Reginald Rose and the Journey of 12 Angry Men

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In early 1957, a low-budget black and white movie featuring a dozen men arguing in a dingy room failed at the box office and soon faded from view. Today, it is celebrated as a classic, cherished by critics and audiences alike, and frequently performed as a stage play. It is particularly favored by the legal profession for its depiction of ordinary citizens reaching a just verdict, and is widely taught for its exploration of group dynamics and human relations. Few 20th Century American dramatic works have had such acclaim and impact. This book tells the intertwined stories of a great writer and his most famous work, which ultimately eclipsed him. Reginald Rose, a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Television, addressed vital social issues such as racial prejudice and civil liberties, making them accessible to a broad audience. His series, The Defenders, set the standard for legal dramas. The narrative places this courtroom drama within its historical context, examining the rise of television, the blacklist, and the civil rights struggle. It chronicles the journey from Rose’s inspiration to the CBS performance in 1954 and the subsequent feature film with Henry Fonda. The book also delves into casting decisions, the impact of an actor's sudden death, and the contributions of cinematographer Boris Kaufman, illuminating the creative process behind this iconic drama.