Studio One: Twelve Angry Men (1954)
Season 7, Episode 1
7/10
As the first production, considering the time alloted, this version is a worthy precursor to the film.
2 May 2010
This 'Studio One' production, long thought lost forever, was found among the personal effects of famed defense attorney Sam Liebowitz. It differs from the 1957 film in a number of ways. At a length of about 50 minutes, it cannot approach the depth of detail or character development that the film does. That said, this production contains a number of good things. First, the performance of Robert Cummings as juror #8. 'Love That Bob' aside, this was a much underrated dramatic actor. His sensitive portrayal depicts a man less sure of his feelings than Henry Fonda in the film. Second, Franchot Tone as juror #3. Also an underrated thespian, Tone lacks the explosive, force of nature personality brought to the big screen by Lee J. Cobb in the same role. Still, Tone's performance is totally believable. Joseph Sweeney and George Voskovic perform the same roles (and quite well) in both versions.
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