The Judge (2001)

Everything brilliant and compassionate defense attorney Paul Madriani stands for is put to the test when he's hired to defend an indefensible adversary. Baltimore's Judge Armando Acosti's ... See full summary »

Director:

Mick Garris

Writers:

Steve Martini (book), Christopher Lofton (teleplay)

Stars:

Chris Noth, Edward James Olmos, Lolita Davidovich

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Chris Noth	...	Paul Madriani
Edward James Olmos	...	Judge Armando Acosta
Lolita Davidovich	...	Catherine Rosetti
Charles Durning	...	Judge Harlan Radovich
John Terry	...	Coleman Kline
Mark Blum	...	Harry Hobbs
Heidi Mark	...	Brittany Hill
Peter MacNeill	...	Gus Lano (as Peter MacNeil)
Sonia Braga	...	Lily Acosta
Alec McClure	...	Tony Rosetti
Roman Podhora
Howard Jerome
Brett Porter	...	Sgt. Frost
Jordy Benattar	...	Kimberly Hill
Philip Akin	...	Mel (as Phil Akin)

Storyline

Everything brilliant and compassionate defense attorney Paul Madriani stands for is put to the test when he's hired to defend an indefensible adversary. Baltimore's Judge Armando Acosti's harsh and inflexible rulings are notorious. His unjust sentence of attorney Paul Madriani's latest client, an abused wife charged with the murder of her husband, is proof. But Madriani soon finds himself in a curious position of power over the judge. Acosti is arrested for soliciting a prostitute-undercover vice cop, Brittany Hill, who's called in as key witness for the prosecution. Acosti denies the charges, but when Hill is murdered-and all evidence points to the judge - Acosti finds himself in desperate need of a savvy defense. The irony isn't lost on Madriani. Neither is the question of whether or not his unlikely new client is indeed, innocent. Acosti has a motive, no alibi, an aggressive nature and temper, and a scandalous reputation for consorting with prostitutes. Mounting Acosti's defense is...

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Plot Keywords:

witness for the prosecution | two part tv movie | based on book

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Taglines:

The Charge is Murder. The Defense May Be a Crime.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 May 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

Steve Martini's The Judge

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Jaffe/Braunstein Films, NBC Studios, Pebblehut Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min 120 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When the question of who is going to preside over the trial of the Baltimore-based judge comes up, it is stated that no other judge in the county is willing to handle it. Baltimore is not part of any county; it is an independent city. Although there is a Baltimore County in the suburbs, it is a distinct jurisdiction, and other factors in the film make it evident that the story takes place in the city.

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Soundtracks

"CLU GULAGER"
Written by John Bishop
Performed by John Bishop
ASCAP (Run For A Gun Music)

User Reviews

To be discovered

This movie is about as good as a court scene movie can be. Chris Noth, while up to now has not had winning shows, in this Hallmark showing he does a very convincing job as the lead defense lawyer, and acts with force and fine precision. The movie is long, 3½ hours, and without complaint, it had me on the edge, without a clue as to how events would work out. Lolita Davidovich does a fine job, too bad we didn't see a bit more of her, and Charles Durning is his usual forceful self. Edward Olmos, as the accused, played the role of a complex, believable judge. All of the players, fit their roles very well. This is a sleeper with future potential. Basil