well received a similar story would be if the jurors are personally sympathetic to the accused and want to deliver a "not guilty" verdict, but need to find him/her guilty based on the overwhelming evidence provided by the prosecution.

[@mikeh8416]

@@Spidercat616 The knife is NOT "reasonable" doubt. Reasonable being more likely than not, it's FAR FROM "more likely" that someone with a similar knife did the deed. That ONE piece of evidence, they were unable to disprove. The other explanations WERE reasonable but not this one. *_GUILTY_*

[@Ozai75]

@@mikeh8416 It absolutely is. There was no tangible evidence that linked him to the knife besides witness testimony (which is notoriously unreliable) and the fact that another knife that looks *exactly* like the murder weapon shows that the testimony of the Pawn broker (I'd only ever seen one like it) is false. It shows flat out that the knife is unreliable evidence.

[@mikeh8416]

@@Ozai75 The CHANCES of that being the case is what's not "reasonable".. The POSSIBILITY of someone using a similar knife (let alone an identical one) is pretty low considering HOW MANY different styles of knives there are/were available. Also taking into consideration one of the MOST important parts (motive), there was no report of any items stolen, or mention of a break-in. What WAS mentioned is that the kids father beat him on a regular basis, and had a fight with him THAT NIGHT where he punched him. Last but not least, the "angle" argument was weak AT BEST, since that's HOW it was done. He wasn't going against someone else fighting back, and would have needed to CONCEAL it until he reached his father, which would be MUCH EASIER to do with the blade against the wrist (pinky hold) than pointing straight out. Kid was GUILTY..

[@sdhartley74]

The little guy in glasses is the original voice of Piglet!

[@EShelby2127]

Mr Peterson on The Bob Newhart Show...

[@tedrowland8672]

Who is Piglet??

[@sdhartley74]

@@tedrowland8672 the character from Winnie-the-Pooh, children's book

[@tedrowland8672]

Winnie? Pooh?

[@jerr0.]

@@tedrowland8672 How do you know how to use KZbin but not Google?

[@jeff-xm7fg]

Lee J. Cobb is the man. The way he breaks at the end .. It never fails to get me. And then once that wave breaks, all that animosity between his character and Fonda's just melts away, because he wasn't really fighting the other jurors, he was fighting his absent son - and had been for years. All that emotion pent up for years. And once it came out he is left empty, and perhaps lighter? The way he and Fonda interact at the end is so good. Just a great performance by a great actor who doesn't get enough credit for what he brings to this compelling story.

[@sithlordkaeyl21]

This is an absolute masterclass in screenwriting, acting, directing, and filmmaking. It’s great how amazing this movie is with basically being in one room the whole time.

[@VerowakReacts]

I love movies with very minimal settings... It always makes me want to watch it as a play afterwards lol

[@Minion_of_Cthulhu]

@@VerowakReacts If you want another film with a minimal setting, check out Rope by Alfred Hitchcock. It takes place entirely in one apartment, mostly in one room, aside from the establishing shot at the beginning. A large portion of the first part of the film is also a single shot, and the rest of the film has scenes up to ten minutes long and uses some clever editing so that the entire film appears to be one long uncut take. There are a total of just ten edits in the entire film.

[@sithlordkaeyl21]

@@VerowakReacts, I bet all of the people behind the curtains would really like only having to deal with a one room play, as well. I’ve never been a part of a play, but I’m sure they’d really appreciate that they only had to deal with basically just the one room, instead of doing multiple sets, if there are many plays that have more than one room in them.

[@chadbennett7873]

One of the most perfectly constructed films of all-time. As an old fart, I can tell you that most of the greatest films are black & white. For me, the best part was the moment of grace that Davis showed to the Lee J. Cobb character by helping him put on his coat at the end. Nobody was left in the room to even see it. My favorite "It's A Wonderful Life" is a life-changer, and anything else by Frank Capra is uplifting ... "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington", "It Happened One Night", just brilliant stuff. A Howard Hawks film, "His Gal Friday" is absolutely genius. Your reactions are heart-touching. You watch with your heart, and we can feel it beating, and it shows in your expressions. I feel that I'm watching with a close friend. Thank you for that gift. One thing you might consider at some point is silent films. I am a student of them, a huge DVD collection of silents, and they are the foundation on which all other films are built. Harold Lloyd films are genius at such a level, that we will never see it again, and they were still learning how to make films. Chaplin, Keaton, Laurel & Hardy are all incredible. I have a collection of signatures of all of them, including the silent dramatic filmmakers like DW Griffith, Douglas Fairbanks, Clara Bow, Mary Pickford and many others. Judging from your attention to detail, I really believe you would love them ... not sure how well it would go over for reactions, but try a short from Harold Lloyd called "Safety Last." I promise you'll love it. It's only about an hour and 13 minutes, and it will tickle your funny bone. Thanks for being you and sharing yourself with us.

[@stratiogesdux]

I like to think of that scene as "Redemption and Forgiveness".

[@chadbennett7873]

@@stratiogesdux Exactly as I see it. That's why it's the most important scene in the entire film, in my mind. Nice comment!

[@BetterGreta13]

Ys, a powerful moment...

[@ammaleslie509]

Classic B&W movies: Casablanca, To Kill A Mockingbird, Witness for the Prosecution, Psycho, Inherit the Wind

[@jasonward1470]

yes. you named three great courtroom dramas there.

[@alfredroberthogan5426]

All are outstanding films. 1942's "Casablanca" is my No. 2 favorite film (after only 1964's "Mary Poppins").

[@saucermcfly]

Oh, excellent list!

[@crawdaddy1234]

Sabrina, Young Frankenstein (though that was 1970’s), Clerks (1990’s), Roman Holiday, Citizen Kane (though I wouldn’t call this an “entertaining” film).

[@crawdaddy1234]

@@alfredroberthogan5426Mary Poppins is tied for my favorite film… with Pulp Fiction. 😂

[@Salguine]

FUN FACT: The angry juror who was estranged from his son was played by the great Lee J. Cobb, who was a renowned stage actor. He played Willy Loman in the original Broadway production of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" in 1949.

[@kevinpaul180]

Oh yeah, and the mob boss of the docks in ON THE WATERFRONT

[@kevinpaul180]

@@Salguine..and the mob boss in ON THE WATERFRONT

[@bobcharles1204]

Arsenic and Old Lace is a great old black and white movie

[@mrtveye6682]

+1 would love to see a reaction to that classic.

[@Bookworm-ye9qi]

Good play too

[@jasonward1470]

The Cary Grant version. Hilarious

[@Forever-my4wp]

It would be great for Halloween!

[@bigbow62]

A true laugh a minute classic 😂 How 'bout Cary Grant in Bringing up Baby with the one and only Katherine Hepburn ❤ or His Girl Friday with Rosalind Russell Mr. Blandings Builds his Dream Home (1948) Carry Grant & Myrna Loy The movie The Money Pit from the 80s was based on this film. It starred Tom Hanks and Shelly Long ( from Cheers TV series.) Also a very good movie with a very young Tom Hanks

[@roywall8169]

The Ox Bow Incident is a must see black and white movie.

[@RMBittner]

There are so many black-and-white movies I could recommend. But “All About Eve,” “Casablanca,” “Some Like It Hot,” and “Bringing Up Baby” would all be at the top.

[@ralphpal]

Arsenic and old.lace..

[@nmt2k2]

I would add Captain's Courageous.

[@Forever-my4wp]

Tracey and Hepburn in "Adam's Rib"

[@apulrang]

These are all great suggestions for black and white movies. If you want to try a couple of silent films, consider "Metropolis" (1927), which is a science fiction film, and "The Passion of Joan of Arc," which I think you'd have to call a very early "art film," which showcases very ahead-of-its time film making and acting techniques.

[@KayQue-s3r]

2 iconic James (Jimmy) Stewart's; "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" & "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington". So many, many, many others..."To Kill A Mockingbird"

[@BunBun299]

This movie is proof that you don't need a bloated CGI budget, numerous locations, highly destructive car chases, etc. 12 good actors, 2 rooms (if you count the men's room separately), and a solid script.

[@philipem1000]

Pretty sure this was a stage play before they made it into a movie.

[@kevinlakeman5043]

Wow, what an original 'hot take'. That's not tired, grumpy old guy talk at all. Lighten up, Francis.

[@Dej24601]

@@philipem1000yes! “Twelve Angry Men" is a 1954 teleplay directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and written by Reginald Rose for the American anthology television series ‘Studio One.’The production was staged in New York City and aired live on September 20, 1954. The production won three Emmy Awards: for Rose's writing, Schaffner's direction, and for Robert Cummings as Best Actor (the Henry Fonda role.)

[@petermcculloch4933]

​@@Dej24601Thanks for sharing your knowledge.Much appreciated.

[@roywall8169]

This is one of the most important works of art ever put on film. It shows how far we have come, and highlights that there are always areas of improvement society can make…..all in the context of a trial. The fact that a movie that takes place in basically one room is so powerful, speaks to the script, actors and directing. Its an all time classic.

[@tddonahue4244]

Grapes of Wrath , Casablanca , Maltese Falcon, On The Waterfront. some great black and whites

[@ardvark8699]

Metropolis

[@DavidB-2268]

Henry Fonda was so insistent on playing his role that he took on the job of producer. Apparently, he never got his full paycheck for this movie. But he considered it his best and one of the most important roles of his career.

[@lyles1962]

Anytime you love or hate a character so much in movie it just shows how great of an actor they are.

[@VerowakReacts]

Yes!!! I love it when I feel strongly for a character!

[@lyles1962]

Imagine what their rehearsals were like.

[@samuraiwarriorsunite]

A great film, brilliantly cast and acted. The camerawork was exceptional in the way it weaved between the actors and set, giving both depth. They truly don't make them like this anymore.

[@ponfed]

The beauty of the character writing is also.. they all had different motivations and rationale and even predjudice. And they all flipped for different reasons. Convinced for different reasons. Glasses man at the end, was the last hold over...and he was convinced that he had his, rational reason. When they gave him rational proof, he came back and switched. Bigot guy had to have an emotional punch. And its all distinct... beautiful ensemble cast and character writing all around..

[@scgreek1114]

This fantastic film is not about right or wrong, guilt or Innocence. It's about debate, which we no longer have, and confirmation bias, which is all we're left with.

[@jnagarya519]

It's about REASON, on which rule of law and due process are based.

[@darrellyounyvski591]

if you want a war flick in black & white, try 'Stalag 17' with William Holden and Peter Graves

[@thething1710]

Second with Stalag 17! Great film ❤

[@shallendor]

This is one of my favorite movies! Basically 12 talented actors in 1 room with a fabulous script, sounds like a boring movie but produces one of the most riveting movies of all time! Lee J Cobb was the star of the show and he proved what a fabulous actor he is in this movie!

[@jnagarya519]

The were all stars. Jack Klugman is especially impressive as the one who grew up in a slum -- and yet has a character lacking in both the loud-mouth bully and the racist.

[@crawdaddy1234]

I actually watched the 1954 TV production. Jurors 4, 9 and 11 are actually the same people.

[@ChoppersModelworks]

Harvy-1950, Jimmy Steward's personal favorite role.

[@rabbitandcrow]

Great movie!

[@richardrobinson4020]

Even Lee J. Cobb's character turns his back on Ed Begley's character

[@randallshuck2976]

Good pick. It is a masterpiece. Have you seen "Casablanca" "Rear Window", North by Northwest", "Harvey" or "Rope", "To Catch a Thief", "Roman Holiday"? All are of this time period and all are excellent. There are a lot of WWII era movies that are fun. The difference is no special effects and much more reliance on acting ability and story telling. Hope you enjoy this one.

[@crawdaddy1234]

I’m surprised no one ever talks about “Sabrina.” That’s one of my all-time favorite movies.

[@markalleneaton]

@@crawdaddy1234 Agreed + the fun of seeing the choices made in the later version (w/ Julia Ormond & Harrison Ford). Also 3:10 to Yuma, True Grit, Father of the Bride, etc.

[@randallshuck2976]

@@crawdaddy1234 Oversight on my part. "Sabrina" is an excellent story. There are too many. "Bell, Book and Candle", "Serendipity", "Shop around the Corner" also come to mind.

[@BeeWhistler]

@@randallshuck2976Wonderful! I hardly see anyone recommend The Shop Around the Corner. It’s one of my favorites. Also, You Can’t Take It with You.

[@BrianSniatkowski]

​@@BeeWhistlerThose are 2 movies that I watch at least once a year.

[@jnagarya519]

"The Verdict," with Paul Newman, is also by Sidney Lumet, and excellent.

[@corralescoyote]

My two favorite aspects of this film are the music (there is music, but only in a few moments), and the fact that each juror’s occupation determines how they approach the case: architect, watchmaker, small business owner, contractor, salesman, ad man, high school football coach, etc… ❤😊

[@captainkangaroo4301]

What a great detail that Henry Fonda helped Lee J Cobb put his jacket on at the end of deliberations. How magnanimous.

[@bgarri57]

His kind gesture always gets to me....and seeing the Cobb character slowly walking down the steps at the end. The movie is brilliant.

[@Stogie2112]

Some great B/W films: "The Day The Earth Stood Still" (1951) - Classic Sci-Fi Cold War drama! "Psycho" (1960) - Alfred Hitchcock rules! "The Miracle Worker" (1962) - The wonderful story of Helen Keller and her teacher "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" (1964): Best satire ever And, of course, the Christmas films! "It's A Wonderful Life" (1946) and "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)

[@alanholck7995]

Also - Schindler’s List.

[@Stogie2112]

@@alanholck7995 ... My list is of older B/W films: from the 40's thru 60's

[@ElunedLaine]

I'm so glad you suggested 'The Day The Earth Stood Still'

[@RedKytten]

Dr Strangelove holds a special place for me... it is wonderful. The Day the Earth Stood Still is wonderful as well. The other two are good movies, but I saw them at a time when I was not really open too them, so they didn't land well with me, but they are both still great movies!

[@alexspindler1]

I have a deep love for Invasion of the Body Snatchers 1956 (paired with the 1978 version), and Strangers on a Train (paired with Throw Momma From the Train). Two sets of wonderful double features of a sort.

[@crisdekker8223]

B&W films: "Casablanca", the original "Invasion of the body snatchers."

[@alanholck7995]

Casablanca is on the short list for greatest film of all time.

[@wmwestbroek]

“Notorious”

[@BornRandy62]

this movie is from 1957. It is the time period where air conditioning was not a common appliance in households. Where it was found was Department Stores which generally closed around 8 pm, Supermarkets in the refrigeration section and also closed around 8 PM, and Movie Theaters. People would pay for a ticket and sit in the cool space for a relief from the heat. They said it was they hottest day of the year. How many times have you walked into the beer cooler at a convenience store to keep from melting?

[@BrianSniatkowski]

Some great acotrs here. Fonda, Cobb, Klugmam, etc. Great cast. And the way the camera moved throughout. Closups, wide shots added to the story. And the fact that you could almost feel the heat in the room. And to see someone in a very different role, check out Henry Fonda in Once Upon a Time in the West. He is the ultimate villan, a cold blooded killer

[@fuxion22]

12 angry men and one angry Verowak. hehe. I like how the last guy said 'not guilty' twice. Once for his son, and once for the case.

[@bgarri57]

That's extremely insightful!

[@sfkeepay]

Your comment about prejudice coming into the deliberation process reminded me of something Benjamin Franklin wrote: “When you assemble a number of men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men, all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views.” This movie show both the great wisdom and clear precariousness of putting important decisions before a relatively large group of people - and the hope that at least one voice of insight might find a way to discover justice. Awesome, awesome film. Legends like Fonda, Marshall…but really the whole cast was so clearly invested in making something timeless.

[@christhompson6010]

You were witnessing some of the greatest actors of their generation. You owe them the benefit of other films. You also experienced what happens when great directing cinematography writing and acting all converge at the same time. One of the most famous films of all time.

[@charlerssmith8814]

Probably one of my favorite movies. Beautiful and thoughtful.

[@steveallen8987]

An absolute must watch courtroom drama is “MY COUSIN VINNY” probably the most popular with lawyers. Accurate & funny. Steve

[@EllisThings]

absolutely, crazy that it wasn't in that top ten courtroom movies list

[@Tiredolddad1969]

Drama? It's a dated comedy

[@EllisThings]

you're a dated comedy

[@philipem1000]

Your list of ten best courtroom dramas is exceptional, I've seen nine of them and will have to look for the 10th. They are all just great movies.

[@mlong1958]

This movie is a masterpiece in character exploration and development. Set in a claustrophobic room with no working fan on the hottest day of the year. Everything is designed to draw you into the story. These were some of the biggest stars of their age. This won the Writer's Guild of America award for best writing as well as numerous other awards, including a BAFTA. You would like The Grapes of Wrath, also staring Henry Fonda. BTW, Vincent Donofrio stared in law and order criminal intent, as the lead detective.

[@gordonduke8812]

This movie is a master class in story telling, and i mean by the writers and the immensely talented actors. They make you become a member of this jury, feeding you information one piece at a time, making you face your own biases and beliefs. Perfection.

[@dh728]

Here are a few older B&W films that are fantastic: Casablanca, It Happened One Night, The Maltese Falcon, The Third Man. Honestly, classic Hollywood has a LOT to offer. This list could easily be in the dozens or even the hundreds, but I can pretty much guarantee you will love these

[@jenngray8769]

The Third Man is such an amazing film that nobody reacts to. It should be on everybody’s list to watch.

[@bobbuethe1477]

I've never seen "It Happened One Night," but I agree the others are all great.

[@rickwiles8835]

These actors were masters of their craft at the time they were the best of the best. Each of them could play any character a good guy, a bad guy, an excitable person, a level-headed guy it didn't matter what character needed to be played any of these actors could play any role.

[@Reclining_Spuds]

"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a must see! 👍👍

[@Forever-my4wp]

Agreed - although it is a tough subject matter.

[@NoHandleGrr]

Doesn't hold up so well these days. Stories about African-Americans and civil rights are better told from the perspective of the people who suffered and struggled, not people saved by white saviors who have to be the protagonists. Means well, but is very much of its day now.

[@CamillusFly]

I know it's way early for Christmas, but the absolute best version of _A Christmas Carol_ (originally known simply as _Scrooge)_ is black and white from 1951 and stars Alastair Sim. He was well known at the time for doing comedy, but plays a spectacular role as Scrooge. I would also be one of those who suggest _Witness For The Prosecution._

[@DavidDillen-wu3ls]

I actually like all of the jurors. Each one brought their own personality and as you said, prejudices and biases to this case. However, the one thing that I draw hope from is that none of the jurors were so tied to those prejudices and biases that in time they Could see past them.

[@rickardroach9075]

34:58 Lee J. Cobb (Juror #3) played the detective in _The Exorcist_ (1973). He originated the role of Willy Loman in _Death of a Salesman._

[@jnagarya519]

"Anatomy of a Murder" stars the great James Stewart. And "Judgment at Nuremberg" is powerfully moving.

[@bravejango12]

30:00 I'm glad I'm not the only one that hears songs when lyrics are said in random conversations.

[@iKvetch558]

Always happy to see folks being exposed to this film for the first time. Sidney Lumet is one of the great directors of all time, and this is one of his best...it also stars Henry Fonda. Another movie by Lumet that I always recommend is Fail Safe from 1964. Other older movies that I suggest that are not from 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.

[@thamnosma]

Lumet made great dramas. Some I know I've watched a dozen times. However, I feel he had a major weakness in portraying women. They always seem like afterthroughts or just not flushed out as characters. In the Verdict, the combo of Lumet and Rampling....ugh. Of course, the drama is superlative.

[@GeraldH-ln4dv]

This is also Sidney Lumet's first ever movie as a director. He had previously only done TV directing. Quite a debut. The cinematographer, Boris Kaufman, is also one of the greats. He won the Oscar for Best Cinematography just a few years before this movie, for his work filming On the Waterfront.

[@Marc_Fredrick]

Great call on all three of the non-Lumet classics set in courts of law. The performances of Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gregory Peck, and Burt Lancaster are among the best of each actor's career.

[@jnagarya519]

@@thamnosma "The Verdict" is Paul Newman's greatest performance.

[@rickardroach9075]

38:45 _To Kill a Mockingbird_ is a must-see. It stars Gregory Peck and features the film debut of Robert Duvall.

[@tomm2907]

Great reaction to an all time classic.🎉🎉 To Kill A Mockingbird would be a great follow-up this masterpiece of a film. You'd definitely enjoy A Few Good Men. Some other classic black and white films: Casablanca, Arsenic And Old Lace, Citizen Kane, The Maltese Falcon.

[@ariochiv]

There seems to be an inversely proportional relationship between how loudly a person argues and how well that person is able to listen. I think there's also a similarly inverse relationship between a person's volume and his self-esteem. Confident people tend to be quiet.

[@nmt2k2]

This was originally a teleplay, before it was a movie. It was done on Playhouse 90. Imagine doing this on live television, with the entire country watching you

[@VerowakReacts]

That's a LOT of dialogue for everyone. I love theatre, so I need to see 12 Angry Men on stage now

[@JM63movies]

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) is another excellent B&W movie. Stars Jimmy Stewart, directed by Frank Capra. Stewart was Henry Fonda's lifelong friend, going back to their summer outdoor theater and Broadway days in the 1930s.

[@derekfnord]

With all of the advances to movie audio and video technologies over the years, it's interesting to note that this film is still one of the 5 or 6 best movies I've ever seen.

[@francoisevassy6614]

I am glad you commented this gem. Would you try some black and white : • The Third Man • Gaslight • The Apartment • Roman Holiday • Brief Encounter • Casablanca • It’s a Wonderful Life • The Shop around the Corner • The Bishop’s Wife (those last three for Christmas) Greetings from France 🇫🇷

[@Avalon1951]

Just a quick tidbit, this movie has been used in many film schools as an example of characterization, camera work, and writing, it is required watching. As for other black and white movie, Stagecoach with John Wayne 1939 a western, The Uninvited 1944 a scary movie, Sahara with Humphrey Bogart 1943 a war movie, Laura 1944 a mystery movie. These all are classics from the golden age of Hollywood

[@VerowakReacts]

I completely get why this movie would be used in film schools, it is just so well done and the camera work is amazing

[@sandrasullivan7247]

A really good B&W movie is the dark comedy "Arsenic & Old Lace"

[@Keyboardje]

Vincent D'Onofrio is perhaps most widely recognized for his role as (good guy) police detective Robert Goren in the TV series Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001-11).

[@TheReturnOfSak]

We gotta get Verowak watching more older movies. 12 Angry Men is a master class in film making. Any there's a whole bunch of movies pre-1960 that are considered masterpieces. Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, Gaslight, Double Indemnity, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Rear Window, To Kill a Mockingbird, there definitely is no shortage of great films.

[@gregall2178]

A minor nit... To Kill A Mockingbird was post-1960... 1962 to be exact 🙂. Excellent movie, tho... The DVD was a gift to me from my late father 🙂

[@mildredpierce4506]

All of the actors in this movie have a wide wrench of characters and other movies. They are not one trick ponies. They are very talented. Juror Davis, played by Henry Fonda, is in a movie called the wrong man. Very good movie.

[@TimothyCasto]

To Kill A Mockingbird is a must see.

[@Jeff_Lichtman]

Juror 10 didn't speak a word after juror 4 (E.G. Marshall) told him not to open his mouth again. Even when casting his final vote, he did it by shaking his head. 12 Angry Men was director Sidney Lumet's first theater film (he had already directed things for television). Some of his other movies include "The Pawnbroker," "Fail Safe," "Serpico, ", "Murder on the Orient Express," "Dog Day Afternoon," "Network," "The Wiz," "The Verdict" and "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead." "Dog Day Afternoon" is a favorite of mine that was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, and it won for Best Original Screenplay. Lumet began the movie using camera angles above the jurors' heads, and slowly moved it downwards. He also used more close-ups as the movie went on. The result was an increasing feeling of being in a small space. One thing I like about this movie is how the different characters bring their own experiences and perspectives into the jury room with them. The old man understood why another old man would testify the way he did. The guy who lived in a slum knew about how switchblades were used in actual fights. The smallest juror brought up the question of the kid stabbing downward while being so much shorter than his father. The most stubborn juror was played by Lee J. Cobb, and the bigot was played by Ed Begley, Sr. That you hated them is a testament to their acting skill. You're not supposed to like them. I think it would be a mistake to avoid other movies that they've been in. It's their characters who are despicable, not the actors themselves. Here are some recommendations for black and white movies to react to: M (1931) Bringing Up Baby (1938) Citizen Kane (1941) The Maltese Falcon (1941) Casablanca (1942) Gaslight (1944) Double Indemnity (1944) It's a Wonderful Life (1946) The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) The Third Man (1949) All About Eve (1950) Roman Holiday (1953) Some Like It Hot (1959) The Apartment (1960) Psycho (1960) Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) It's a Wonderful Life is a Christmas movie, so you might want to save it until then. And, yes, you should definitely watch The Wizard of Oz. It's not just a movie, but a core piece of American culture.

[@macmcleod1188]

Yes and one thing that may surprise people today is that back then the same actor might appear in the same television show in different episodes in the same season where they were a bad guy in one episode and a good guy in another episode. Each of the actors who played dislikable characters in this movie also have other movies where they play humorous or dramatic characters who are likeable.

[@aliciaa4859]

12 brilliant actors, all at the top of their games, a killer script and a phenomenal director & team and we have one of the greatest films ever made. the simplicity yet beauty of this movie stunned me when i was kid. this movie stands the test of time and proves movies today don’t need all that cgi and crazy camera shots to make a great film other amazing black and white movies to watch: on the waterfront, citizen kane, psycho, schindlers list, whatever happened to baby jane, wait until dark (really all audrey hepburn’s movies) and imitation of life

[@Tampahop]

The first time I was called to jury duty was in Florida. At the time, one of the big stories in the news was a class action lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company Merck. The trial I was screened for was a local sports celebrity who had been convinced he could get more money by not being a part of the class action lawsuit. They normally called a pool of 50 prospects to get, in this case, six jurors, but this was going to be a much longer case with weeks of expert testimony, so the pool for this trial started with 150 prospective jurors. Although I wasn't selected, I was interested enough to follow the events. Merck lost their class action lawsuit, but won the single plaintiff trial. Apparently they were able to show he was predisposed to the condition the drug in question may have caused.

[@rg3388]

This film came to mind when I watched DUNE. 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."

[@zacharyjoy8724]

Thanks for reacting to this! I personally consider this to be one of those rare films that everyone should watch at least once.

[@MrGBH]

Henry Fonda deferred his payment for this film, as did the director. The movie was a commercial flop, which means they never got paid. But Fonda still considered this his best movie.

[@Nefarioso]

Henry Fonda (Juror #8, Davis) seems the calming voice of reason in this film, but he has also been known to portray villains. Frank James in "Jesse James" (1939), and Frank in "Once Upon A Time In The West". (1968).

[@lalou4617]

Inherit The Wind. The acting, directing and camera work is phenomenal.

[@GeraldH-ln4dv]

This movie is a perfect storm of genius, a coming together of great director, great writer, great cinematographer, and accomplished and wonderfully talented stage/screen actors. I think it is among the greatest movies ever made.

[@mildredpierce4506]

The guy who had not seen his son in two years, was constantly disrespecting the old gentleman, and he wonders why his kid doesn’t have any respect for him.

[@jamesdrynan]

One of many pleasing aspects of KZbin is watching people react to music and movies before their time. Seeing how involved young people become watching this classic is wonderful. I regard this movie to be perfect in all aspects.

[@lilychris811]

So many great black-and-white films but my all-time favorite has to be "To Kill A Mockingbird."

[@kevind4850]

Yes, they were locked in - a practice in some jurisdictions to make sure no outside influences intrude into their deliberations. A few other great black & white films: _The_ _Grapes_ _of_ _Wrath_ (1940 - another great Henry Fonda performance) _All_ _About_ _Eve_ (1950) _Sunset_ _Boulevard_ (1950) _The_ _Philadelphia_ _Story_ (1941) _Schindler's_ _List_ (1993)

[@jnagarya519]

"Stalag 17" with the great William Holden. And the under-appreciated "The Counterfeit Traitor".

[@victorpena9824]

Good Job, Hon. If one doesn't get excited watching this, then they don't have a brain. I'm 66 y/o dude and I was never chosen for jury duty. My heart couldn't take it. Keep it up! Love from Texas.❤

[@couch.patati-patata]

The marketing guy was Zefram Cochrane in a Star Trek episode. Zefram Cochrane is supposed to be the one who invented light speed travel. The foreman acted as Detective Abrogast in Psycho.

[@bobbuethe1477]

I never made that connection before, and I'm a big Trek fan! The episode was titled "Metamorphosis."

[@Rockaria23]

You should check out a couple of classics featuring James Cagney. Angels With Dirty Faces (1938) White Heat (1949) 😊

[@planetcampervan]

Love cagney and they are my 2 favourite films with him in

[@FloridaMugwump]

You can't watch Angels with Dirty Faces without watching Dead End first, that would be ridiculous.

[@jnagarya519]

"Yankee Doodle Dandy" -- director Michael Curtiz. Cagney got Best Actor. Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Director went to Curtiz's "Casablanca".

[@MrDevintcoleman]

I served jury duty for the first time a couple months ago and despite it not being this heated, it resembled this enough that this movie really resonates.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

The Aprtment is a 'must-see' film. Also. conveniently, it happens to be in black and white

[@jnagarya519]

And "Witness for the Prosecution" has the superlative acting of Charles Laughton and his real-life wife Elsa Lanchester. And though it may not be as familiar, or classified as a "courtroom drama," there is 1966's superb "A Man for All Seasons," winner of 6 Oscars.

[@Stogie2112]

Verowak, did you recognize the voice of Juror 2? The meek bank teller with the cough drops. He was played by John Fiedler, who also did great voice work for a certain animated character.

[@VerowakReacts]

I definitely didn't recognize his voice. I looked him up, but I never watched Winnie the Pooh lol

[@Stogie2112]

@@VerowakReacts ….Winnie the Pooh is a wonderful cartoon for kids of all ages! Highly recommended.

[@AmaroqFan]

Heidi starring Shirly Temple, and Stalag 17 are both really good B/W movies.

[@fullmetalt-shirt8355]

To Kill a Mockingbird is another great one.

[@mozans1876]

This has been in my top 10 movies ever since I first watched it in Junior High decades ago. So well acted by everyone.

[@ariochiv]

To Kill a Mockingbird -- if you're looking for an excellent black and white movie, you couldn't do any better than that.

[@timcarr6401]

Thank you Verowak. I love watching reactions to this particular movie. You came shining through.

[@sleeplessnerd7781]

Witness for the Prosecution Stalag 17 Casablanca Key Largo (well anything Bogart and Becall)

[@hadrenspicer9035]

Allof these men are all superb actors.ive seen all of them in many movies over 60 years. Top ten movie of all time

[@sodiumcrush]

If only all juries could have as much integrity and self-awareness. The writing is top notch. A bit heavy handed at times but it works so well. The setting. The pacing and rhythm. So many great actors in this film. You've got so many great films from back then to see.

[@thomasgriffiths6758]

My favorite is Jack Klugman, juror #5 who grew up in the slums. I used to watch The Odd Couple and Quincy MD on television and he was in both of them.

[@haleyschreiter9746]

All About Eve is another brilliant black and white classic 😃

[@Blue-qr7qe]

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1963) starring Gregor Peck is my favorite b&w film.

[@rustybroomhandle]

My favorite film from 1957 is The Incredible Shrinking Man. Less cheesy than it sounds.

[@VerowakReacts]

It does sound pretty cheesy :D though cheesy movies can be super fun!

[@rustybroomhandle]

@@VerowakReacts It's more of a tragedy. I can't find any evidence of this but it feels like a metaphor for coming to terms with having a terminal illness.

[@Karadjanov]

Great reaction. This is such an amazing movie and a master class in filmmaking. If you are interested in other courtroom movies Fracture (2007) is one of the very best. It may not be on the list you showed but it is definitely on par with those movies and quite frankly much better than some of them.

[@congoliab]

He can't hear you....he never will.

[@Do0msday]

I hope you react to 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. It's a similar vibe to this at times. It sticks pretty close to the book and Gregory Peck gives an amazing performance as Atticus Finch.