Gideon's Trumpet

Henry Fonda gives another excellent performance in this fact-based tale, playing semi-literate convict Clarence Earl Gideon. He changed the course of American legal history by being the first defendant to be provided with a defence lawyer at the state's expense, after he claimed the legal system had effectively violated his rights. Powerful drama, with Fonda's co-stars - including Jose Ferrer and John Houseman - never allowing themselves to be overwhelmed by his portrayal. Watch out for a cameo by the late Fay Wray