This past Sunday, south Florida’s day of winter, I hunkered down, sipped a very good merlot, and watched the film, 12 Angry Men. This is an exceptional story, starring exceptional actors.
For those not familiar with 12 Angry Men, it was written by Reginald Rose, and first broadcast as a teleplay in 1954. The teleplay tells the story of a jury of 12 men as they deliberate the conviction or acquittal of an 18-year-old defendant on the basis of reasonable doubt, forcing the jurors to question their morals and values.
In 1957, Reginald Rose, and Henry Fonda, produced the film version of 12 Angry Men. It was set in New York City’s Supreme Court Building. It was directed by Sidney Lumet, and was his first feature film.
12 Angry Men is a gripping story, told to the audience, by twelve brilliant actors. Every time I have watched this film, and reviewed the actors casted, and the characters they portray, I feel how perfect the casting was. I found a list of the actors, and their characters; Martin Balsam as Juror 1, the jury foreman; a calm and methodical assistant high school football coach. John Fiedler as Juror 2, a meek and unpretentious bank teller who is initially dominated by others. Lee J. Cobb as Juror 3, a hot-tempered owner of a courier business who is estranged from his son; the most passionate advocate of a guilty verdict. E.G. Marshall as Juror 4,an unflappable, conscientious, and analytical stock broker who is concerned with the facts of the case. Jack Klugman as Juror 5, a man who grew up in a violent slum, and is sensitive to insults about his upbringing. Edward Binns as Juror 6, a tough but principled house painter who consistently speaks up when others are verbally disrespected, especially the elderly. Jack Warden as Juror 7, a wisecracking salesman and baseball fanatic who expresses indifference to the case. Henry Fonda as Davis, Juror 8, a humane, justice-seeking architect; initially the only one to vote “not guilty” and openly question the seemingly clear evidence presented. Joseph Sweeney as McCardle, Juror 9, a wise, thoughtful, and intelligent senior who is highly observant of the witnesses’ behaviors and their possible motivations. Ed Begley as Juror 10, a pushy, loud-mouthed, and xenophobic garage owner. George Voskovec as Juror 11, a polite European watchmaker and naturalized American citizen who demonstrates strong respect for democratic values such as due process. Robert Webber as Juror 12, an indecisive and distractible advertising executive. Both Sweeney and Voskovec repeated their parts from the 1954 teleplay.
Besides the fact that 12 Angry Men is a remarkable film, I have had the pleasure of working with three of the actors, and had sat-in on the final mix of a Sidney Lumet film. The three actors were, Henry Fonda, E.G. Marshall, and Jack Warden.
I spent two weeks recording Henry Fonda’s voice-over for a documentary film. The only problem occurred on the first day, but once that was resolved, the remaining time was easy, and pleasant. It seemed, that the Producer or Director, I can’t remember which, hired Henry Fonda, move star, and not Henry Fonda talented actor. During that first day, Henry wanted to do several more takes on a particular line in the script. He either felt that the line he delivered could have been better, or with a different feeling. Unfortunately, the director was so in awe of Henry, that he said everything he delivered was perfect. I knew Henry was getting frustrated. Halfway through the day, he motioned to me to come into the studio. I closed his mic, and went into the studio. We talked about what was happening, and told him to give me a signal if he wanted more takes. I was making up reasons for more takes. Soon, I was completely running the session, and Henry was happy.
My sessions with E.G. Marshall, were always easy, and without any problems. I recorded his voice for two National Geographic Specials. Like most of the actors I have worked with, he was a true professional, knew his lines, and easy to work with.
I met Jack Warden, when the studio spent two weeks looping, “Heaven Can Wait,” starring Warren Beatty, and directed by Warren Beatty and Buck Henry. It was a wonderful two weeks, lots of fun. I even met James Mason, when he flew in on the weekend. Then I had a chance to work with Jack on another film, which I can’t remember.
For those who don’t know what looping is, it’s replacing an actor’s dialogue. When you’re shooting a film, the only sound recorded is the actor’s dialogue. Sometimes there are technical problems with certain lines. Or, if you’re filming a period piece, and a jet fly’s over. So, the actor comes into a looping stage, and repeats those lines. The big problem is that they are spoken watching the film, and they have to be in sync with the film. Some actor’s have a talent for this, and their sessions go quickly. Others can’t, and their sessions sometimes seem to go on forever. But eventually it gets done.
Now that I’ve gone on forever, if you’ve never seen 12 Angry Men, please try to see it. It will be worth your while.
