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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 56% 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 Nearly three decades since its initial broadcast, it still holds a place as a triumph of televised storytelling. Rated: 5/5 Aug 2, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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RICHARD S 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. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/06/25 Full Review Audience Member 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. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member Henry Fonda is perfectly cast in the lead surrounded by a flawless cast in a compelling story that changed American history. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review yash b Nice little true story that is important and probably could've been given more justice than a TV movie. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member :) Gideon is a bad ass. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member Watched it for my Government class. The main character is immensely whiny and depressing. The actual story is much better. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/01/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Gideon's Trumpet

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Gideon's Trumpet

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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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