Gideon's Trumpet Reviews

• FOR LEGAL BEAGLES EVERYWHERE...

  
  By A1L43KWWR05PCS on 2001-08-24
  This is a movie made great by Henry Fonda's compelling portrayal of an unlikely folk hero,Clarence Earl Gideon, who was the catalyst for one of the most significant changes in our legal system. The seminal case of Gideon v. Wainright ultimately saw the United States Supreme Court establish that anyone who is charged with a crime is entitled to legal representation by an attorney.

  Clarence Earl Gideon was no angel. He was a four time loser, who had been arrested for the burglary of a pool room. He did, however, maintain that he was innocent in this instance and demanded a trial, as he had no intention of pleading guilty for a crime that he did not commit. When Gideon, a semi illiterate, poorly educated man, requested an attorney to represent him at the trial, his request was denied, the presiding judge being of the mind that Gideon was able to represent himself. Gideon did not have a clue and, consequently, was convicted and sentenced to a five year prison term.

  Gideon wrote an appeal to the United States Supreme Court, which granted his appeal, and its justices set a new precedent with their ruling. His case was remanded to the Florida state court for a retrial. He was appointed an attorney, tried and, ultimately, acquitted of all charges, deservedly so, based upon the evidentiary weakness of the case against him. Justice delayed, however, is, as always, justice denied, as Gideon ended up serving two years in prison for a crime that he did not commit, before he was finally freed.

  This is a terrific film with wonderful performances by the entire cast. Henry Fonda is superlative as the stalwart Gideon, whose innate sense of fair play and faith in the United States Constitution helped shape the legal system that we know today. This is a film well worth watching.
  
  

• This movie was entertaining as well as educational

  
  By on 1999-11-13
  The movie, "Gideon's Trumpet" was incredible. It copied the court case Gideon vs Wainright almost word for word. The actors did a wonderful job of protraying the characters and as a whole the movie was quite educational. This movie proved that education can get a person anywhere they want to go. Clarence Earl Gideon was charged for a crime that he did not commit, and he is then sentenced to jail. While on trial, Gideon asked to be represented but the state of Florida denied him of that right. During his time in jail, Gideon researched his case in the jail's library and sent a letter to the supreme court asking for help. The Supreme Court replied and decided to take onthe case. The court ruled in Gideon's favor. The movie proved that an ordinary man such as Clarence Earl Gideon could get help from the Supreme Court. He was by no means extremely intelligent, instead he was just an average man. Gideon made it possible for average people to be noticed and have rights.
  
  

• not too bad for required viewing

  
  By A250UAFP4O3T4Y on 2000-09-04
  Gideon's Trumpet with Henry Fonda is a decent movie. It was required viewing for my high school government class, and it was definetly better than our required reading of The Federlist's Paper's! The acting is decent, but it more importantly shows how the U.S. legal system was changed forever by one man's faith in the Constitution. It truly shows that one lowly man can make a difference and change the lives of many.
  
  

• Good Story, Not So Good Acting.

  
  By A3ANLP2EPA4SWB on 2000-01-18
  Everyone in the country can have a lawyer if they're charged witha crime, right? Yes, and mostly because of one man's fight against the system, which is what Gideon's Trumpet is all about. Clarence Earl Gideon, a poor man in a small southern town, is charged with breaking into, and robbing a pool hall. When he is arrested, and brought before the court, he requests a lawyer, but hsi request is denied because of the nature of the crime. Gideon appeals the decision, and manages to take his case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where it is heard and decided upon.

  The story behind the movie is great. The writing is even pretty good. But even though Henry fonda is a great actor, I think he overplayed the poor-dumb-southern-boy part just a little too much. But overall, the movie was quite enjoyable.
  
  

• Landmark Film on Land Mark Case

  
  By ABC2LPZSK325P on 2002-03-16
  Fonda's performance is perfect, and the film covers all the issues without missing a beat. I use it every year in my government class.
  
  
• This was a nice lesson.
  By on 1999-11-10
  In the early 1960's, Clareance Earl Gideon was arrested for the attempt to break into a poolroom and commit a misdemeanor. In Florida at the time, this was considered a felony. Gideon was a poor man, and asked for a lawyer to be appointed to him. However, this request was denied because under Florida State law, a lawyer is to be appointed only if the defendent is illiterate, disabled, or facing capital punishment. At the trial the prosecuting lawyer knew just what to do. He called the witness to the stand and proved Gideon guilty. According to the witness, Gideon had been in the poolroom then came out with whiskey in his hand and pockets buldging with change. The poolroom had an unknown amount of alcohol missing, and the cigarette machine and juke box had been broken into. The witness saw Gideon get into a cab, and from there the prosecutor examined the cab driver on the stand. The driver said, when Gideon got into the cab he told the driver, "If anyone asks, you didn't see me." Gideon didn't know enough abou the law to defend himself, and this was enough evidence for the jury to find him guilty. He was sent to jail for five years as an unsatisfied, innocent man. He began to study the Constitution because he believed it gave him the right to a lawyer. He filed a Habeus Corpus petition in the Supreme Court. His case was accepted and then it won, overruling the previous Betts vs. Brady case. From then on everyone charged with a felony was appointed a lawyer. With these results, Gideon was given a retrial in the same courtroom with the same jury and same judge. The only difference was, this time he had a lawyer. He was convinced that since he had been convicted once, it would happen again. He tried to prove his point that a retrial was Double Jeorpardy, the provision in the Fifth Amendment that one may not be tried twice for the same crime. However he was wrong because the Habeus Corpus he filed while in prison overruled this amendment in his case. He was tried again. This time he had a competent lawyer that found and proved reasons behind all that so-called evidence. Gideons pockets were buldging from the change he won from gambling that he carried with him everywhere. He had been near the poolroom because he always made his phone calls from the pay phone outside of the room. The cab driver said that every single time Clareance Earl Gideon got in his cab he tells the driver, "If anyone asks, you didn't see me." In the end, Gideon's lawyer proved the witness and his three friends were the ones that robbed the poolroom, and the jury aquitted Gideon.
  
  
• Gideon's Trumpet was a decent movie
  By on 1999-11-18
  The movie, "Gideon's Trumpet" told the courtcase, Gideon vs Wainright, almost word for word. They tell the story of a man, who is convicted of robbing a pool hall, and is sentenced to 5 years in prison. However, when the case goes to trial, Clarence Earl Gideon asks for a lawyer to represent him, and he is denied.

  While in prison, Gideon writes to the Supreme Court asking for help. He researched his case for days and nights and gets solid information about his case from the constitution. He tells the court that he asked the state of Florida to give him a layer and was denied. The Supreme Court writes back and tells Gideon that they will look into his case. Several weeks later Gidoen receives a letter in the mail that says he will be retried and given a layer from the ACLU.

  Gideon wins the case, but he does not use the lawyer that was provided. Instead he decides to defend himself and still wins. This movie taught me that it doesn't matter if you are a ordinary person, you are still able to have your voice heard. The Supreme Court listened to Clarence Earl Gideon, and he was just a commom person. He eduacted himself while in jail and in turn, he gets national recognition. He should be a role model for todays generation.
  
  

• Trouble getting any sleep, watch Gideon's Trumpet.
  By on 1999-11-10
  Gideon's Tumpet a 1979 boring movie starring Henry Fonda is very tiresome. I give it 3 stars because for 1979 court case movie it was okay. I mean I'm 18 this court case was interesting but it was so boring. The movie was about a man name Gideon who was arrested for something he may or may not have did. And he was sentenced to 5 years in prison. He had a trial but he might as well not had one because he wasn't a lawyer so basically he didn't know what to do. And he was so poor he had to defend hisself, and lost. What interested me about this case is how did they expect a poor man to defend hisself.But what really amazed me was that he read up on it learned something and appealed it to the Supreme court. AND WON
  
  
• Age No Object To Henry Fonda's Acting Talents
  By A18RBRV5S99XD8 on 1999-09-06
  Henry Fonda at seventy four, but he glues together what you may not guess is a T.V. movie with the acting skills of a consumate professional. He plays an ageing semi-literate who just happens to be in the wrong place when a shop break-in and robbery occurs. The actual culprit names Fonda, who with a track record of petty crime is found guilty himself. He had fallen to the mercy of a ruling, made twenty years earlier, that those accused of "non serious" crime did not require the representation of a lawyer, and he was ofcourse in no financial position to hire one. Based on a true story, it tells, in a slow-paced but nonetheless fascinating fashion, how Clarence Earl Gideon(Fonda) studies the law books in his prison library over a two year period , culminating in a letter of appeal to the High Court being taken on by a high-profile lawyer (Jose Ferrer in a strong performance) who succeeds in overturning this ruling, and subsequently in a re-trial Gideon is found innocent. Henry Fonda is quiet, reserved, and as amazingly natural and superb as ever. Its also nice to see Fay Wray in a small role as his landlady. A wonderful production!
  
  
• Excellent movie!
  By A1U6UAKILNUQVQ on 1998-12-20
  This is an excellent movie with Henry Fonda playing the role of an uneducated mechanic that is convicted of a crime but is not given the benefit of a lawyer even though he requests one from the court. It outlines his historically signifigant legal battle and illustrates the stark differences between having and not having council when one is accused of a crime and goes to trial. He triumphs after serving two years and gets an appeal which his newly appointed attorney easily wins.
  
  
• How Gideon fights for his rights to a fair trial.
  By on 1999-11-10
  "Gideon's Trumpet" tells the story of how Clarence Gideon fights for his right's for a fair trial. In the movie he is accused of breaking into a poolroom and taking some drinks and some change from the cigarette machine. The next day he was arrested with a pocket full of change. When he goes to court he asks for a lawyer,but is denyed. He does the best he can to defend himself,but is still convicted. In prison he spends all his time reading up about his constitutional rights. He says under the constitution everyone has the right to a fair trial and that he should have had a lawyer. He takes it all the way to the Supreme Court. When they hear about this it changes everything. Gideon is triad again with a lawyer and wins his case. All in all I think this is a really informative movie about what a person can do if they fight for what they think they deserve. Now because of Clarence Earl Gideon everyone is entitled to a lawyer when needed.
  
  
• Henry Fonda makes the movie!
  By A28COFJ68D6OQ6 on 1999-11-10
  "Gideon's Trumpet," starring Henry Fonda, was an outstanding, low-budget movie. Henry Fonda portrayed Clarence Earl Gideon perfectly. In this true story, Gideon's arrest, trial, and imprisonment are explained. Gideon was arrested because his pockets were full of change. The police officer did not read him his rights. He was arrested while sitting at a restaraunt. The officer asked him to empty his pockets withoout a warrant. His entire arrest should not have happened the way it did. Gideon asked for a lawyer at the beginning of his trial. The judge refused him one because it wasn't a "serious" crime. Although the judge tried to help him, he was still found guilty. Gideon did not ask the best questions. He tried, but he failed. He did not understand the legal system. Gideon was sentenced to 5 years in prison. As soon as he was put into prison he started to research the legal system. He tried to help other people who were in the same predicament as he was. Eventually he wrote to the Supreme Court. They granted him a trial with a jury. Gideon assumed that this was double jeopardy. He tried to motion for that. This time he tried to be his own lawyer. The judge made him get a lawyer. Luckily, Clarence Earl Gideon was found innocent.
  
  
• It helped me understand my rights in court better.
  By on 1999-11-10
  "Gideon's Trumpet" was a movie that helped me understand more about my rights in court and the term of double jepordy. Clarence Earl Gideon was arrested for breaking and entering into a pool a few blocks from his home. There was a witness that testified against him and stated that he saw Gideon walk out of the pool room with a pocket full of change and a jug of liquor. Being that when Gideon asked for a lawyer and was not appointed one, he lost the trial. Gideon was sentenced to five years in prision. He new that this was not a fair trial. He did research and found that he had the right to be appointed a lawyer. He wrote to the supreme court and was re-trailed. He won the case. Gideon fought back and won. This movie was very interesting and educational to me at the same time. It could have had some improvements, but it was good.
  
  
• How Gideon shows his determination to prove his innocence.
  By on 1999-11-10
  The movie"Gideon's Trumpet"is a true story about Clarence Gideon, who was wrongly accused of a crime he didn't commmit. In this movie he shows great strength and determination in defending his name.When the case is first tried he ask the judge for a lawyer,because he could not afford one,but the judge refused him. The judge said the court didn't appoint lawyers for misdemeanor offenses. Clarence Earl Gideon has proven that a man with common knowledge and no real experience in the court room couldn't defend himself as well as a lawyer could do. In the first trial he was found guilty and sentenced to 5 years. Gideon knew he wasn't given a fair trial, so while in jail he researched his rights. He read and read until he had proof, that he was debrived of his constitutional rights. He then wrote a letter to the supreme court; asking them to over turn the verdict. They had a meeting and decided he should have a lawyer and his case be retried. In the second trial with the lawyer; Clarence Gideon was found innoence of the crime and set free.Thanks to Mr. Gideon everyone has a right to have an appointed lawyer no matter how big or small the case.
  
  
• One man's courage against the system
  By on 1999-11-11
  Gideon's Trumpet starring Henry Fonda did a wonderful job interpreting the Gideon vs Wainright trial. This was an exeptional movie about a man seeking someone to represent him in a court of law.

  He was arrested for theft and the court was unable to provide him with a lawyer. This is a very educational movie that helps to explain this trial. Henry Fonda does a very good job acting as Clarence Gideon. Fonda is a spitting image of Gideon.

  Overall, this is a good movie. I gave it four stars. This movie really helps to explain this trial. I would recommend using this movie to teach about the trial.
  
  

• Gideon faught for his rights as an American.
  By on 1999-11-11
  The rights of Americans should never be denied to anyone. In the movie,"Gideon's Trumpet" dirrected by Robert Collins, these rights were not given to many people. But a man by the name of Clarence Earl Gideon turned his life and everyone elses around. Gideon an innocent man who was prosecuted for the crime of breaking and entering, and stealing money and alcohol,got him a five year sentence to be carried out at a Florida prison. But he knew that it was very unfair to him, because he was never appointed a lawyer. Gideon then appealed his sentence. The Supreme Court then came to realize that their system needed another change.Soon after the Supreme Courts decision, Gideon recieved a fair trial with a lawyer. In conclusion, the system is not perfect and the rights of one man are no different from the rights of another. Clarence Gideon is a hero to the American society and will be in the books forever.
  
  
• A must see for all government classes.
  By A28COFJ68D6OQ6 on 1999-11-11
  The movie Gideon's Trumpet was very good. I liked it because it dealt with something that was really worth it. It told the story of Gideon vs Wainwright. The Supreme Court ruled that in this case that "the right of poeple accused of serious crimes to be represented by an apointed counsel..."

  The main reason why I liked it is because I agreed with the Supreme Court's decision in this trial. In my opinion it is not fair for two poeple to go into a trial and one have a lawyer who's job is to do stuff like this and the other have no idea what they are doing.

  Lastly, I liked it because of how Gideon too action into his own hands. He knew what had happend to him was wrong and he fought back. He researched and studied until he found what he needed to write an appeal to the Supreme Court. I admired this so much because most of us like the prisoners that were following him in the video would probably been too lazy to do what Gideon did.
  
  

• I thought it was all right.
  By on 1999-11-09
  Gideon Trumpet by Robert Collins was an alright movie. This movie shows how persistance pays off. It also shows how you have to work to get what you want in life. The thing I like most was about Clearence Earl Gideon was his ability to work hard and stand up for what he believe. He never gave up hope and kept studying up on the constitution. The reason why I gave it three stars was because it wasn't to date in our time and some of the thing looked fake. But I did like how they went into the court when Gideon and his lawyer won the case by proving that guy was the look out and said Gideon because he saw him get into a cab. The guys friends were the real burglers.
  
  
• There's so much one can do to change the lives of others!
  By on 1999-11-10
  In a case not too long ago, Gideon vs. Wainwright, an innocent man was found guilty. Clarence Earl Gideon was arrested for breaking into a poolroom. It was said that he stole change, alcohol, etc. Gideon did not recieve a fair trial in his eyes. When he asjed the judge for representation, his request was denied. The judge labeled him as a competent man able to defend himself. Gideon was an illeterate and poor man. Whike in prison for five years he began to look for a way to get out. The library was a very common place for him. There he read many books about the cnstitution and his rights. He finally filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court. Clarence Gideon wasn't sure if he would have to have another trial due to double jeopardy. He didn't feel it was fair, but he knew it was the only way for him. The petiion was excepted, and the case was tried again. However, his time proper council was appointed in his favor. In the duration of this trial all witnesses from the first trial were brought back and tried again. This time around the proper questions were asked freeing Gideon. As a matter of fact one of the witnesses were found to be guilty of the crime.
  
  
• An exellent story of how justice prevails for all people.
  By on 1999-11-09
  Gideon's Trumpet was an excellent example of how justice can prevail for all. Gideon's Trumpet was about this man named Gideon who was accused of breaking into a pool hall. He was a poor man who was unable to afford a lawyer for his court case and then was sent to prison because he had to defend hisself. So he felt that this was unfair for the poor not to be represented so he appealed his case. Gideon showed what preserverance and hard work can get you. He spent many hours in the library, reading and researching how to appeal his case and how to defend his efforts and rights. Many of the fellow prisoners were proud of him and asked for his help. It took some time, and finally a lawyer read his appeal and decided to take on his case. At the trial all the truth came out. It came to be that the man that accused Gideon was the man that actually committed the crime. In the end justice truly prevailed for all.
  
  
• It was Excellent!
  By on 1999-11-09
  I thought Gideon's trumpet was a great movie. It was very informative and easy to follow. It showed how one man's letter changed everyones right to have a lawyer. It also showed that if Gideon hadn't had another trial and a lawyer, then an innocent man would still be in jail. This was a very interesting movie and I think everyone should watch it and learn how we all got the right to have a lawyer.
  
  
• It was excellent
  By on 1999-11-09
  Gideon's Trumpet was an excellent movie.It showed how Gideon, an innocent man was convicted of a crime he didn't commit. He asked for a lawyer, and was denied of one. This possibly affected the outcome of his trial. He said it was his constitutional right to have a lawyer provided to represent him. He fought his conviction all the way to the Supreme Court, and he won. His case changed history.
  
  
• The drama in the coourt.
  By on 1999-11-09
  Gideon's Trumpet was an interesting movie.The movie first started out with Gideon an innocent man who thought that going to the pool hall to use the phone would have been a better idea then using it at the motel and disturbing other people. After Gideon got to the pool hall he was accused of breaking in and stealing change out of the vending machines.While he was in trial he order that he wanted an lawyer, but the judge said if he was on trial for an capital offense he could not have a court appointed lawyer.Gideon was given a 5 year sentence and while he was in prison he started to read and study about court cases and it's process. While he was reading he realized his rights and appealed to the Supreme Court and they ruled that he needed another trial and he got it. In the other trial they found out that the guy who supposively had seen him at the pool hall was the one who had done it and Gideon was set free.
  
  
• An indignent man accused of a crime he didn't commit.
  By A28COFJ68D6OQ6 on 1999-11-09
  In the true story of Gideon vs. Wainwright, Henry Fonda portrays Clarence Earl Gideon in the movie "Gideon's Trumpet"based on tyhe book by Anthiny Lewis. Gideon, a semi-iliterate man accused of breaking into a Panama City pool hall.He was sentenced to a five year term. gideon filed for habeus corpus and fought his conviction. Gideon's Trumpet was a dramatic incident that changed American legal history.Lane Smith played a superb role as attorney Fred Turner and Ferrrer as Abe Fortas.Script by David rintels, From Anthony Lewis's book; produced by Houseman.
  
  
• Money isn't everything and this movie illustrates my point.
  By A28COFJ68D6OQ6 on 1999-11-09
  Clarence Earl Gideon , a poor man, was denied his right to be appointed council. He was arrested for a crime he didn't commit and becuase he was illiterate and had no money to hire an attorny he was convicted and sent to prison. While in prison, Gideon filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court. The court agreed to hear his case and he was appointed council. The Supreme court found in favor of Gideon, where he was given a new trial with a lawyer and the jury aquitted him. This goes to show that everyone should fight for what they believe in no matter your financial status.
  
  
• This movie shows the american public how are rights are used
  By A28COFJ68D6OQ6 on 1999-11-09
  Gideon's Trumpet was an out standing movie about the lives and rights of ordinary poeple. It showed the way the laws in this country have changed to meet averyone's needs. The movie was also rather long, but it was still a learning experience. The actor's in the movie gave rather good rolls.Especally Henry Fonda, his performance was out of this world. I would have to recomend this move to every one who likes educational movies.
  
  
• Gideon's Trumpet
  By A28COFJ68D6OQ6 on 1999-11-09
  In "Gideon's Trumpet" I think it was very interesting and inspiring to others. However, it showed me that the government will sometimes run you over. Even if your not guilty of anything also if your not smart enough in other words(know how to read and write) then you will never know the truth of anything. Like the dude who was locked up but didn't really know any outcome on his situation until gideon showed everyone what rights they were intitled too.

  Also, it showed me that it is very important for anyone young, old, black, white or etc. to have a lawyer appointed to you if you don't have one. Let's face it if Gideon had not been intelligent enough to realize what was going on wasn't right, then he would still be locked up for something he was innocent of. If it had not been for Fred Turner, Gideon's lawyerto really examine the case and ask real questions about the case that should have been asked a long time ago. But since Gideon wasn't a lawyer how could he win when he was his own lawyer.
  
  

• This is proof that one person can make a difference.
  By on 1999-11-09
  I think Gideon's Trumpet is an excellent movie. It gives an entertaining and informative depiction of the supreme court case Gideon v. Wainright. The actors are believable and the story is good.

  The story is about the arrest and prosecution of Clarence Gideon. He is arrested for robbing a pool house in Florida. At his trial he requested an attorney but he was denied because the judge said he was capable of defending himself. He did a terrible job of defending himself and is convicted to five years in prison.

  While he was in prison he studied many books on law. He files a formal petition for an appeal to the supreme court. He becomes a hreo to all the other inmates. His appeal is granted, and he is given a retrial. Some of the best scenes take place during his new trial. His lawyer is brilliant, and witty.

  This case is an excellent example of how one person can make a differnece. Gideon was a poor nobody and through perserverence and determination he was able to change national law that affects everyone who is tried in a court of law.
  
  

• the movie as a teaching tool
  By on 1999-11-09
  I think that Gideon's trumpet is an excellent teaching tool. It gives an objective and informative view of the Supreme Court case of Gideon vs. Wainright.

  This video tells the story of Clarence Earl Gideon. Gideon was arreted in Florida for attempting to break and enter a poolroom to get money and alcohol (which was a felony). Gideon was a poor and illiterate man therefore he could not afford council, so he requested that council be appointed. However, back then council was only required to be appointed during capital punishment cases.

  Thus, he was denied council and was forced to defend himself. He was later found guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison.From there he took his case to the supreme court. The supreme court ruled in his favor; overturning Betts vs. Brady. He had a retrial and was found innocent of the charge.

  In summary, this video relays this information without boring the classroom or leaving information out of the video. It is an excellent tool for teaching.
  
  

• Very Good Movie
  By A28COFJ68D6OQ6 on 1999-11-09
  I think the movie Gideon's Trumpet deserves five stars. It showed how Clarence Earl Gideon made a difference by using his obsession with justice. Clarence Earl Gideon was arrested and charged with breaking and entering the Bay Harbor Poolroom in Panama City, Florida. He was convicted without a lawyer and sentenced to five years in prison. He filed a habeas corpus pettion in the Supreme Court. The court overruled its earlier decision. At the second trial he was able to get a lawyer appointed at his request. The lawyers name was Fred Turner. The jury acquitted him. This movie shows how the court systems makes mistakes and the people who are convicted and are innocent should do everything in their power to make the people see that they didn't do it.
  
  

• 12 Angry Men
• Gideon's Trumpet
• Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
• To Kill a Mockingbird (Collector's Edition)
• Inherit the Wind