Mildly interesting.
The trials and tribulations of a group of first year students at Harvard Law School. Focuses on one student in particular, James Hart (played by Timothy Bottoms). He immediately finds himself out of his depth, particularly in Contract Law where the teacher is a curmudgeonly, stern man who has taught the subject for 40 years, Professor Kingsfield (John Houseman). However, through hard work he starts to cope. Then he starts a relationship with Susan (Lindsay Wagner) and it is soon apparent that he may have to choose between her and passing his courses. To make matters worse, she's the professor's daughter.
Reasonably interesting. The slog that is University life, especially in a tough course in an incredibly prestigious institution, is well shown. Also well examined are the effects of the pressures on students, and how some manage to cope and even thrive, and some not.
However, the story is quite dry. Never really becomes compelling or truly engaging. Feels clumsy at times. The romantic side is quite dull and some sub-plots go nowhere.
Performances are mostly quite solid, especially in the main roles. John Houseman got a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance as Professor Kingsfield.
The movie spawned a TV series which ran from 1978 to 1986.
The trials and tribulations of a group of first year students at Harvard Law School. Focuses on one student in particular, James Hart (played by Timothy Bottoms). He immediately finds himself out of his depth, particularly in Contract Law where the teacher is a curmudgeonly, stern man who has taught the subject for 40 years, Professor Kingsfield (John Houseman). However, through hard work he starts to cope. Then he starts a relationship with Susan (Lindsay Wagner) and it is soon apparent that he may have to choose between her and passing his courses. To make matters worse, she's the professor's daughter.
Reasonably interesting. The slog that is University life, especially in a tough course in an incredibly prestigious institution, is well shown. Also well examined are the effects of the pressures on students, and how some manage to cope and even thrive, and some not.
However, the story is quite dry. Never really becomes compelling or truly engaging. Feels clumsy at times. The romantic side is quite dull and some sub-plots go nowhere.
Performances are mostly quite solid, especially in the main roles. John Houseman got a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance as Professor Kingsfield.
The movie spawned a TV series which ran from 1978 to 1986.