12 angry men
Henry Fonda leads an exceptional ensemble cast in Sidney Lumet’s enduring 1957 classic.
A jury of twelve must return a unanimous verdict; eleven believe it should be ‘Guilty’ but one hold-out believes there’s reasonable doubt and therefore ‘Not Guilty’ is the only valid option.
Can he convince his fellow jurors and spare the defendant from the electric chair? A clash of personalities and ideologies results in what many consider to be one of the greatest films ever made.
It’s a riveting, sharply written drama that demonstrates how one person has the power to make a difference.
Henry Fonda
Lee J. Cobb
Sidney Lumet
Henry Fonda
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Henry Fonda (1905-1982), born in Grand Island, Nebraska, was renowned for his compelling portrayals of strong, principled characters.
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Fonda's early years were marked by his involvement in theatre, where he honed his craft and developed a reputation for authenticity. His breakthrough came with the Broadway production of The Farmer Takes a Wife (1934), which led to his Hollywood debut in an adaptation of the play in 1935.
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He quickly established himself as a leading man in Hollywood and his long collaboration with director John Ford resulted in classics like The Grapes of Wrath (1940) and My Darling Clementine (1946).
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Fonda's career spanned five decades, marked by critically acclaimed performances in 12 Angry Men (1957), Once Upon A Time In The West (1968) and On Golden Pond (1981), winning an Academy Award for Best Actor in what would be his final screen performance. His calm demeanour and everyman appeal made him a beloved figure in American cinema.
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Off-screen, Fonda was known for his reserved, introspective nature. As the patriarch of the Fonda acting dynasty, his legacy endured through his children, Jane and Peter Fonda, and granddaughter Bridget, who all achieved significant success in their own right.
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Lee J. Cobb​
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Lee J. Cobb (1911-1976) was born Leo Jacoby in New York City. Cobb began his career in theatre, making a significant mark with his role in the original Broadway production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman as Willy Loman, a portrayal that earned him critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination.
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His robust stage presence and ability to convey deep emotional complexity set him apart as one of the leading actors of his generation.
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Cobb transitioned to film with equal success, becoming a prominent character actor in Hollywood. He is best remembered for his roles in classic films such as On the Waterfront (1954) and 12 Angry Men (1957), where he delivered a memorable performance as the obstinate Juror #3. His work earned him two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor.
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Cobb's screen persona often exuded intensity and authority, making him a sought-after presence for strong, pivotal roles.
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In addition to his stage and film work, Cobb also made notable appearances on television, showcasing his wide-ranging talent. Despite facing political challenges, include the threat of blacklisting during the McCarthy era, he remained dedicated to his craft.
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Lee J. Cobb's enduring legacy is marked by his influential performances, which continue to resonate with audiences and affirm his place in the history of American theatre and cinema.
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Sidney Lumet
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Sidney Lumet (1924-2011) was born in Philadelphia and grew up in a theatrical family, which laid the foundation for his career in the arts.
Moving from off-Broadway productions to television in the early 1950s, he directed hundreds of live dramas, honing his skills which prepared him for a successful career in film.
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Lumet's directorial debut, 12 Angry Men (1957), immediately established him as a master of intense, character-driven storytelling and earned him his first Academy Award nomination.
Over his five-decade career, Lumet directed more than 50 films, including classics such as Fail Safe (1964), Serpico (1973), Network (1976), and The Verdict (1982).
His films often explored themes of justice, corruption, and the human condition, marked by a strong moral compass and an emphasis on realism. Lumet's work was celebrated for its tight pacing, strong performances, and social relevance.
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Despite never winning an Oscar for Best Director, Lumet received an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement for his ‘brilliant services to screenwriters, performers, and the art of the motion picture’. He was known for his efficient, actor-friendly directing style and his ability to elicit powerful performances from his casts.
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Sidney Lumet's legacy lies in his impactful storytelling and his profound contributions to American cinema, making him one of the most respected directors of his generation.