Law may be a prestigious profession, but "The Paper Chase" makes it look as though the process of getting there is something else. James Hart (Timothy Bottoms) is a first-year law student in Harvard. He's in a class taught by stuffy Charles W. Kingsfield Jr (John Houseman). To further complicate matters, Hart is in a relationship with Kingsfield's daughter Susan (Lindsay Wagner). Needless to say, Hart's life proves more and more difficult.
Houseman won Best Supporting Actor for his role, and you can see why. Embodying the old order surrounded by the new generation, he brings a snide but understanding presence to the screen. At the helm is James Bridges, who also directed "The China Syndrome". Whether or not you seek to become a lawyer, you might want to watch this just to know what law school is like. Interestingly, while Houseman won Best Supporting Actor for this, Best Supporting Actress that year went to another paper-related movie: Tatum O'Neal for "Paper Moon".
Houseman won Best Supporting Actor for his role, and you can see why. Embodying the old order surrounded by the new generation, he brings a snide but understanding presence to the screen. At the helm is James Bridges, who also directed "The China Syndrome". Whether or not you seek to become a lawyer, you might want to watch this just to know what law school is like. Interestingly, while Houseman won Best Supporting Actor for this, Best Supporting Actress that year went to another paper-related movie: Tatum O'Neal for "Paper Moon".