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Twelve Angry Men
by
A landmark American drama that inspired a classic film and a Broadway revival—featuring an introduction by David Mamet
A blistering character study and an examination of the American melting pot and the judicial system that keeps it in check, Twelve Angry Men holds at its core a deeply patriotic faith in the U.S. legal system. The play centers on Juror Eight, who is at firs ...more
A blistering character study and an examination of the American melting pot and the judicial system that keeps it in check, Twelve Angry Men holds at its core a deeply patriotic faith in the U.S. legal system. The play centers on Juror Eight, who is at firs ...more
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Paperback, 73 pages
Published
August 29th 2006
by Penguin Classics
(first published 1954)
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Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose
In this play, twelve jurors argue in the jury room over the fate of a boy accused of killing his father. And when the verdict 'guilty' is almost convinced, one of the jurors formulates his doubts. Against the bitter resistance of the majority, he gradually developed his arguments with logic. The debate grew increasingly violent as various facts emerged before everyone's eyes. It's easy to read. Very well written as it's easy to understand the argument.
In this play, twelve jurors argue in the jury room over the fate of a boy accused of killing his father. And when the verdict 'guilty' is almost convinced, one of the jurors formulates his doubts. Against the bitter resistance of the majority, he gradually developed his arguments with logic. The debate grew increasingly violent as various facts emerged before everyone's eyes. It's easy to read. Very well written as it's easy to understand the argument.
It takes...more
"Oh. Well...
I just think he's guilty. I thought it was obvious."
This is a passionate play about twelve jurors who must decide whether a boy who's charged with premeditated homicide of his father, is guilty or not.
Only one member of the jury believes there's a reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the accused, and forces the other jurors to examine the evidence more thoroughly.
The fierce argument that follows is a powerful warning against rash judgment and condemnation based on ignorance, pre ...more
I just think he's guilty. I thought it was obvious."
This is a passionate play about twelve jurors who must decide whether a boy who's charged with premeditated homicide of his father, is guilty or not.
Only one member of the jury believes there's a reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the accused, and forces the other jurors to examine the evidence more thoroughly.
The fierce argument that follows is a powerful warning against rash judgment and condemnation based on ignorance, pre ...more
You would think they would've forced us to watch Twelve Angry Men in law school, but they didn't. After reading the play and watching the movie a few weeks ago, I feel like every American should have to read Twelve Angry Men. The play centers on a jury deliberation. During several heated hours (literally and figuratively), twelve men discuss whether the verdict they come to will exonerate a young man for the murder of his father, or condemn him to a death sentence that the judge explained he had
...more
4.75*
I have commited a book crime. I watched the movie adaptation first and... *gasps* enjoyed the ending of the movie better. Still an incredible play that I would recommend anyone to read!!
I have commited a book crime. I watched the movie adaptation first and... *gasps* enjoyed the ending of the movie better. Still an incredible play that I would recommend anyone to read!!
Some plays you need to see performed to really feel the pathos. This is not one of those plays. The words jump off the pages even with just a casual read. It is a rallying cry for the American justice system, though arguably as much a "what should be" as a "what actually is."
I found it moving and inspiring. Definitely an instant favorite. ...more
This was an LA Theater Works edition. They did a really good job capturing the arguments, prejudices, & attitudes with voices that were easily distinguished. The story is fantastic, of course. The only issue I had with this was the laugh tracks. Honest, they had laugh tracks! There's not a damn thing funny about any of this. I'm not particularly PC or easily offended by inappropriate laughter, but the laughter jarred me badly. I'm taking 2 stars off for it. Yes, this was a 5 star audiobook witho
...more
The following will be a twelve thousand word dissertation on the seventy page long play by Reginald Rose. Or maybe not. Maybe I'll simply stick to reviewing.
Recently I've been reading several plays and short stories. In part because I'm required to (like this one) and in part because I enjoy the difference in media. So I shall promptly go over what makes Twelve Angry Men different.
The play itself covers the case of an apparently guilty boy claimed to have stabbed his father. The prosecution app ...more
Recently I've been reading several plays and short stories. In part because I'm required to (like this one) and in part because I enjoy the difference in media. So I shall promptly go over what makes Twelve Angry Men different.
The play itself covers the case of an apparently guilty boy claimed to have stabbed his father. The prosecution app ...more
I remember watching the movie in class and enjoyed it so much, so I just had to read the book! Honestly, this should be a compulsory read or watch for everyone in school
Facts may be coloured by the personalities of the people who present them
This is basically about 12 jurors who have to decide if a guy is guilty of committing murder, and if he's found guilty, he would die! At first, all but one (Juror 8) think he's guilty but as the story continues, they start picking apart the case.
It's kind ...more
Facts may be coloured by the personalities of the people who present them
This is basically about 12 jurors who have to decide if a guy is guilty of committing murder, and if he's found guilty, he would die! At first, all but one (Juror 8) think he's guilty but as the story continues, they start picking apart the case.
It's kind ...more
The twelve angry men in this play are members of a jury deliberating during a homicide trial. They must come to an unanimous decision of "guilty" or "not guilty" to prevent a hung jury. Their decision has serious consequences since a guilty charge will result in a death sentence. Eleven jurors are ready to make a snap decision of guilty and head home, but one dissenting juror has a reasonable doubt. He prompts the other jurors to examine the evidence more closely.
The young man on trial is a mino ...more
The young man on trial is a mino ...more
First of all, go and watch the film version of this with Henry Fonda, as it is one of the greatest films of all time. I have yet to meet one person that did not like nor appreciate the importance of that film.
“There were eleven votes for “guilty.” It’s not easy for me to raise my hand and send a boy off to die without talking about it first.” This short play follows a jury, as they try to pass a verdict on a homicide case. Juror 8 believes there is reasonable doubt while all the other men have ...more
“There were eleven votes for “guilty.” It’s not easy for me to raise my hand and send a boy off to die without talking about it first.” This short play follows a jury, as they try to pass a verdict on a homicide case. Juror 8 believes there is reasonable doubt while all the other men have ...more
“Facts may be coloured by the personalities of the people who present them.”
I love this. It's so brilliant in so many ways.
I remember reading this in school and thinking how unfair it was of the main "antagonist" juror, #3, to disregard all points regarding anything that might lead to a not-guilty verdict simply because of his own personal prejudices and opinions.
It's interesting to me now how that tells me as much about myself as it does about the characters. Back then, I thought that Juror 3 was a mean man, almost evil, and that he just wanted the defendant to die t ...more
I remember reading this in school and thinking how unfair it was of the main "antagonist" juror, #3, to disregard all points regarding anything that might lead to a not-guilty verdict simply because of his own personal prejudices and opinions.
It's interesting to me now how that tells me as much about myself as it does about the characters. Back then, I thought that Juror 3 was a mean man, almost evil, and that he just wanted the defendant to die t ...more
I made some comments about this play in my review of The Affair As an afterthought, I think it is worth mentioning something about the maleness of both. Females are involved in none of the overt process of decision making in either work. Nonetheless, there is a striking difference between them. Twelve Angry Men is just that. But The Affair has a strong female presence. The men who have wives are highly influenced by them. It is the women who impel the men to action and it is the women who want j
...more
Excellent book and it was an excellent movie as well! A definite must read!
A classic that lives up to its reputation.
I'm not going to do a plot summary because really, most people don't need it. It's ubiquitous for American Poli-Sci teachers to throw this bad boy on the screen, right? At least it was around where I grew up. I'm pretty sure I watched it multiple times throughout junior high and high school.
I understand why. The play retains its weight and clarity despite the decades that have passed, which indicates to me that something very powerful was communicated ...more
I'm not going to do a plot summary because really, most people don't need it. It's ubiquitous for American Poli-Sci teachers to throw this bad boy on the screen, right? At least it was around where I grew up. I'm pretty sure I watched it multiple times throughout junior high and high school.
I understand why. The play retains its weight and clarity despite the decades that have passed, which indicates to me that something very powerful was communicated ...more
I always wondered how the system of decision making in courts with the jurors worked, as our judicial system is without this institution. We always see how it works in courtrooms from movies, but never what's going on behind the doors. I really enjoyed the story, the clever way of interpreting pieces of evidence, logical thinking. This guy, the 8th juror, I really liked him. He reminded me of Vinny from the movie My Cousin Vinny. He should have been the boy's attorney.
This was a quick read, as i ...more
This was a quick read, as i ...more
just watched the 1954 film, which was unexpectedly good! can't wait to give this a try in book form.
update: i liked this book as much as the film, and was also surprised that i didn't mix any of the jurors up - this goes to show how well reginald rose has done in giving each character a unique personality and background. :) ...more
update: i liked this book as much as the film, and was also surprised that i didn't mix any of the jurors up - this goes to show how well reginald rose has done in giving each character a unique personality and background. :) ...more
Jun 10, 2019
Jazzy Lemon
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
classics,
american-authors
I've read this a few times before and seen the film. This is one of those books everyone should read.
...more
I was very excited about reading "Twelve Angry Men." I've seen the film, so when I saw that the play was a choice for class reading, I couldn't wait to read it.
My immediate response to the text was that I couldn't put it down. I was compelled by the 8th Juror's arguments and by figuring out each individual's demeanor and attitude, I loved discovering more and more about each character as I read about their interaction with other characters. As I continue reading, I'm not only motivated by the ul ...more
My immediate response to the text was that I couldn't put it down. I was compelled by the 8th Juror's arguments and by figuring out each individual's demeanor and attitude, I loved discovering more and more about each character as I read about their interaction with other characters. As I continue reading, I'm not only motivated by the ul ...more
A well written play which had the ability to draw one completely into the deliberating room of twelve juror. Most of whom go to great pains to deliberate their own point of view. Striking at the chord of human nature - this play is a good social experiment. Revealing the tendency of people to act on the basis of their own core characteristics and instincts. Thought provoking this play will raise many questions about the way in which you may personally interact with others. Conflict handling and
...more
WOW! What a play! This was amazing stuff. Though you can sense it is getting up there in years, it doesn't seem nearly as dated as many of the things of its era. I had heard of this my whole life but never really known much about it. It didn't take long to realize that I was dealing with a major work of incredible power. Heavily recommended.
...more
Simple, and yet brilliant and powerful story. The flaws in the law system are depicted by how prejudice affects different people and how casually a human life can be treated.
no doubt a typical example of what a muthafakking best of the best muthafakkers is
still be in one century for sure
still be in one century for sure
Awesome!
"It takes a great deal of courage to stand alone"
When I like a book, I can give it 5 stars without a single word, but this one is different.
What can I call it? it's "us" the people we meet every day and how they think, act and feel.
You may see them act as if they know the whole truth about anything.
They may feel they're unwanted or unimportant.
And they get excited sometimes and they want to take revenge on a wrong person.
But at the end, they admit their guilt.
...more
Excellent play. It's amazing to me that the whole thing takes place in one room.
Content: some language
2019 challenge: a book that takes place in a single day ...more
Content: some language
2019 challenge: a book that takes place in a single day ...more
Jun 24, 2020
Valérie
added it
The meeting of the jury will be held in New York. They want to use democracy to solve this case. In the end, nothing will ever be the same again.
They made me read this for my english class, and it was not a bad book. I would have never read it on my own, but reading it with other people (as a play) made me understand it much better. I gave it 4 stars, because I would never read it again because it is not my cup of tea lol, but it was a good book after all. Now i am going to make my parents watch the movie with me because I'm curious.
...more
Amazing.
Never having seen the play, I picked this up as a "Book You Can Read in a Day" and read it in a little over an hour. There is so much packed into so few words. I loved it. ...more
Never having seen the play, I picked this up as a "Book You Can Read in a Day" and read it in a little over an hour. There is so much packed into so few words. I loved it. ...more
Interesting and thoughtful read!
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Books2Movies Club: Twelve Angry Men | 4 | 20 | Aug 28, 2019 12:41AM | |
| Play Book Tag: Twelve Angry Men, by Reginald Rose; 5 stars | 12 | 16 | Mar 09, 2019 03:00PM | |
| Never too Late to...: 2018 March Play: Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose | 9 | 22 | Mar 19, 2018 10:09AM | |
| Operation Book Club: BOOK 35: Twelve Angry Men | 4 | 10 | May 10, 2017 08:48AM | |
| 2017 Reading Chal...: Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose | 1 | 15 | Mar 19, 2016 06:05PM | |
| Around the Year i...: Twelve Angry Men, by Reginald Rose | 1 | 16 | Mar 02, 2016 09:40PM | |
| If a potential juror claimed this was his favorite play... | 1 | 17 | Oct 18, 2014 03:34PM |
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Reginald Rose (December 10, 1920 – April 19, 2002) was an American film and television writer most widely known for his work in the early years of television drama. Rose's work is marked by its treatment of controversial social and political issues. His realistic approach helped create the slice of life school of television drama, which was particularly influential in the anthology programs of the
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“It takes a great deal of courage to stand alone even if you believe in something very strongly.”
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