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Gideon's Trumpet (1980)

Gideon's Trumpet (1980)
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In the tradition of his earlier work in Grapes of Wrath and Twelve Angry Men, Henry Fonda played another social-protest role in the Hallmark Hall of Fame TV presentation Gideon's Trumpet. Clarence Earl Gideon (Fonda) is a poor, ill-tempered Florida handyman who is arrested for petty larceny in 1961. Unable to afford a lawyer, Gideon is sentenced to five years in prison. His treatment by the Florida judicial system, a clear violation of the Fourteenth Amendment, is brought to the attention of the Supreme Court. As a result, a landmark decision is reached, assuring free legal representation for anyone accused of a crime in the United States. Also appearing are Jose Ferrer as Gideon's attorney Abe Fortas, John Houseman (who also produced) as the Chief Justice, and Fay Wray as the owner of the lodging establishment where Gideon lived. Gideon's Trumpet premiered on April 30, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Henry Fonda, John Houseman, (more)
Director(s):
Robert E. Collins
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Gideon's Trumpet

In the tradition of his earlier work in Grapes of Wrath and Twelve Angry Men, Henry Fonda played another social-protest role in the Hallmark Hall of Fame TV presentation Gideon's Trumpet. Clarence Earl Gideon (Fonda) is a poor, ill-tempered Florida handyman who is arrested for petty larceny in 1961. Unable to afford a lawyer, Gideon is sentenced to five years in prison. His treatment by the Florida judicial system, a clear violation of the Fourteenth Amendment, is brought to the attention of the Supreme Court. As a result, a landmark decision is reached, assuring free legal representation for anyone accused of a crime in the United States. Also appearing are Jose Ferrer as Gideon's attorney Abe Fortas, John Houseman (who also produced) as the Chief Justice, and Fay Wray as the owner of the lodging establishment where Gideon lived. Gideon's Trumpet premiered on April 30, 1980. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
104 mins

Complete Cast of Gideon's Trumpet


Director(s):
Robert E. Collins
Writer(s):
David W. Rintels
Producer(s):
David W. Rintels
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    Robert S.

    Great movie. True Story. The power of one person to make a difference. Henry Fonda was an amazing actor. He was perfect for the part. John Houseman (Professor Kingsfield in the Paper Chase) plays Chief Justice Earl Warren. I am buying a copy and I never buy videos.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Linda H.

    Pretty good historical courtroom drama. Fonda does a good job of portraying a crotchety old man.on a mission.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Neil G.

    Better than you might think for a courtroom drama, especially for the shocking reality of the case.

    Yes   |   No

     
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