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Gideon's Trumpet

Play trailer Poster for Gideon's Trumpet TV-PG 1980 1h 45m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 57% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
In 1961, Clarence Earl Gideon (Henry Fonda) is arrested on charges of petty theft. Unable to afford an expensive lawyer to defend him, he is forced to represent himself and receives a five-year prison sentence. He becomes a model inmate and jailhouse scholar, focusing on the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees U.S. citizens the right of due process. With the help of an attorney (Jose Ferrer), Clarence makes a startling discovery that changes everything. The film is based on a true story.
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Gideon's Trumpet

Critics Reviews

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David Cornelius DVDTalk.com 08/02/2007
5/5
Nearly three decades since its initial broadcast, it still holds a place as a triumph of televised storytelling. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jeffrey D Mar 17 Clarence Earl Gideon was a hero not only to himself but thousands of those convicted without the right to counsel. He is further immortalized in cinema by none other than Henry Fonda. The co-stars show commanding skill in interpreting and critiquing established due process or law. I saw this movie in my 7th grade civics class 25 years ago. It made a lasting impression on me, so much so that I bought a VHS copy recently off eBay. I hope to pay my respects to the late Gideon when I visit Hannibal, MO in the future. See more RICHARD S Jan 6 An excellent docu-drama about landmark decision for localities to provide public defenders for felony trials. Fonda, as usual, gives a restrained and excellent performance of the accused man, and Jose Ferrer fine as his attorney Abe Fortes. See more 07/14/2016 Setting aside the moments where it felt more like an instructional video rather than a movie and the at times, weak acting, Gideon's Trumpet boldly details an important turn in the American Justice system. I particularly enjoyed the historical accuracy as some scenes either used direct court transcripts or closely replicated the conversations. Despite a seemingly dry premise, it certainly held my interest from start to finish. A marvelous story of determination indeed. See more 04/05/2013 Henry Fonda is perfectly cast in the lead surrounded by a flawless cast in a compelling story that changed American history. See more yash b 06/22/2012 Nice little true story that is important and probably could've been given more justice than a TV movie. See more 01/25/2012 :) Gideon is a bad ass. See more Read all reviews
Gideon's Trumpet

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Cast & Crew

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Robert Collins

Director

Henry Fonda

Clarence Earl Gideon

José Ferrer

Abe Fortas

John Houseman

Chief Justice

Fay Wray

Edna Curtis

Nicholas Pryor

Jacob
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Gideon's Trumpet

Gideon's Trumpet (1980) Gideon's Trumpet (1980) Gideon's Trumpet (1980) Gideon's Trumpet (1980) Gideon's Trumpet (1980) Gideon's Trumpet (1980) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In 1961, Clarence Earl Gideon (Henry Fonda) is arrested on charges of petty theft. Unable to afford an expensive lawyer to defend him, he is forced to represent himself and receives a five-year prison sentence. He becomes a model inmate and jailhouse scholar, focusing on the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees U.S. citizens the right of due process. With the help of an attorney (Jose Ferrer), Clarence makes a startling discovery that changes everything. The film is based on a true story.
Director
Robert Collins
Producer
Robert H. Justman, David W. Rintels
Screenwriter
David W. Rintels
Production Co
Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 16, 2017
Runtime
1h 45m
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