Indictment: The McMartin Trial (1995)

Maybe because I was in the movie and had to sit waiting most of the time for a call to the set, but I didn't even care for it while filming. I saw it with a friend post-production and was not impressed, again.There are some good actors in the film, my favorite was James Cromwell. He was such a kind man, willing to talk about everything except himself. There were wanna be's, couldn't be's, and shouldn't be's all over the set. But even one of the older actresses, Shirley Knight, did nothing but run her credits while talking to her. Zzzzzzzzzz.... And this is the major reason I got out of the biz. Wood's side kick, can't remember his name, was nice too, met him at an activity feeding the homeless at Thanksgiving. Even Mercedes was pretty nice. But the overall story was just of little interest to me. And I guess being in the film and the business you see how manufactured it all really is. There's one scene, for example, where the cast laughs at a pyramid related joke by Wood's side kick. I almost laughed out loud it was so forced and fake. Maybe it's why most actors don't watch their movies. They are too close to it and see details that most would miss stand out like a sore thumb.All that said, who cares about the issue? Child-molestation case gone wrong. Child molestation is perfect fodder for sensationalist Hollywood, and the court system messing up? Wow, that's something new. Bottom line? Fair at best. I guess having been an attorney myself for close to 20 years, there's nothing new there either.

Based on the shocking true story of the McMartin preschool trial, 'Indictment: The McMartin Trial' is a Brilliant Film that takes us through the history of this controversial, unforgettable trial. Taut-Writing, Flawless Direction & Remarkable Performances, make this film, unmissable.'Indictment: The McMartin Trial' Synopsis: A defense lawyer defends an average American family from shocking allegations of child abuse and satanic rituals. After seven years and $16 million, the trial ends with the dismissal of all charges.Abby Mann & Myra Mann's Screenplay takes us through this journey of torment & truth, astonishingly. I loved the film, it was so interesting & blunt. From start to end, the film offers a solid punch! Mick Jackson's Direction is Flawless. He has truly surpassed himself in this masterful film! Cinematography is proper. Editing is excellent.Performance-Wise: James Woods as the defense lawyer, is Dependable, as always. Mercedes Ruehl is fantastic. This performance is amongst her finest works to date. Henry Thomas is terrific. Shirley Knight delivers a heartbreaking performance. Sada Thompson is highly efficient. Lolita Davidovich is perfect. Alison Elliott is good. Roberta Bassin & Mark Blum leave a mark.On the whole, 'Indictment: The McMartin Trial' is an unmissable gem!

while i thought this movie was well made and well acted,the subject matter is very disturbing:allegations of molestation of several children at a preschool by those that run the school and work there.this movie is based on a true story and was a huge scandal at the time.the movie itself is hard to watch,and i think they could have done without some of the vulgar language,some of which was gratuitous,but that's just my opinion.this isn't a movie you could really enjoy.it does appear to be one sided,and how how much dramatic licence was taken is anyone's guess,but the gist of the story is probably here.if you do decide to watch this movie,just be warned,the language is very graphic and the subject matter very disturbing.

I very good telling of the events in the trial. It shows how our legal system can run amok.BUT....I have knowledge of a case in my local jurisdiction wherein the prosecuting attorney was Certain of the abuse. There was physical evidence and all the kids told exactly the same story. They were one at a time at different times taken to the basement. There they were molested. There was one problem with that, there was no basement at the pre-school. In investigator in a last ditch attempt to see if he could find something drove my the school. He saw a dump truck. He asked the driver what he was doing. The driver said he was there to fill in the cellar. Turns out that they had a storm cellar that was behind a fence behind the house that THEY called the cellar. Once this was introduced the husband pleaded guilty.Watching this you can get a good idea of how bad things can get, BUT, we can go the other way also.LOVED the movie and especially Allison Easton.