Gary Oldman plays Ben Chase, a brash young defense attorney whose success is built on his willingness to manipulate the judicial system for the benefit of his clients. In spite of his career success as an attorney Ben is starting to show signs of serious alcoholism. When he successfully defends Martin Thiel, the scion of a wealthy, prominent family, against a murder charge, the game turns on him.

Martin lures Ben to the scene of another murder and retains Ben to defend him, even before he is charged. Knowing his client is guilty, Ben struggles at last with the reality of his ethics, until he resolves to oppose Martin secretly, hoping he will incriminate himself.

As Martin’s ultimate plan unfolds, both he and Ben will be forced to reexamine everything they hold to be true.

Directed by	Martin Campbell
Produced by	Hilary Heath Robert MacLean
Written by	Mark Kasdan
Starring	Gary Oldman Kevin Bacon Tess Harper Karen Young Joe Don Baker
Music by	Jerry Goldsmith
Distributed by	Hemdale Film Corporation
Release date	September 15, 1988 (TIFF) November 11, 1988 (Limited) April 28, 1989 (United States)
Running time	117 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Box office	$9,974,446