Verdict (1974) - film review

When her son is put on trial for murder, Teresa Leoni appeals to a senior judge, Président Leguen, to show leniency.  When it becomes clear that her son’s case will be prejudiced by his father’s gangster past, Teresa takes matters into her own hands.  She kidnaps Leguen’s wife and threatens to kill her unless her son is acquitted.  Leguen uses his powers to arrive at the desired outcome, but Teresa’s victory proves to be anything but happy…

One-time lawyer André Cayatte once more exposes the flaws in the French legal system in this routine crime-drama.  In his last film appearance but one, Jean Gabin is impressive but is largely eclipsed by Sophia Loren’s dominating portrayal of a mother desperate to save her son from the guillotine.

© James Travers 2004

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