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Reversal of Fortune (1990)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Release Date:
October 1990 (USA)
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Tagline:
The Case of Claus Von Bulow. An American Saga of Money and Mystery.
Plot:
Wealthy Sunny von Bülow lies brain-dead, husband Claus guilty of attempted murder; but he says he's innocent and hires Alan Dershowitz for his appeal. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Attempted Murder
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Law
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Courtroom
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Law Student
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Bad Guy
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Awards:
Won Oscar.
Another 9 wins
&
8 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(6 articles)
Veterans of Cancelled TV Shows That We Lost in March 2009
(From TVSeriesFinale. 4 April 2009, 11:15 AM, PDT)
Ron Silver Dies Aged 62
(From EmpireOnline. 16 March 2009, 12:19 AM, PDT)
(From TVSeriesFinale. 4 April 2009, 11:15 AM, PDT)
Ron Silver Dies Aged 62
(From EmpireOnline. 16 March 2009, 12:19 AM, PDT)
User Comments:
Cold, and cruel and the way of the world...
more (40 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Glenn Close | ... | Sunny von Bülow / Narrator | |
| Jeremy Irons | ... | Claus von Bülow | |
| Ron Silver | ... | Professor Alan Dershowitz | |
| Annabella Sciorra | ... | Sarah | |
| Uta Hagen | ... | Maria, Sunny's Personal Maid | |
| Fisher Stevens | ... | David Marriott | |
| Jack Gilpin | ... | Peter MacIntosh, Dershowitz's Student Staff | |
| Christine Baranski | ... | Andrea Reynolds, Claus' Girlfriend | |
| Stephen Mailer | ... | Elon Dershowitz | |
| Christine Dunford | ... | Ellen | |
| Felicity Huffman | ... | Minnie, Dershowitz's Student Staff | |
| Mano Singh | ... | Raj, Dershowitz's Student Staff | |
| Johann Carlo | ... | Nancy | |
| Keith Reddin | ... | Dobbs, Dershowitz's Student Staff | |
| Alan Pottinger | ... | Chuck, Dershowitz's Student Staff |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
111 min
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Norway:10 |
Brazil:18 |
Iceland:L |
South Korea:15 |
Philippines:R-18 |
Argentina:13 |
Australia:M |
Canada:PG |
Chile:14 |
Finland:S |
Sweden:11 |
UK:15 |
USA:R |
Germany:12 (w) (f) |
Singapore:PG
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Cameo: [Alan M. Dershowitz] [appears briefly in profile as one of the appellate judges, just as they are sitting down at the appeal.]
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Goofs:
Anachronisms: One of the law students makes a reference to "faxing it over." Fax machines were not in common use in 1983, the time of the movie.
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Quotes:
Alan Dershowitz:
Our new evidence will clearly indicate...
Judge: Professor, you know there isn't a single case which allows you to introduce new evidence on appeal.
Alan Dershowitz: Well, there is one, your honor, and you wrote it. Derrick. In Derrick, in Derrick, you yourself said that a case based on circumstantial theory rather than fact only stands up if no other theory makes sense. The only way to show a better theory is to present it!
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Judge: Professor, you know there isn't a single case which allows you to introduce new evidence on appeal.
Alan Dershowitz: Well, there is one, your honor, and you wrote it. Derrick. In Derrick, in Derrick, you yourself said that a case based on circumstantial theory rather than fact only stands up if no other theory makes sense. The only way to show a better theory is to present it!
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Gossip Girl: Reversals of Fortune (#3.1)" (2009)
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Soundtrack:
SONATA IN A MAJOR
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (40 total)
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That is Sonny von Bulow's narrative as she describes the marriage between her and Claus, an infamous fortune seeker, who had made his way in the world the old fashioned way- he inherited it, by marriage.
This is an intriguing story because it is based on truth, and both Glenn Close and Jeremy Irons give stellar performances. It is trite but true; money has not brought happiness to either of these people. Sonny has apparently led a life of depression, eating disorders, alcoholism and prescription drug abuse. Claus was probably no stranger to similar vices, as well as episodic infidelity. It may have been even more interesting had the screenplay delved into their earlier years, lifestyles in Europe and world travel, living a hedonistic life.
In this case, murder is a nebulous concept. Claus von Bulow insists he is innocent, yet his many assertions to attorney Alan Dershowitz indicate otherwise. von Bulow is calculating, mysterious, and cold. Does this indicate guilt? The audience is never completely informed. That is what makes the story so real. As in real life, when murderers are set free, one may never know the truth. There is also a good side-story where Dershowitz is attempting to save two young black males from a death sentence. He does their case "pro bono", for the sake of justice, whereas von Bulow's case, as Dershowitz proclaims, is paying for their defense.
Overall, this is a tragic story which leaves many grey areas, one wonders how the children, Alex and Alah have survived this debacle. Another viewpoint would be an interesting screenplay. 10/10.
Dershowitz is portrayed by Ron Silver, who projects a realistic image.