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Storyline
Alan Dershowitz a brilliant professor of law is hired by wealthy socialite Claus von Bulow to attempt to overturn his two convictions for attempted murder of his extremely wealthy wife. Based on a true story the film concentrates not on the trial like other legal thrillers, but on the preparatory work that Dershowitz and his students put in as they attempt to disprove the prosecution's case and achieve the Reversal of Fortune of the title. Written by
Mark Thompson <mrt@oasis.icl.co.uk>
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Taglines:
The Case of Claus Von Bulow. An American Saga of Money and Mystery.
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Did You Know?
Goofs
When the intern wants to quit the project and heads for the door, the shot is flopped. Her books and purse change arms between shots.
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Quotes
Alan Dershowitz:
Claus, did you hear what I just said?
Claus von Bülow:
Of course I did! Did you hear the judge sentence me?
Alan Dershowitz:
Uh, yeah, thirty years, that's tough.
Claus von Bülow:
Twice trying to murder one's wife? Anything less would be monstrous.
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Soundtracks
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
(uncredited)
Music by
Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, adapted by William H. Cummings
Lyrics by
Charles Wesley
Performed by
Jad Mager and
Sarah Fearon See more »
Claus von Bulow was accused and convicted of twice attempting to kill his wife, Sunny von Bulow. The film is about the appeal
Nicholas Kazan takes a huge risk, and has Sunny von Bulow (Glenn Close, who is marvelous) narrate the story, while in a coma. It pays off beautifully. We learn the lifestyle in which they inhabit, there daily arguments about Claus' "extra-curricular" activities, work, etc. In comes Alan Dershowitz (Ron Silver), who is hired by Claus to do the appeal.
Fascinating and provocative, we see the way Ron Silver tries to find out if his client is guilty or innocent. The cast is a treat to watch, down to even the smallest roles. But it's Jeremy Irons who dominates with his chilling performance.
By the end of the movie, we don't really care whether or not Claus is guilty, a testament to Barbet Schroeder, and Nicholas Kazan.