Why My Cousin Vinny Is Perfect (An Interview With The Writer Dale Launer)

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[@LegalEagle]

🎤Who else should I interview? 🚀Watch the extended version of this interview at legaleagle.link/watchnebula

[@VictoriousGardenosaurus]

Sgt. Sticks from Live PD

[@scottperepelecta5115]

Matt Groening. You have to find out how Lionel Hutz was created, how was he so good at being so bad, is this character based off of a real person, etc. etc.

[@MultiClassGeek]

Mark Rosewater. A Real Lawyer vs a Rules Lawyer

[@SEAZNDragon]

John Grisham.

[@dynad00d15]

John Grisham. The master of legal novels. To this day, "The Rainmaker" is my all time favorite book.

[@jeremyortiz2927]

"Changed my major, and my grades went up" is proof that he made the right decision. This is an excellent video. I loved it. 👏

[@douglasdea637]

Actually most college students change majors. I did, going from Business to English and my grades went up too. Also the idea of 4 years in college is rather old fashioned. Going 5+ is very common. Changing schools too, there's nothing wrong in doing two years at a community college.

[@jeremyortiz2927]

@douglasdea637 I wholeheartedly agree with you about community colleges. I used to attend and teach here in Las Vegas. There's no better bang for the buck. I started college initially in 1993 and finally graduated several years ago. I'm pretty sure I was one of the few that was "undecided" until my senior year. Unfortunately, taking 300 & 400 level classes was not fun at all. The folks that did change majors seemed a lot happier. 😅

[@jedinxf7]

​@@jeremyortiz2927if you go go community college planning to save money by transferring with two years of credit to a school with a bachelor's program employers will respect, be prepared for the possibility that many or most of your credits will not transfer because the bachelor's awarding institution doesn't consider your community college rigorous enough. it happens to a lot of people who discover they've wasted two years.

[@thomashiggins9320]

It's usually a promising sign that you may have made a good decision, yeah. 🤨 (I went from Business Marketing to a double-major in Political Science and History, during which I worked two internships at newspapers.)

[@gibgezr]

Yes, you need to make sure that the college and the university you want to eventually go to have a credit transfer agreement that covers you.@@jedinxf7

[@DrVictorVasconcelos]

I can't believe the entire reason you created this channel was to one day interview Dale Launer. No, wait, I can. This movie is great.

[@rmdodsonbills]

When he said "Vinny is dyslexic" that made several things make sense. Sure, he had to work at the garage and all that, made perfect sense to me at the time. But when dyslexia came into it, the first picture in my mind was Vinny sitting in the hotel room, book on his lap and he closes it in frustration and looks off into the distance with worry on his face. Even if it was never mentioned specifically, it was still there. Just makes me love the movie all the more. I have always loved this movie and all the award nominations were absolutely earned. On first viewing, Lisa's testimony about positraction and all was very impressive, genius even. It wasn't until much later that I realized that Vinny also came to the same conclusion on just as little evidence. But he knew that as the lawyer, he couldn't testify, and so Lisa was in fact the only person he knew and was available on short notice that could save those boys. And he knew exactly the question he needed to ask her to get her to see the evidence and go to the right conclusion. He knew she would get there if he pushed her to figure out why he was wrong. I cannot imagine anyone remaking this movie. What could you do that would be different that wouldn't take something away from the original?

[@penname8441]

+

[@wordforger]

Yep. It took me a couple viewings to realize that. We heard her doing her "expert" thing earlier in the movie, but it wasn't explicitly shown he did more than help a little around the garage. That just makes their rrlationship more beautiful, though. He learns car stuff to help her and her family. She learns rules and procedures to help him.

[@wvu05]

Another example of dyslexia explaining something in the plot are his six attempts at the bar exam. Paul Wellstone, the late Senator from Minnesota, was a college professor before winning elected office. He got his BA in three years and his PhD in four years (including wrestling as an undergrad and having a wife and small child from his sophomore year). He got less than 800 on his SATs. Obviously a smart man, but terrible at standardized tests.

[@wvu05]

​@@wordforger Me, too. I watched it I don't know how many times before I picked up on the fact that he gets the tire thing, even with him going back and forth and the music flourish. I was kicking myself for not noticing!

[@handpaper6871]

One thing that occurred to me was that Vinny could have extracted the same testimony from the prosecution's expert. Perhaps that's why the studio thought her character was redundant? Anyway, I think it's a better movie as it stands.

[@_The_Archive_]

Fun Fact: When Vinny is trying to explain his "real name" to Judge Haller, he knocks over the judge's chess board. This was accidental but director Jonathan Lynn thought it was so funny and authentic he decided to leave it in the film.

[@davidtrindle6473]

Yes, Fred Gwynne did a great job, too.

[@MihitsTilozi]

Ha! That's great, I always imagined that was some kind of symbolism. The judge is playing within the rules of a well studied game, there's tactics, history and decorum to it. And Vinny is here to knock it all over!

[@eastvandb]

@@MihitsTilozi retroactive symbolism

[@harish123az]

Also, it fits because he knocks it as soon as he says the name, which prevents the judge from hearing it clearly and later when he says his name is not Gallo but Callo, we have a plausible reason why the judge would doubt that he didnt hear it clearly. I thought it was a genius move before I knew this fact

[@wvu05]

The "two yutes" also came about because the director was having trouble with Joe Pesci's accent.

[@christhornycroft3686]

Marisa Tomei is reason alone to see this movie, even if you’re not into the legal stuff, and I am. She steals this movie, and playing opposite Joe Pesci, an aggressive personality, is not easy. I like that they went with a shorter guy. It made the character an underdog physically. If he beat up the pool guy and he was 6’2, it wouldn’t have been funny. It could have been seen as bullying. The casting was spot on and while they do make references to southern racism (“all our little old ancestors”), it’s not fixated on. The fact that the defendants are Italian and Jewish (mispronunciation of “Rothenstein”) and they’re from the north isn’t entirely ignored. There’s a general mistrust, particularly from the perspective of the Alabaman characters.

[@victotronics]

"what's a grit?" Yes, she is just perfect in this film.

[@rmdodsonbills]

If anything, it's the northerners that engage in casual prejudice. When they're calling home and Stanley casually talks about inbreeding and incest, the locals all stare over at him and he sheepishly backs off (just a little), "Well, some of them do."

[@cj-seejay-cj-seejay]

She deserved that oscar 1,000,000%!

[@rahulshah1408]

@@victotronicswhat’s a yuut?

[@IMeMineWho]

​@@rmdodsonbillsNot in my experience as a person of Jewish ancestry. I am pretty sure no one ever called you a k*ke..but I have been and generally by WASPs.

[@tomc8888]

Haven't watched the Nebula version of this yet, but one thing that didn't come up in the KZbin version of this video is the "confession" scene where Ralph Macchio says "I shot the clerk" and Bruce McGill's sheriff takes it literally, and from what we see, the sheriff isn't being underhanded or manipulative, but thinks he's getting a bona fide confession when he's not. Part of this goes to one of the biggest strengths of the movie: that everybody is trying to do the right thing and everybody is acting from honest motives. It also shows how language can be slippery and easily misinterpreted in a situation like the interrogation.

[@tomroberts2135]

it may sound silly - but THANK YOU for interviewing the writer! Too often I see interviews asking anyone BUT the writer about... y'know... the writing.

[@ComboBreakerHD]

My old man was a classic attorney, he was a Sr partner when I was just child. He was very stoic and serious. Into law and history dramas. He only ever liked one comedy movie, My Cousin Vinnie, which was a rare time I got to hear him fully whaling from laughter. This movie left a deep imprint on me. To this day when I hear the word "youth"..

[@kolt4d559]

Two Yutes

[@God-mb8wi]

classic attorney is self-employed, making my old man more classic than yours

[@Zectifin]

my dad used to watch My Cousin Vinnie whenever it came on TV. I didn't like all the comedies he watched, but as I got older I grew to love My Cousin Vinnie. I too can't hear the word youths and not think of "the two yutes".

[@evilanagram]

I was a juror for an assault case, and the defense actually used a line from My Cousin Vinny. "What's that in front of your balcony?" "A tree." "And what are those green things?" "Uh... leaves?"

[@tom_something]

It's rare to have a movie with so much tension, so much adversity, so much humor... but yet also so much kindness and respect. That last one is often bargained off to bolster the other three. It's a happy, charming, feel-good movie about a murder trial.

[@masterofallgoons]

Joe Pesci's height was a real asset to the movie especially when they cast Fredy Gwynn as the judge. That height difference changed the dynamic that he had in mind when he wrote it, but making the Judge intimidating in that way and when Vinnie is a generally confident guy is such a great way part of the film.

[@hnfrd]

I can only see Gwynn as Herman Munster. Even when watching this film.

[@TheForgottenTainted]

I always see Joe as the burglar from Home Alone

[@masterofallgoons]

@@hnfrd - I honestly think of him from this and Pet Sematary first.

[@douglasboyle6544]

One other thing about this movie, it's not just a well-written LEGAL movie, it's a well-written movie period. There's build-up and payoff throughout, and while he pointed out that not every explanation he wanted made it in, there are no "just because" answers for the character's motivations. He put a lot of effort into it all around and it shows, thanks for bringing us this interview.

[@JohnWilliams-cr2sz]

My brother went to law school, actually told me that in one his classes they ended up watching My Cousin Vinny. He was quite happy about that.

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

In over 30 years working in Law, I have yet to meet an attorney who doesn't have *My Cousin Vinny* in their top 10 list of favorite movies. GREAT interview, Devin!!

[@Howtoeatrocks]

I love when successful people in interviews mention the names of those who helped their journey and their career. Not just dropping names of the most direct or famous but those in their day to day life who knowingly or not we're a factor and showing respect. What a legend

[@michaelmichelsen]

I watch My Cousin Vinny at least once a year. I laugh throughout the movie every time. It is one of the best written and acted movies of all time. I love how Monia Lisa's character saves the day with her testimony and Vinny encourages her to do so. Win-Win. That is such a pleasant twist. All of the actors were brilliantly casted and did a tremendous job in their roles. I really enjoyed Fred Gwinn in his last performance. He was such an underrated cometic actor. Beyond teaching us something about the law, it also teaches us that we don't usually succeed by ourselves. It takes the help of many other people who are generally willing to assist. Just make sure that you give them credit, praise and say thank you. It will definitely help you in the long run. As Monia Lisa says at the end of the movie: "You win all of your cases, but with someone elses' help. You win case after case and later you have to go up to someone and say thank you... What a f**ing nightmare!!" She is joking of course, because it's not. It's a blessing.😊

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

I love every word of your comment!!!!!! It is so inspiring and beautiful. Thank you for that!!! 🤗

[@NickPiers]

I'm honestly surprised we never got a sequel. Vinny and Mona could have easily done a series of movies, just going around and doing cases together. Kind of like a series of detective films starring the same character and actor.

[@jedinxf7]

Hollywood didn't used to be built on the premise of extracting every ounce of soul from a good idea to maximize profits in perpetuity. Art is art and rarely is improved by transformation into a franchise. But sure if Kathleen Kennedy had produced this film for Disney we would be able to ride the My Cousin Vinny 2: Electric Boogaloo train at Magic Kingdom.

[@typacsk]

A little like Knives Out?

[@TheBlunk86]

I'm not sure since a major part of Vinny's arc is being a fish out of water not just because he's in the south, but also because he's never been in a courtroom before. Don't think you can replicate that really.

[@stalfithrildi5366]

​@@TheBlunk86hence the Old Bailey, I reckon

[@johnbradley2343]

@@jedinxf7 Tell that to Nick and Nora Charles...

[@joncarroll2040]

The fact that there was a time when Robert DeNiro was not considered as a credible lead in a comedy is itself hilarious. Launer was ahead of the curve.

[@meganrogers3571]

DeNiro in Stardust - enough said

[@EricAndresen]

@@meganrogers3571 Meet the Parents - nuff said

[@LVVMCMLV]

De Niro's best comedy is Midnight Run

[@hedgehog1965uk]

The fact that they didn't consider Pesci intimidating enough is even funnier. As George Carlin once said "He seems like a guy that can get things done".

[@youfot2]

​@@hedgehog1965uk joe bless you

[@Drummerdude5342]

This movie started my life long crush on Marissa Tomei. I 100% agree she is the most important part of the movie.

[@rmdodsonbills]

Yes, you can't have this movie without that character. The story just falls apart.

[@tnickknight]

she is SMOKING hot

[@jollyandwaylo]

My crush started with Untamed Heart, a long time ago.

[@Whatchamawhozit]

@@jollyandwaylo which is another great movie, which made me tear up but it was released after MCV

[@dorkangel1076]

She was nice when she was young but just got better and better looking as she aged.

[@iammattc1]

I did a law degree in Liverpool, England. They used parts of My Cousin Vinnie as a teaching aid. Specifically the bit where he doesn't ask for bail because he knows they won't get it, and asking would just annoy the judge, and then his examination of the witnesses

[@Firegen1]

It's an utterly brilliant film, just as a film. That it turns out to be accurate is just extra cool

[@diegomahoney4266]

I’m in Undergrad taking Law and the Legal System and we have an assignment to watch this movie next week. This video actually has me so excited to actually watch it.

[@Accrovideogames]

I took a law course in college and the teacher, who is also a lawyer, made us watch that movie. She said it was very accurate, despite taking place in a different country, and thus counted as education. My country's legal system is identical to the one in the US when it comes to the procedures shown in the movie. Several of the stuff said in the movie had to be applied later in an exam.

[@IrritationX]

Absolutely love this film. Everything about the criminal process in it, from arrest and where the detective sits during the interrogation all the way through trial, is "dead on balls accurate."

[@Frooderick]

My gf never saw the movie because she thought it was a dumb name for a movie and she thought there was no way it could be any good. So I sat her down and we watched and of course she loved it. Now we call it “that awful movie with a really bad title” and it is one of her all-time favorites.

[@margaret928]

I must admit, initially I didn't want to see it based on the title. But its one of the most perfect comedies.

[@alexcrouse]

There is no bad guy, and they don't need one. Vinny was his own worst enemy!

[@yensteel]

You were serious about that? *Prison cell slams shut

[@One_1_11]

The cops are arguably the bad guys for arresting innocent people, and the prosecutor is bad for prosecuting innocent people.

[@jennaheiser625]

I watched this movie because of your breakdown, and it’s now one of my favorites. Everyone and their motivations are so justified and relatable, and the internal logic/authenticity is phenomenal.

[@bjrneirikstrkersen1021]

I agree on the part about not having predetermined ideas of who the actors should be. Beverly Hills Cop was originally written with Sylvester Stallone in mind, but getting Eddie Murphy instead turned out to be fantastic.

[@maskedmallard537]

In most every movie Whoopi Goldberg was cast in, the role was written with someone else in mind.

[@geordineilson5476]

As someone who hasn't seen My Cousin Vinny, but has seen your legal review of it, this was really fascinating and I'm glad you got to do this.

[@alexjones1027]

Watch it as soon as you can!

[@J_K944]

Stop what you are doing and go watch it!

[@glenngriffon8032]

Definitely should see it. It's a great movie even if you don't know law.

[@Kevin_2435]

​@@glenngriffon8032I think that's the true testament of how great this movie is. The writer talks casually about how he pushed for accuracy in the movie like it was no big deal. It couldn't be further from the truth. The fact that this movie is realistic enough to keep actual legal professionals happy but entertaining enough for a lay person to watch is a very rare thing. Had it leaned too far into accuracy in the wrong ways, the entertainment value would certainly suffer.

[@North_West1]

It’s a must watch.

[@anahartz]

This was a social studies classic when I was in middle school. Then we had a mock trial. My teacher, Mr. Anderson was incredible 😂

[@callak_9974]

Then he became 'The One', eh?

[@askthepizzaguy]

What I like most about the movie is that, at first, the judge, the prosecutor, the jury, and the witnesses, all have some convincing reason to believe the things they do about the defendant, and they are probably pretty set in their ways and beliefs and opinions. However, when actual evidence was shown that the defendants could not possibly have been the ones who actually committed the crime, everyone involved let their original opinions go and let the defendants go free, which is the correct outcome. That's the ideal. We should be using our minds to make proper and correct judgments, rather than picking a side and sticking to it. If this could apply to politics, our country would be a lot less divided. I run into this problem when trying to present evidence that, for example, the freest and most prosperous countries have a single payer universal healthcare system and why it is a good idea, but people clam up and retreat to their beliefs without budging, and even often refuse to bother looking at the evidence. The characters in the movie had learned opinions but would allow themselves to be proven wrong. That's honorable and just, and wise. The people I run into in real life refuse to allow themselves to be proven wrong. They like their beliefs so much that they won't even look at your evidence, data, or arguments at all, even when the topic of the conversation that they brought up was politics. It's not me showing a disinterested party, it's someone who wants to talk politics and then refuses to HEAR politics. Listening is a skill that was showcased in this movie. It's the skill that protects us from turning into an intellectual wasteland, and I fear it is an endangered practice due to cultural bubbles.

[@Leith_Crowther]

The thing you liked about the movie was also the most unrealistic part of the movie.

[@o.b.7217]

@@magellanthecat Underrated comment.

[@crbielert]

@@magellanthecat Not necessarily, there would certainly be a massive and fundamental shift in their understanding and orthodoxy, which would probably be for the best. There are some things that are impossible to prove or disprove. However, I'm pretty sure most of the revered historical figures have been willfully misrepresented by major religions in order to exert power over the masses, and the ones that weren't were either conmen or mentally ill. Do I personally believe that some entity set the universe in motion? Maybe. Do I think that this entity intervenes in our lives? Certainly not. It is possible to have some kind of faith and eschew supernaturalism and associated dogma.

[@andrewbogard2411]

​@magellanthecat I don't think they would disappear just change in appearance.

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

Conversely, one of the many things I loved in *My Cousin Vinny* was how the Alabama people *ASSUMED* the boys and Vinny would stereotype them and judge them based on assumptions, when the opposite was true. They judged VINNY and the boys simply because they were from New York. That whole *"you think you're better than me"* crap is rarely true, but inferior mindsets believe it and then act on that assumption. That's what the judge and prosecutor did. I love this movie!

[@glenngriffon8032]

I would really like to see Devin tackle the trial in the Red Dwarf episode "Justice". Is Rimmer really culpable for the deaths of the crew?

[@ScottHusseyPhoto]

Yes, please!

[@diskgrinder]

Brilliant idea

[@Doktor_Apokalypse]

Season 3's "Justice" or season 4's "Justice" 🤔 Maybe Devin should do both 😂

[@The9393114]

"You were serious about that?" -- Best thing ever spoken in a court room; fake or not.

[@jasonrichard981]

So funny hearing the way Vinnie was originally envisioned physically. 6’2 and built like a boxer is almost the exact description of the real life mobster that Joe Pesci’s character in Goodfellas is based off of. It’s interesting to imagine how differently the character connects to the audience if an actor who is a foot taller were to give the same performance.

[@Sicod79]

Dale Launer is a national treasure. Thank you for the interview.

[@BellalinaBallerina]

Homeschooling my kids we dedicate an entire year to studying law, forensics science, anatomy and justice. While doing research for the various unit studies I asked several lawyers about a great book or film about the legal process… every single one mentioned My Cousin Vinny. It’s a classic!

[@richardjones4662]

Sounds great, but this is also why home schooling is a terrible idea. Parents ignoring huge areas of study, probably because they (themselves) are interested in these. And it's obvious what is important to you. How much else of their education have you neglected?

[@BellalinaBallerina]

@@richardjones4662 Oh buddy you don’t know what you’re talking about! We skipped nothing! I worked with math professors designing applied mathematics curriculum. My kids took classes in a local homeschool group taught by career professionals, certified educators and adjunct college professors. They volunteered at the local library and two museums. I also had them evaluated annually and hired a teacher who helped us stay on course each year. All my kids are college graduates with honors… one is a college professor, another is in grad school for curriculum development and edits college textbooks. Two more are in the gaming design industry. I tutor nursing students at the local college. I even had a blog for a while… but Facebook really screwed it up so I am currently working on putting together some of my curriculum I used on a website. Want to back up 10 yards and punt again? My kids are not the exception… these results are pretty common for adults who were able to benefit from being homeschooled.

[@Doktor_Apokalypse]

​@@richardjones46622 hours a week for each subject in school spread over 7 years? Compare that to a year of dedication to math and english at home, year dedicated to science and the natural world, a year dedicated to history, mythology and religion, a year dedicated to sociology, psychology and social skills, a year dedicated to art, design, architecture, music, and then 2 years dedicated to boosting skills that kids want to learn for the future or skills that they have shortcoming in. I'm pretty sure 5he homeschooled kid would do better than any kid programmed in a UK or (especially) a US school.

[@richardjones4662]

@@Doktor_Apokalypse , my local auto mechanic (who owned the shop) had his middle school son working there (supposedly being "home schooled"). He may have learned something about cars, but highly doubtful he learned any "English" or "Math".

[@stischer47]

@@richardjones4662 Having taught at all levels, elementary through graduate level computer science, I believe he probably learned a lot more applicable math as an auto mechanic than he would in most math classes in middle and high school. If you have ever worked in auto mechanics, you'd know how much is involved. As for English, most people speak the way they learned at home regardless of what they learned in school.

[@abrahamlincoln8477]

The studio exec telling him to lose Marisa Tomei's character, and then her winning an oscar for the role, is so on point for (some of) what's wrong in Hollywood.

[@varkesh456]

I love that the back drop for the idea of vinnies troubles came from being dyslexic and that is something i had not heard before and while it was true it was not needed i think it does add anothing layer to the relatable aspect. But the real heart of this movie comes from the research we knew had to have been done in the first place and then using that framework but working out where you could get the more abusrd moments comedy needed. The sequel idea was sounding fun ifbthat worked i could have seen a whole world tour sort of concept keeping vinnie the fish out of water by acting in places who do things so differentanaly.. And now i want to find that movie and watch it again.

[@jedinxf7]

a world tour would have been awful and cheapening, and these actors deserve more respect than what was given to the golden retriever who played air bud. or the original cast of star wars for that matter. a single sequel in London (or a civil law jurisdiction) might have worked. but "franchising" beyond that is just how you throw great art into a juicer to make money juice from former art.

[@D-OveRMinD]

Yo, I totally forgot that Herman Munster was the judge in this. Such a brilliant casting decision. I need to go back and rewatch this. Such a classic.

[@whazzat8015]

Gwynne, a Harvard schooled relatively successful theater and TV guy with dramatic and comedy chops, took the TV role when he badly needed money for his family, fearful or what it might do to his career. It was a mixed blessing. Imagine him ( and no less Ed O'Neil) as Lenny in Of Mice And Men. Then watch him in Car 54

[@MandaMalice]

As someone who is dyslexic, I loooooooove now knowing he was supposed to be dyslexic ❤️

[@superjules]

Love this. I once took a class in college about the historical Jesus taught by a renowned biblical scholar. He said the only movie to come close to depicting the historical reality of the era was Life of Brian.

[@Justanotherconsumer]

Including Centurions providing Latin lessons to dissidents? That said, the desperation for a messiah (follow the gourd!) and the fractured resistance movements (PFJ vs JPF) are probably more historical than many want to admit.

[@cericat]

​@@Justanotherconsumer The Pythons took the idea of Jesus very seriously, so presenting as accurate a depiction of the time as they could goes a long way to setting up their criticisms of religion and mass movements. It really seems it takes a proper understanding of what you're trying to make fun of to do it well in this sort of context, and the Pythons were at their best in Life of Brian.

[@BenjWarrant]

Well, they'd already done the best representation on film of the medieval era in _Holy Grail,_ so why not?

[@thomashiggins9320]

I actually believe this.

[@historianKelly]

I'm a historian, and one of the things I always tried to impress upon my students is that the way they're taught to think about past societies is all wrong. I tell them that they really need to think about people from the past as being exactly like us, only with different technology. How I try to help them see this is to think about the future. In 2000 years, what are people going to think about us? They are going to view us the way we see ancient Romans. So view ancient Romans how you want people in 2000 years to view us. You may not be able to guess at what kind of technology they will have in 2000 years, but I can assure you, humans will be exactly like they are today, and they were exactly like we are today, 2000 years ago. And 2000 years before that, and so on. So, yes, Life of Brian - being one of my favorite movies - is a good example. Other than anachronisms which are used for comedy's sake -- I love a good comedic anachronism, hate inadvertent anachronisms unless they make me laugh -- it's a pretty good reflection of real life.

[@AlgyPond]

My jaw literally DROPPED when I saw that you'd gotten to talk to the writer. This movie is one of me and my parents' favorites. This was just a joy to watch.

[@cobradap]

One of my favorite parts of the movie is when Vinny asks the neckbrace guy if he fell at his place or someone else's. Love the fact he's in the middle of his cousin's case but still trying to get work as a personal injury lawyer, what he supposedly actually knows. Great stuff!

[@lietz13]

Attention to procedural authenticity is so smart for comedic writing, especially when the court is playing the straightman and hosting a wacky character out of their element like Vinny.

[@NavikvonBathory]

Awesome interview. I'm so glad you did this with the writer, vs say the director, or even actors. Nothing against them of course, but I feel like writers get the short end.

[@RiffRaf_]

I just realized that this dude is in DC and licensed for the DMV and NOW I CANNOT WAIT TO NEED A LAWYER

[@dynad00d15]

thats... a frightening thought. Fortunately, i live in Montreal. lol!

[@RiffRaf_]

@@dynad00d15 😆

[@KThyme]

This is so good! What a great idea and interview! Thank you to Dale Launer for talking about this great film he wrote and how he wrote it!

[@saddestchord7622]

I love Marissa Tomei's character in this. So sexy, funny, smart, good hearted, and definitely not a pushover. So many other great characters, too. Just a really well written movie. A classic.

[@whazzat8015]

Drip, drip, drip. Foreshadowed the joy they shared in playing hard

[@Whatchamawhozit]

MCV is without a doubt the best comedy of the 1990's. It is fun, warm and hysterical. Marissa and Joe had great chemistry and everything just meshed.

[@slimtimm1]

This is HANDS DOWN one of the BEST videos I've EVER SEEN on KZbin!! I can't believe nobody has ever done this before! What a great combo of one of my favorite films and one of my favorite KZbinrs. Congrats to LegalEagle!

[@amandaengelman5168]

I finally watch My Cousin Vinny for the first time a few months ago. I loved it. I can't imagine it without Lisa! The clips of her testimony on my Facebook feed is what finally prodded me to watch the whole movie.

[@azilbean]

This is one of those few movies that stands the test of time and is still funny today. Now that I know that it's based on so much research, it makes sense that it's still so great. Only works of art that reflect and amplify reality hold water. 🙌 A true masterpiece. 🔥

[@whazzat8015]

Everybody plays hard , but fair. No villains, just antagonists

[@MichaelSiegel14]

I loved what he said about how getting things accurate guides you as a writer. Art thrives with limitations and accuracy -- legal or otherwise -- makes for better writing.

[@jameshamaker9321]

this is beautiful, because i grew up watching this. i love it because i happen to know a lot of lawyers, most of them aren't the nicest people, i like Vinny because he's very real and hilarious.

[@grsafran]

Most lawyers I have known have a superiority complex. They rarely self examine themselves or question their decisions. Many of them fell they are always right.

[@TravisFabel]

I loved this interview. I could hear the pain in his voice as you gush over the movie and he has to carefully say how the movie itself is never exactly the same as what he wrote and intended... It's a pain all writers feel. I'm also afraid I'm going to have to call you out in your final nebula pitch. You stated "All my videos go up on nebula way earlier than KZbin"... But we've determined this is a lie as there are exceptions to this.

[@cesarosummary]

Fantastic interview! It's great to hear from Dale himself on these iconic moments.

[@averyeml]

As soon as he said “Vinny’s dyslexic” it SUDDENLY makes more sense. It wouldn’t have taken more than one more sentence or even one more thing tacked on to his list of “between working at the garage, etc.” to fit it in. Wild.

[@raymonko]

This interview is simply entertaining by itself! Good job!

[@stalka929]

You're excellent at making me watch things i wouldn't otherwise care about. You and your team are so good at keeping things interesting without too many cuts and without cutting corners.

[@scottlocke9328]

Awesome im so glad youre such a fan of My Cousin Vinny too! And damn now im upset we never got the sequel!

[@whazzat8015]

Citizen Cane ll as well

[@TheGeekChef]

Because of this channel, I can never watch legal shows or movies the same. When lawyers say “they must have some new evidence” I yell at the TV “THEN ASK FOR IT!”

[@alysoffoxdale]

This interview is a delight, and an excellent start to my day!

[@Coffeeisnecessarynowpepper]

It's 9:30

[@sguttag]

What a wonderful interview. Thank you so much for this one.

[@FancyRPGCanada]

So amazing that you could sit down with this writer, great interview!

[@nungiceman]

I remember back in the day, one of those movie review magazines could've been Empire, was mocking my cousin vinny, calling it embarrassing. Because of the simple and ridiculous courtroom procedure. I guess, apparently not! 😂😂😂

[@kevintrjohnson]

I love My Cousin Vinny, even as a writer and not a lawyer; the only minor quibble I ever had with it is just how many things had to go right (wrong?) for the young men to be arrested in the first place, but I'd have died laughing if in the end they played off of that by showing the actual murderers and either they looked nothing like them or were played by the exact same actors (maybe with their wardrobe switched).

[@whazzat8015]

The set up was played as if it was the prosecution's case. Foreshadowing. Great film start with great intros

[@garycpriestley]

Brilliant interview! Makes this movie even more special to hear the inner thoughts of the writer and his inspiration. Thanks

[@bigbikefan]

I've been waiting for this for years. Thank you for sharing.

[@xplosiv211]

Marissa stole every scene, but only with her incredible beauty, but with her amazing acting

[@BigBen621]

That was the first time in my life that I said "Now, that's an Academy Award performance"-and was right!

[@heathergarnham9555]

She's fantastic in Oscar and Only You,

[@WhammeWhamme]

Watched the movie just before watching this video because frankly, it's so highly recommended by LegalEagle elsewhere and yeah, it really just is that good. The writer's original pitch was a great idea, and the changes did nothing to mess with that core heart to it, just fantastic, and loved this interview too. Would not want a remake, absolutely do want that sequel. Fish out of water in England, with the same heart of authenticity and people struggling as My Cousin Vinny? Incredible.

[@Strathclydegamer]

Absolutely fantastic!! Can’t believe I missed this being posted at the time!

[@seantlewis376]

I love this interview with the writer of one of my favorite movies, and gets into the nitty gritty of his research, the interviews he conducted that went into writing, and how it came together. Thank you both for sitting for this.

[@nishidohellhillsruler6731]

To this day I still remember "My Cousin Vinny" every time I'm washing the mosquito screens 😄

[@ZeroOskul]

What's this stuff all over your screens? Dirt?

[@maryrowe3981]

Fascinating and wonderful interview and yes, I did LOVE that film. 40÷ year Civil lit secretary. Your content is top drawer, as my first late,great attorney boss would say!

[@RetroJack]

Great interview - thank you!

[@LogistiQbunnik]

Great invertiev and really nice to hear you talk about this movie with Launer!

[@wormspeaker]

I realized that it's been a while since I watched "My Cousin Vinny", so I figured I should do that. It's available right here on KZbin. Funny that KZbin is advertizing "A Civil Action" on the side there instead of the subject of the video here.

[@eldibs]

I love it when writers take the time to get things right.

[@irosale1]

Devon. Thank you for making this happened. Awesome video.

[@lauriediorio574]

Great interview! Thanks! One of my favorite movies! Can watch it over and over again!! Brilliant!

[@Avatar1977]

This movie inspired me to study law back in the nineties. I aspired to be able to drive around in a convertible, wear a leather jacket and have Marisa Tomei as my girlfriend. Of course, time passes, life changes, and I'm now past the convertible and leather jacket stage.

[@yungathart7801]

Thank you for this video. It is so cool to get this kind of background/insight on such a wonderful movie. My Cousin Vinny is a masterpiece.

[@jammesclinton9503]

Thank you for making this video. It was great to see Paul sit down and talk with you.

[@OrafuDa]

When I watched the movie again last year, there were a lot of “ouch” moments going on … especially in the beginning. Things could have happened that way, but boy where these guys getting themselves into trouble. And so was Vinny. Advice for people wanting to watch it: if you feel like me, try to get through these trouble spots, it will get better. And it’s worth it! All in all, it’s an excellent movie!

[@Freelancer4tehwin]

The power of My Cousin Vinny lies in getting most of the situation *right*. There's a power in a good courtroom drama. Shakespeare giving Shylock his testimony, or 12 Angry Men, or To Kill a Mockingbird all revolve in part around the sanctity of a system of courts built on the idea of having your say. And, by getting so much of the legalese correct, of Vinny saying "This is how the system works" and all of that, it leaves the central tension of the movie in the court. It is an incredibly optimistic statement about the legal system in a way. A movie that manages to be a comedy by having faith in that system.

[@rolotomasi99]

This was wonderful Devin. Thank you!

[@afterburn2600]

Truly one of my favorite movies of all time. Love this interview! Thanks for making this happen - it was really fun.

[@zeekaa12]

“Vinny come to my club it’s called “LegalEagle””

[@stephendisk1143]

I know probably get sent ideas all the time, but I was wondering about the ramifications a framed person may face for breaking the law to prove their innocence in a more serious crime. I'm think of The Fugitive and Angel Has Fallen type movies. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and making your content!

[@Leith_Crowther]

Oh, that’s an easy one. The framed person will face all the normal consequences of evading law enforcement on the grounds that LEOs would say the suspect only made their job harder and wasted resources, and obstructed justice by not cooperating. Extra points (in this case “points” is “years in prison”) if anybody died as a result.

[@FrankHolub]

Thank you for continuing to make videos like this, even though the real world has no shortage of thing to discuss.

[@poppyonline4034]

I love this so much!!! Thank you!!!

[@gregoryellis324]

I took Civil Procedure as a Freshlaw at the University of Texas in 1986. I hope they still teach it! I also learned a lot of procedure in Moot Court and Mock Trial competitions. I have to admit, I'm still learning.

[@sallyatticum]

I was about to say the same thing. I went to UT a few years later. We learned criminal and civil procedure. We also had clinics where we actually were assigned cases and went to court.

[@jedinxf7]

​​@@sallyatticumhe classes where you learn "civil procedure" and "criminal procedure" are still just more casebooks full of appellate and Supreme Court decisions relating to procedure. those classes might as well be called constitutional law, because that's what they are about. you didn't learn an iota of how to deal with criminal or civil actions in court (let alone state court, generally) from those classes and neither did I or anyone else. If someone ever did learn that (unless lucky enough to have meaningfully educational clinics as in your case), it was on the job (for the most part, most of us never learn it, or learn more than the small amount that concerns us sometimes if we happen to fall in the minority of lawyers that are litigators).

[@jedinxf7]

​@@sallyatticumclinics are a different story and actually threaten to be educational sometimes.

[@sallyatticum]

@@jedinxf7 I learned SO much from the clinics about how to handle a case load and how to navigate the courts. Lots of nuts and bolts.

[@sallyatticum]

@@jedinxf7 It is true, we took Federal procedure as Freshlaws, but we did have the Federal Rules as one of our texts. I admit I don't remember a lot about the class and certainly didn't walk out ready to practice in Federal court, but we did learn a lot about applying rules to cases, which I found helpful.

[@semimba]

one of Pesci's best movies. Too bad we don't see more of him anymore

[@HappyGoof4]

He had a role in The Irishman (2019)

[@cameronostrander7140]

Great interview! I appreciate you giving us, such a wonderful experience.

[@Lisared023]

Great interview! Thank you for doing it!!!

[@superjules]

Just realized that's probably a real Pollock behind him.

[@whazzat8015]

$$ if you play things right

[@knitcrochettiger361]

my favorite 2 scenes...."Two Yutes? What is a Yute?".......and....when the guy has Vennie's money, he calmly takes the money, and then jumps on the guy

[@obadboy]

This was a killer interview!! I would love to see more content like this from legal eagle

[@seth8629]

This is one of the most illuminating discussions of a film I've seen on KZbin.