Writer Reginald Rose updated his original 1954 Emmy-winning TV play and 1957 feature screenplay for this classy made-for-cable remake. An all-star cast (including George C Scott and Jack Lemmon) headlines this absorbing drama that centres around 12 jurors who, having been charged by the judge to deliver a verdict, retire to the jury room to deliberate. It seems to be an open-and-shut case of an inner-city boy accused of murdering his father, but one juror (Lemmon) believes the youth is innocent on grounds of "reasonable doubt". Thus begins a running war of words and actions that uncover prejudices and personal agendas that ultimately decide the fate of the young offender. Under William Friedkin's skilful direction, Lemmon gives a brilliant performance, as do Hume Cronyn, Tony Danza, Ossie Davis, Edward James Olmos and Armin Mueller-Stahl. The script is intelligent and the dialogue sharp in this impressive drama that should not be missed.

During the trial of a man accused of his father's murder, a lone juror takes a stand against the guilty verdict handed down by the others as a result of their preconceptions and prejudices.