Indictment: The McMartin Trial
Indictment: The McMartin Trial
R | 20 May 1995 (USA)
Indictment: The McMartin Trial Trailers

The McMartin family's lives are turned upside down when they are accused of serious child molestation. The family run a school for infants. An unqualified child cruelty "expert" videotapes the children describing outrageous stories of abuse. One of the most expensive and long running trials in US legal history, exposes the lack of evidence and unprofessional attitudes of the finger pointers which kept one of the accused in jail for over 5 years without bail.

Reviews
Comwayon A Disappointing Continuation
Hulkeasexo it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.
KnotStronger This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.
Yash Wade Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.
Tony You just a cast with James Woods and you know you won't be disappointed. The story is fact based and all the more disturbing because of it. It really makes you question the US judicial system. The role the media plays is well recognised and highlights whether the law is treated more like entertainment than actual news. The really scary part is the idea you could be accused of something, then have to spend 5 years in jail before you even get to trial. I think some detractors of this film over bias may have a point, because you do get the feeling that the way it's told the whole case would have been thrown out early on. But the film is well worth watching.
professorjeffreypbrown Maybe because I was in the movie and had to sit waiting most of the time for a call to the set, but I didn't even care for it while filming. I saw it with a friend post-production and was not impressed, again.There are some good actors in the film, my favorite was James Cromwell. He was such a kind man, willing to talk about everything except himself. There were wanna be's, couldn't be's, and shouldn't be's all over the set. But even one of the older actresses, Shirley Knight, did nothing but run her credits while talking to her. Zzzzzzzzzz.... And this is the major reason I got out of the biz. Wood's side kick, can't remember his name, was nice too, met him at an activity feeding the homeless at Thanksgiving. Even Mercedes was pretty nice. But the overall story was just of little interest to me. And I guess being in the film and the business you see how manufactured it all really is. There's one scene, for example, where the cast laughs at a pyramid related joke by Wood's side kick. I almost laughed out loud it was so forced and fake. Maybe it's why most actors don't watch their movies. They are too close to it and see details that most would miss stand out like a sore thumb.All that said, who cares about the issue? Child-molestation case gone wrong. Child molestation is perfect fodder for sensationalist Hollywood, and the court system messing up? Wow, that's something new. Bottom line? Fair at best. I guess having been an attorney myself for close to 20 years, there's nothing new there either.
namashi_1 Based on the shocking true story of the McMartin preschool trial, 'Indictment: The McMartin Trial' is a Brilliant Film that takes us through the history of this controversial, unforgettable trial. Taut-Writing, Flawless Direction & Remarkable Performances, make this film, unmissable.'Indictment: The McMartin Trial' Synopsis: A defense lawyer defends an average American family from shocking allegations of child abuse and satanic rituals. After seven years and $16 million, the trial ends with the dismissal of all charges.Abby Mann & Myra Mann's Screenplay takes us through this journey of torment & truth, astonishingly. I loved the film, it was so interesting & blunt. From start to end, the film offers a solid punch! Mick Jackson's Direction is Flawless. He has truly surpassed himself in this masterful film! Cinematography is proper. Editing is excellent.Performance-Wise: James Woods as the defense lawyer, is Dependable, as always. Mercedes Ruehl is fantastic. This performance is amongst her finest works to date. Henry Thomas is terrific. Shirley Knight delivers a heartbreaking performance. Sada Thompson is highly efficient. Lolita Davidovich is perfect. Alison Elliott is good. Roberta Bassin & Mark Blum leave a mark.On the whole, 'Indictment: The McMartin Trial' is an unmissable gem!
jmorrison-2 Tremendously disturbing and well-acted film. What is most troubling is the fact that this episode really occurred. Remarkable portrayal of how easily something like this can get so totally out of control. It is hard to imagine this feeding frenzy among, supposedly, educated and sophisticated people. James Woods is dead-on perfect as an initially slimy, opportunistic attorney, who finds himself slowly horrified by what he finds himself in the middle of. His courtroom questioning of Dr. McFarlane (Lolita Davidovich)is riveting. An impressive, well-done movie, but extremely troubling for what it says about our justice system.