In a rarely seen filmed version of his acclaimed one man show,
Henry Fonda stars as controversial lawyer
Clarence Darrow. The great actor is brilliantly showcased in a drama that follows Darrow's reflections on his life, his passions, his personal disappointments and his professional triumphs.
As attorney for some notorious defendants including Darwinist John T. Scopes and thrill killers Leopold and Loeb, Darrow was one of the most courageous defenders of justice in American history.
Clarence Darrow probes deeper than his famous résumé by revealing what drove the man in his work. Fonda's dazzling monologue, adapted from Irving Stone's biography Clarence Darrow for the Defense, begins with the lawyer's childhood, then enters into a moving description of Darrow's support for the troubled labor movement of the early 20th century. The Drama continues by re-enacting some of Darrow's impassioned pleas to the juries of his most renowned court cases.
Fonda brings Darrow to life, emotionally and physically, by achieving a fine balance between personal introspection and courtroom theatrics.
"Henry Fonda is an irresistible actor, a great charmer and subtle technician whose unruffled effortlessness is my keenest joy to watch."
- John Simon, New York Magazine
"JUST PLAIN WONDERFUL. I urge every man, woman and child interested in justice and America to see it."
- Clive Barnes, New York Times
