Marshall (2017)
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A prominent civil rights lawyer takes on a high-profile rape case in Connecticut that tests his resolve and legal strategy.
The story
In April 1941, NAACP lawyer Thurgood Marshall travels the country defending people of color against racial prejudice. Upon returning to New York City, he is tasked with defending Joseph Spell, a chauffeur accused of raping his white employer, Eleanor Strubing. The case captures national attention. To represent Spell, Marshall must navigate the local bar's restrictions, eventually teaming with insurance lawyer Sam Friedman. Despite being forbidden from speaking during the trial, Marshall must guide Friedman through the complexities of the case, advising on jury selection and legal strategy as they attempt to uncover the truth behind the sensationalized accusations.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In April 1941, NAACP lawyer Thurgood Marshall is sent to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to defend Joseph Spell, a chauffeur accused of raping his white employer, Eleanor Strubing. Because Marshall is not admitted to the local bar, insurance lawyer Sam Friedman is forced to act as lead counsel while Marshall provides guidance from the sidelines. During the investigation, Spell claims he was telling the truth about the encounter, but a doctor's testimony regarding bruises and skin under Strubing's fingernails suggests otherwise. Marshall and Friedman confront Spell, who admits he lied about the lack of sexual contact. At trial, Spell testifies that the encounters were consensual but that Strubing panicked about pregnancy and staged a story of rape after a self-inflicted injury at a bridge. Spell also reveals the fear of lynching in Louisiana for having sex with white women. Before the verdict, Marshall must depart for a case in Mississippi. Friedman delivers the closing statement, and a Southern white woman, who became the jury forewoman, delivers a 'not guilty' verdict. The film concludes by noting Friedman's continued civil rights work and Marshall's rise to become the first African American Supreme Court Justice.
- First release year
- 2017
- Runtime (minutes)
- 118
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Reginald Hudlin
- Writers
- Michael Koskoff · writer; Jacob Koskoff · writer
- Cast and characters
- Chadwick Boseman · Thurgood Marshall; Josh Gad · Sam Friedman; Kate Hudson · Eleanor Strubing; Dan Stevens · Lorin Willis; Sterling K. Brown · Joseph Spell; James Cromwell · Judge Carl Foster; Keesha Sharp · Vivien "Buster" Burey; John Magaro · Irwin Friedman
- Genres
- biographical; legal drama; thriller
- Themes
- racial prejudice; civil rights; legal justice; prejudice
- Tone and mood
- illuminating; old-fashioned; compelling
- Setting
- United States, 1941
- Premise and plot tags
- biographical; legal drama; courtroom drama; civil rights
- Source material / true-story basis
- State of Connecticut v. Joseph Spell
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews from critics, with praise for Chadwick Boseman's performance and criticism of the screenplay. It was described as a compelling and illuminating courtroom drama.
- Awards and nominations
- Academy Award · Best Original Song · 90th · Nomination; Critics' Choice Movie Award · Best Song · Nomination; Satellite Award · Best Original Song · Win
- Production trivia
- The film was financed by the Chinese company Super Hero Films.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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