I am amazed today at how much I loved this show as a kid. You would think that a fourteen year old boy in the 80's wouldn't give this show a single look, but for some reason it captivated me and I never missed an episode when it aired on "Showtime" from 83 to 86. Today I am still intrigued by this delightfully series. James Stephens, Tom Fitzsimmons, James Keane and the rest of the cast are first rate in their depictions of Law Students at a fictional School. But its John Houseman, as the crusty old stone faced and methodically monotone Professor Kingsfield, that steals the show. He delivered his lines and movements with surgical precision. Almost to the point where you forgot he was acting. I mean it felt so genuine! It took a truly talented actor of Houseman's caliber to pull off this character. Here was a man that proved that not only that "less is more", but when done right, "less" is more powerful. Kudos to this show and especially to the late great John Houseman.
24 Reviews
Please don't revive this show with a new cast
bpatrick-817 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I spent a short time in law school about a year before the CBS version of "The Paper Chase" started. I'm not sure law school is as intimidating today as it was in the '70s, but it was pretty accurate at the time. Still, I would not care to see this show revived in a softer classroom environment, and for one reason: John Houseman. He actually did teach acting at UCLA drama school, and a student once told him he wasn't acting in "The Paper Chase," that that was really his classroom manner. And as for his character, Professor Kingsfield, yes, he can strike fear in his students, but at the same time, when he allows himself a small smile after a particularly good class, you know he's rooting for his students to make it into the legal world. Personally, I think that if there were more Kingsfields at real-world colleges (and even high schools), we wouldn't be talking about a crisis in education in this country.
I also want to single out James Stephens, who I thought was a more credible Hart, the Midwestern kid who idolizes Kingsfield, than Timothy Bottoms in the movie; Bottoms seemed to be the last of the hippies. I also liked the fact that the series rarely, if ever, got into the relationship between Hart and Kingsfield's daughter, the subplot of the movie. There are some shows ("Law & Order" was another) where viewers don't care about the characters' personal lives.
It's been noted that "The Paper Chase" was slotted against the two hottest shows of the era: "Happy Days" and "Laverne & Shirley." CBS may have been hoping for an alternative audience, much as "The Waltons" achieved against Flip Wilson a few years earlier. Thus, some of the episodes were flashier than "The Paper Chase" should be; the nadir was the one where Hart escorts a visiting Russian gymnast; Houseman refused to appear in that episode.
Finally, like the similar "White Shadow," which was on CBS around the same time, these students do graduate! And as Houseman himself might say, they've won Kingsfield's respect the old-fashioned way: they've earned it.
I also want to single out James Stephens, who I thought was a more credible Hart, the Midwestern kid who idolizes Kingsfield, than Timothy Bottoms in the movie; Bottoms seemed to be the last of the hippies. I also liked the fact that the series rarely, if ever, got into the relationship between Hart and Kingsfield's daughter, the subplot of the movie. There are some shows ("Law & Order" was another) where viewers don't care about the characters' personal lives.
It's been noted that "The Paper Chase" was slotted against the two hottest shows of the era: "Happy Days" and "Laverne & Shirley." CBS may have been hoping for an alternative audience, much as "The Waltons" achieved against Flip Wilson a few years earlier. Thus, some of the episodes were flashier than "The Paper Chase" should be; the nadir was the one where Hart escorts a visiting Russian gymnast; Houseman refused to appear in that episode.
Finally, like the similar "White Shadow," which was on CBS around the same time, these students do graduate! And as Houseman himself might say, they've won Kingsfield's respect the old-fashioned way: they've earned it.
Technicals
jameselliot-124 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I'm watching the second series from SHO. On a technical level, the cinematography is not as good as that from the CBS show. The colors are reddish, the focus is softer, the grain is very high and the lighting is dimmer. This could be the transfer to DVD. I never saw the show as originally broadcast so I have no basis to compare. Some DVD reviewers have touched on this. Be that as it may, the show is excellent and Houseman's performances are a joy to watch. (I developed an odd affection to Seals & Crofts schmaltzy theme song watching the CBS version--it even became an earworm--but the "Ivy League" instrumental opener of the SHO version is far more appropriate.) What's really great is the series moving from CBS to SHO with all of the primary leads five years later! Has any series ever duplicated this feat? On the downside, some of the CBS episodes really irritated me enough to take a break from viewing it. Hart constantly injecting himself into people's problems, usually to his own detriment, got very annoying and Bell was an exasperating, selfish idiot. The episode in which Hart and Bell were locked in Kingsfield's office closet during the weekend due to Bell's stupid scheme was beyond bad (and the writers didn't get it that people have to urinate?). Those few clunkers aside, great show, the kind that's hard to find today.
I was the composer for the whole series
SedonaRocksFilms7 February 2010
I am Stephen Seretan, and I wrote all the music for the series from CBS to Showtime. John Houseman was a joy to work with and a good friend. I miss him.
He was an original. The series was great fun and a dream job for me.
Thanks for all the nice comments.
I would love to see it aired again.
The shows had very little music for each episode, so my job was easy. Does anyone remember the scores to any shows? I would like to know. Film music is supposed to be "not heard" by the audience, but in our show it was prominent. I had several themes going to bind the drama together.
He was an original. The series was great fun and a dream job for me.
Thanks for all the nice comments.
I would love to see it aired again.
The shows had very little music for each episode, so my job was easy. Does anyone remember the scores to any shows? I would like to know. Film music is supposed to be "not heard" by the audience, but in our show it was prominent. I had several themes going to bind the drama together.
One of the greatest and most underrated television shows of all time.
pachin7 February 2003
The television show "The Paper Chase" is one of the greatest television shows of all time. That seems like an incredible statement to say about a show that lasted about 2 seconds on commercial television but it was that good. It unfortunately never had a chance to continue because it was placed at the same time spot as one of the hottest shows on television at the time.
Amazingly enough, it got a second chance on the cable network Showtime years after it was cancelled! Because cable allowed the show greater freedom, I actually found the show to be superior to the commercial network version! The show centers around the great actor, John Houseman and James Stephens as the law professor Charles W. Kingsfield and his student James T. Hart but the ensemble cast was also excellent. Tom Fitzsimmons and James Keane were the main supporting characters but it also had major contributions in later years from excellent actors like Jane Kaszmarek, (Malcolm in the Middle) Penny Johnson (24 and The Larry Sanders Show)and Michael Tucci.
The show eventually ran its course on cable and ended with the graduation of the students, 8 years after the show started on commercial television! A show that should be rated with the greatest shows of all time but is largely forgotten today. Just superbly acted with great writing.
Amazingly enough, it got a second chance on the cable network Showtime years after it was cancelled! Because cable allowed the show greater freedom, I actually found the show to be superior to the commercial network version! The show centers around the great actor, John Houseman and James Stephens as the law professor Charles W. Kingsfield and his student James T. Hart but the ensemble cast was also excellent. Tom Fitzsimmons and James Keane were the main supporting characters but it also had major contributions in later years from excellent actors like Jane Kaszmarek, (Malcolm in the Middle) Penny Johnson (24 and The Larry Sanders Show)and Michael Tucci.
The show eventually ran its course on cable and ended with the graduation of the students, 8 years after the show started on commercial television! A show that should be rated with the greatest shows of all time but is largely forgotten today. Just superbly acted with great writing.
fantastic but forgotten
planktonrules4 June 2006
This show was a spin-off from the earlier movie starring Timothy Bottoms and John Houseman. This time, instead of Bottoms, the series stars James Stephens and Houseman returns in his role as the incredibly brilliant but scary Professor Kingsfield. The show concerns the growth and experiences of a Mr. Hart in law school and his fellow students.
Originally, the show aired on CBS but was very short-lived. Then, a few years later, Showtime began making more episodes. In both cases, the quality was very high and the show was never dull, but somehow the show has been forgotten and is not available on DVD or video. Should this ever occur, pop my an message so I can buy it ASAP. This show was a real gem and deserves to be remembered and enjoyed.
UPDATE--Season 1 and 2 have been released! Hallelujah!
Originally, the show aired on CBS but was very short-lived. Then, a few years later, Showtime began making more episodes. In both cases, the quality was very high and the show was never dull, but somehow the show has been forgotten and is not available on DVD or video. Should this ever occur, pop my an message so I can buy it ASAP. This show was a real gem and deserves to be remembered and enjoyed.
UPDATE--Season 1 and 2 have been released! Hallelujah!
Excellence in Broadcasting
bps9 March 2007
It has been 20 years since broadcast, and it remains a favorite of mine.
The Paper Chase was then called "too good for television", assumedly due to its highly intellectual, fast moving content. The characters were well chosen right from the start. Running from 1983 to 1986 it was to follow a group of students through law school, from the very first day to graduation.
The show was extremely well written. Social interaction, challenge, struggle, and eventual triumph (in most cases) formed the plots. I recall describing this series as "making more points than a rose bush". It would be great to re-air the series, as every topic is just as valid today. John Houseman will be forever irreplaceable.
The Paper Chase was then called "too good for television", assumedly due to its highly intellectual, fast moving content. The characters were well chosen right from the start. Running from 1983 to 1986 it was to follow a group of students through law school, from the very first day to graduation.
The show was extremely well written. Social interaction, challenge, struggle, and eventual triumph (in most cases) formed the plots. I recall describing this series as "making more points than a rose bush". It would be great to re-air the series, as every topic is just as valid today. John Houseman will be forever irreplaceable.
A very good series that follows a terrific film
mxsuba2625 February 2019
I did not think it would be all that good, but the series has lived up to the film, not an easy thing to do. Many new characters are added as the students progress through the three years of Harvard Law. Some come and go for various reasons but the main ones remained - Hart, Bell, Ford, Golden, Kingsfield, and Mrs. Nottingham. While there are a few less interesting episodes, most do not disappoint even though it is a 45 minute television show. There are ones on tenure, cheating by students, plagiarism by a faculty member, job interviews, stress, faculty abuse of power over female students, love versus career, law review pressure and even suicide. One of the most entertaining was My Dinner with Kingsfield, a great episode. John Houseman, even over 80 years old at the time does not miss a step with his perfect diction, measured speech, wisdom and dominating personality even though his role is very limited in several shows. All in all, they did a very good job creating this series after the film. It certainly was not filmed in Boston which took away from the urban grit, colorful autumns and dreary winters that gave a lot of character to the original film. But all in all, it was ery enjoyable to watch even decades after its first run on TV.
Simply the best drama ever,
Wendyaburke27 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
How can anyone who has seen the series the PAPER CHASE, not give it a perfect 10.
This was truly an amazing series , that was cancelled due to what I call lack of vision the powers that be at CBS . put simply , The Paper Chase was ahead of its time. As I look at the TV series / reality series that we are expected to put up with, I think we are finally ready for this series.
I must admit , I love the first season, the other seasons were written after PBS (which, by the way , was how I first discovered this gem of a series !) they had a different feel to them.
So this review is really about season one.
Several of the episodes really got to me, such as THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING.. In which Ford, must deal with the expectations of his visiting overachieving father, who pushes him so hard, that he has a breakdown. The scenes between Tom fitzsimmons as ford and James Stephens as hart were amazing.
In ONCE MORE WITH FEELING ..we see " straight A Logan " being told by a law professor , that if she wants a better grade that the B he gave her , she would need "tutoring" , when she refuses he gives her a C in his class. Her friends , Hart , Anderson et al, want to help their friend, but Logan at first refuses , convinced she alone can handle this . Eventually , she allows her friends to help, finding out that this prof has done this before, he is finally dealt with , he resigns ,. This series was one of the first to deal with the subject of sexual harassment. Watching it, you could feel the frustration, anger and resentment that Francine Tacker conveyed in her performance as Logan , the lone woman of the group.
All the actors were amazing, but of course the stand out was the great JOHN HOUSEMAN!
He brought to kingsfield , a very tough taskmaster , who underneath his ruthless demeanor, genuinely cared about his students . For example , when. Brooks confesses to cheating , and admits he never wanted to be a lawyer, kingsfield doesn't ridicule him , he encourages him to choose his own path .
What some fans of the series may or may not have notice is kings fields sense of humor. Yes I did say humor in the same sentence as Kingsfield... It would come out only occasionally,for example in the episode DA DA .. When Hart, Anderson , and gang were imitating kingsfield , while unbeknownst to them , kingsfield, saw their performance , and seemed very amused .
If you haven't seen this series yet, I totally recommend you do so. , trust me, you'll be happy you did !!!!
This was truly an amazing series , that was cancelled due to what I call lack of vision the powers that be at CBS . put simply , The Paper Chase was ahead of its time. As I look at the TV series / reality series that we are expected to put up with, I think we are finally ready for this series.
I must admit , I love the first season, the other seasons were written after PBS (which, by the way , was how I first discovered this gem of a series !) they had a different feel to them.
So this review is really about season one.
Several of the episodes really got to me, such as THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING.. In which Ford, must deal with the expectations of his visiting overachieving father, who pushes him so hard, that he has a breakdown. The scenes between Tom fitzsimmons as ford and James Stephens as hart were amazing.
In ONCE MORE WITH FEELING ..we see " straight A Logan " being told by a law professor , that if she wants a better grade that the B he gave her , she would need "tutoring" , when she refuses he gives her a C in his class. Her friends , Hart , Anderson et al, want to help their friend, but Logan at first refuses , convinced she alone can handle this . Eventually , she allows her friends to help, finding out that this prof has done this before, he is finally dealt with , he resigns ,. This series was one of the first to deal with the subject of sexual harassment. Watching it, you could feel the frustration, anger and resentment that Francine Tacker conveyed in her performance as Logan , the lone woman of the group.
All the actors were amazing, but of course the stand out was the great JOHN HOUSEMAN!
He brought to kingsfield , a very tough taskmaster , who underneath his ruthless demeanor, genuinely cared about his students . For example , when. Brooks confesses to cheating , and admits he never wanted to be a lawyer, kingsfield doesn't ridicule him , he encourages him to choose his own path .
What some fans of the series may or may not have notice is kings fields sense of humor. Yes I did say humor in the same sentence as Kingsfield... It would come out only occasionally,for example in the episode DA DA .. When Hart, Anderson , and gang were imitating kingsfield , while unbeknownst to them , kingsfield, saw their performance , and seemed very amused .
If you haven't seen this series yet, I totally recommend you do so. , trust me, you'll be happy you did !!!!
One of the best
mbeallo-7846210 February 2016
I agree with the positive reviews. I think the series was amazing. I loved the book (yes, it was a book), the movie, and the series, both the CBS version and the Showtime version. They were all great, but the Showtime version was the best.
I saw the original film when I was in high school. After seeing the movie, I read the book (written by John Jay Osborn, Jr.). Those were two things that made me want to go to law school. I eventually did, but not until I was in my early 30s.
I don't know what to add beyond what has already been said. Houseman's Kingsfield was the archetype law professor. I never had a professor that was anything like him, thank goodness, but I did have a lot of respect for my own Contracts professor.
If the show is not available on DVD, it should be. If you haven't seen it, and there's any other way of watching it, give it a shot.
I saw the original film when I was in high school. After seeing the movie, I read the book (written by John Jay Osborn, Jr.). Those were two things that made me want to go to law school. I eventually did, but not until I was in my early 30s.
I don't know what to add beyond what has already been said. Houseman's Kingsfield was the archetype law professor. I never had a professor that was anything like him, thank goodness, but I did have a lot of respect for my own Contracts professor.
If the show is not available on DVD, it should be. If you haven't seen it, and there's any other way of watching it, give it a shot.
Brings back memories
kpagan799 September 2010
I remember this series for a bit of a quirky reason. I was a law student (SMU in Dallas) and entered in the Fall of 1983, the same year Showtime picked this up and ran it. Because of that timing, "Hart" and gang were progressing through law school at the same time as me and my classmates, so we would get together after episodes and critique! I liked the show and it was fairly reflective of law school reality and life. (Not to pick nits, but one area was pretty far off - the law review "office." I wasn't on law review, but certainly friends were and the show portrayed it as like a major metropolitan daily newspaper! It was the opposite end of that spectrum, in reality! The law reviews come out about 3 times a year and students spend their time in the library "cite checking" not running into the law review offices to "beat the presses"! But I digress . . .) I do think the movie was certainly more powerful, and I pull that out about once every 3 or 4 years, but the images bring back some not too pleasant memories! Anyway, I would like to get a copy of the complete series somewhere, but can only find the first two seasons online. Any suggestions??
Go Back to Go Forward
clacura4 March 2018
If you want to watch this show, go to: moviesonline (dot) mx and search for it. The quality is far from HD, but you will get the entire series. This is a very good TV and is horribly dated. The theme music is like nothing you will hear ever it is that bad. Many of the story lines are average and the acting as well, but this is an intelligent show. It is worth viewing just for John Houseman's performance. It is next to impossible to believe he is not a Harvard contracts law professor. Outside of Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter, Houseman is perfection in every scene. The content is also intelligent even though its presentation (acting, editing) isn't great. If you can get past how dated it looks, you will find many of the topics relevant today and looking back historical. Take S1 Ep 11 titled, The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Again, it is poorly executed by today's standards, but the idea of women as clerks and women's liberation mimics sexism today with the 'Me Too' movement currently happening. This episode was filmed in 1978 and fast-forward 40 years and the same conflicts are present. This show gives a realistic account of how personalities are shaped and formed. It presents the humanity of law school and inhumanity. How tribes are formed and allegiances catered to. You can think of Hilary Clinton or Barrack Obama in law school, seeing the before rather than the after. Of course we witness how technology radically has changed lifestyle. No computers of cell phones, no internet so research was books and libraries. Time was slower yet the stress as great. Check this show out if you can.
A little quaint
commerce-2921 August 2010
As I'm writing this, I have seen only about 8 episodes of the first season. It seems a bit quaint to me. Some of the episodes have predictable plots in a law school setting. Hart seems to find a new girlfriend every episode - I don't want to see his energy with the ladies, I want to see it with Kingsfield. One episode, in which a female student takes a Supreme Court justice (Alan Napier, better known as Alfred on "Batman") to task for never hiring a female law clerk, seems really bizarre in that there are actually people spending more than a nanosecond defending his discriminatory practice - is this really controversial? The man is a Neanderthal! There's also this recurring theme of Hart as the Good Guy who rides his white horse to bail everybody out. One time it's a married student whose wife (Kim Cantrall, later of Sex And The City) doesn't understand the demands of law school, another time a neurotic study group member who feels picked on because his photo on Kingsfield's seating chart is unflattering.
I think what troubled me is that I was looking for more continuing plot themes from episode to episode. Characters and themes pop up and are disposed of in an hour. Law school is vastly more complex than that, and The Paper Chase should be also. When you have 10 or 20 hours available, you should be able to build more intensity, conflict, and drama than they could in the original 2-hour movie. But I "feel" Hart as more a happy-go-lucky nice guy than the scared yet driven 1L Timothy Bottoms played.
I do recall though, from when I saw many of the episodes when they were on Showtime in the 80's, that it gets better later on. If and when I get to see more recent episodes, I'll update this review or write a new one.
I think what troubled me is that I was looking for more continuing plot themes from episode to episode. Characters and themes pop up and are disposed of in an hour. Law school is vastly more complex than that, and The Paper Chase should be also. When you have 10 or 20 hours available, you should be able to build more intensity, conflict, and drama than they could in the original 2-hour movie. But I "feel" Hart as more a happy-go-lucky nice guy than the scared yet driven 1L Timothy Bottoms played.
I do recall though, from when I saw many of the episodes when they were on Showtime in the 80's, that it gets better later on. If and when I get to see more recent episodes, I'll update this review or write a new one.
Houseman character's pompous schtick gets old fast
ronnybee21126 October 2020
It is clear that many people like this show. I don't much like it at all. John Houseman plays (?) a one-dimensional, perpetually-constipated,crabass professor in this dull tv series. Somebody seemed to think that if Houseman spoke slowly,loudly,and angry-sounding enough,whatever he said would pass for being profound. It works maybe the first 2 times in the first episode. After that,it is simply grating and annoying. For 57 more episodes this baloney goes on. In real life,Houseman's character would have eventually been cussed-out,made into a laughingstock,etc. What a pompous old windbag,I hope Houseman wasn't like that in real life!
How or why this show lasted as long as it did is a mystery indeed. At the time,people yearned for order and tradition and perhaps this show provided it.
A law school drama and a series dearly missed.
LACC76 September 2001
Overall it was consistently good. The early episode where Hart was shrouded was a very strong one and quite original. Dream sequences added a unique touch to numerous episodes. A number of stories stand out: saving Ernie's, The Day Kingsfield Missed Class, Scavenger Hunt, Moot Court and the Law Show. They are still a joy to watch. I have not seen anything close in years. Although scholastic to a degree it also had touches of humor. How could any one not enjoy the story of Bell's picture and being locked in the closet? The cast was a strong on with John Houseman being excellent. Thought of as a tyrant ('Your idol is just a mean old man') he let slip smiles, which gave glimpses into his inner soul. His effort in aiding the students save Ernie's was a wonderful thing to see. James Stephens was a great asset, but Bell, Ford among other characters were not only enjoyable but grew through the years. I taught for many years and in some ways the greatest compliment I ever had was hearing one student remark to a friend: "Another Kingsfield" With all the shows being restored it stuns me that the Paper Chase has not been re-released. The show spans generations too. I was surprised to find that my eleven-year-old loves the show possibly as much as my wife & myself.
Accurate Academia
greglovekamp28 March 2022
No one in my family had attended college, so this series was my introduction a couple of years before I attended. This set the style, and influenced my own college experience. Episodes are occasionally slow, and sometimes a little too coincidental, but the series well represents the friendliness, competition and, straight up, love between fellow students. It also fairly presents the fear, respect and affection between students and faculty. So many props date this series (phones, typewriters) to prove such an environment can no longer exist, but an episode of this takes me back to the 80's reliving what were some of the best days of my life.
Paper Chase 1973 movie compared to The Paper Chase TV series.
lrcdmnhd7219 July 2010
I tend to agree with ClassicSteve about his comparison between the original 1973 movie, "The Paper Chase," and the TV series "The Paper Chase."
I found the 1973 movie to be much more powerful, intense and convincing than the TV series, which seems to pale in comparison to the original 1973 movie. In fact, I think the movie version is much more realistic and convincing than the entire TV series put together. While some of the TV episodes weren't too bad, overall, the TV series, when compared to the original 1973 movie version, appears to be watered down.
John Houseman seemed to slow down quite a bit in the TV series, especially in the later years as opposed to the movie version. Although his age may have had something to do with it, I think that lower quality scripting may have played a bigger role.
In the TV series, I think I caught at a mistake. Rita Harriman wanted to be the first president of the Harvard Law Review, but if I remember correctly, there was a woman president of the Harvard Law Review that hit Hart with her car while he was riding his bicycle during his earlier law school years.
Although I never went to law school, the 1973 movie version of the PC reminded me of my college years in acquiring my bachelor's degree. I tend to identify myself with Kevin Brooks (the guy with the photographic memory) and his inadequacies. His part reminds me so much of myself that, in real life, I think I could have been his understudy.
Anybody that wants to undertake any worthwhile endeavor should watch the 1973 Paper Chase movie. It clearly shows the weed-out process and the high price that has to be paid for success.
I found the 1973 movie to be much more powerful, intense and convincing than the TV series, which seems to pale in comparison to the original 1973 movie. In fact, I think the movie version is much more realistic and convincing than the entire TV series put together. While some of the TV episodes weren't too bad, overall, the TV series, when compared to the original 1973 movie version, appears to be watered down.
John Houseman seemed to slow down quite a bit in the TV series, especially in the later years as opposed to the movie version. Although his age may have had something to do with it, I think that lower quality scripting may have played a bigger role.
In the TV series, I think I caught at a mistake. Rita Harriman wanted to be the first president of the Harvard Law Review, but if I remember correctly, there was a woman president of the Harvard Law Review that hit Hart with her car while he was riding his bicycle during his earlier law school years.
Although I never went to law school, the 1973 movie version of the PC reminded me of my college years in acquiring my bachelor's degree. I tend to identify myself with Kevin Brooks (the guy with the photographic memory) and his inadequacies. His part reminds me so much of myself that, in real life, I think I could have been his understudy.
Anybody that wants to undertake any worthwhile endeavor should watch the 1973 Paper Chase movie. It clearly shows the weed-out process and the high price that has to be paid for success.
Rather Weak and Dated: The Paper Chase the TV Show Loses Its Case to the Original 1973 Movie
classicalsteve30 March 2009
I know there are a few die-hard fans making posts here. But after reviewing the show for the first time in 30 years on DVD, I do see why it was canceled. Not even Houseman can save this over-acted and badly-written show that is much weaker than the original film where the dialog is predictable, and the incidences are rather contrived. And of course, the whole feel of the show is so stylistically entrenched in the era of the 1970's, from music that sounds like imitation Simon and Garfunkle right down to the old freeze-frame at the end, that it gives the impression that it was too targeted for a 1970's TV audience that liked idealizing college days. In other words, it relies so heavily on the perceived 1970's sensibility that it can't break out of its own era while the film easily stretches decades beyond without it seeming like it was from the 1970's. This may be why broadcast television shows have a higher likelihood of being dated than films.
The original film of 1973 has a more convincing look and feel to it that is entirely its own. It is modern but is not cemented to its era, similar to films like "Ordinary People" or "A Few Good Men" which seem somehow timeless. Probably the only differences between Harvard Law of 1973 versus Hardvard Law of the 2000's is that in the latter scenario the students have laptops, course assignments can be received via email, and case books can be acquired via CD-ROM--superficial upgrades. Students still attend large lecture halls and study in the law library containing tomes dating back centuries. The substance is still largely the same, and a prospective law student would still absorb much of the atmosphere of Ivy League law if he/she saw the 1973 film. Unfortunately the TV-show doesn't quite measure up.
Comparing the casts of the TV show with its counterpart in the movie is kind of like comparing college football to the NFL. All the actors in the film took their acting down just a notch into the acting realm where it seems more genuine, more true-to-life, and more compelling. For my money, James Stephens was not nearly as convincing in the lead as James Hart as Timothy Bottoms from the 1973 offering. Bottoms finds that fine line where he has an understated intensity that emerges in a few crucial scenes, particularly in the moment where he confronts Kingsfield on his own terms. Stephens plays Hart as too much of a softy, the total nice college guy from the 1970's, replete with plaid shirt and an "ah shucks" kind of easy-going persona. Stephens lacks the intensity you would find among law students, the intensity that is captured very well by the film. In fact most of the cast of the TV show seem way too nice to be law students. Harvard law students are not only competing for grades but aspire to become leaders among the world elite and possibly enter politics. Not members of the Glee Club about to embark on a public relations tour.
The actor who played Willis Bell in the original film, Craig Richard Nelson, does a fine job of making his character snooty and haughty although it never feels like it's so over the top that he's acting the part. Every college class has someone like Bell whose been given everything since before birth and acts like everyone else is dirt under his feet. By contrast, the actor who played Bell in the TV show, James Keane, misses the mark and his performance skyrockets into over-the-top-dom. Especially in the second episode when Bell's lobbying for a job, he came off like a science major who decided to try an acting class. It just doesn't work. The same could be said of the two Fords. The Ford of the film came off like a true law student, not particularly sociable but not unfriendly--the true studious intellectual engrossed in the case book. By contrast the Ford of the show comes off like this hot-head people-pleaser who wants everyone to vote for him in the second episode. And unfortunately, the hot-headed-ness starts to climb Mt Everest.
It is not only the actors' fault. The writing of some of these episodes are just not on par with the original film, although some scenes and/or lines from the movie were used in the pilot. Some of the lines of the show are so ridiculously contrived I was almost rolling over the floor, especially when Stephens was in Kingsfield's office during the pilot episode, saying "But but Professor Kingsfield..." in a last-ditch effort to gain some sort of footing in the class. Sort of akin to the line "Why why you you...!" I have never heard anyone actually say these kinds of lines except in movies and TV shows.
Ultimately a let-down as I vaguely remember the show when it first aired (I was in Elementary School at the time), but I never watched it religiously. I acquired the original film "The Paper Chase" not long ago and decided it would be fun to see the TV series. Unfortunately it falls flat. I rest my case.
The original film of 1973 has a more convincing look and feel to it that is entirely its own. It is modern but is not cemented to its era, similar to films like "Ordinary People" or "A Few Good Men" which seem somehow timeless. Probably the only differences between Harvard Law of 1973 versus Hardvard Law of the 2000's is that in the latter scenario the students have laptops, course assignments can be received via email, and case books can be acquired via CD-ROM--superficial upgrades. Students still attend large lecture halls and study in the law library containing tomes dating back centuries. The substance is still largely the same, and a prospective law student would still absorb much of the atmosphere of Ivy League law if he/she saw the 1973 film. Unfortunately the TV-show doesn't quite measure up.
Comparing the casts of the TV show with its counterpart in the movie is kind of like comparing college football to the NFL. All the actors in the film took their acting down just a notch into the acting realm where it seems more genuine, more true-to-life, and more compelling. For my money, James Stephens was not nearly as convincing in the lead as James Hart as Timothy Bottoms from the 1973 offering. Bottoms finds that fine line where he has an understated intensity that emerges in a few crucial scenes, particularly in the moment where he confronts Kingsfield on his own terms. Stephens plays Hart as too much of a softy, the total nice college guy from the 1970's, replete with plaid shirt and an "ah shucks" kind of easy-going persona. Stephens lacks the intensity you would find among law students, the intensity that is captured very well by the film. In fact most of the cast of the TV show seem way too nice to be law students. Harvard law students are not only competing for grades but aspire to become leaders among the world elite and possibly enter politics. Not members of the Glee Club about to embark on a public relations tour.
The actor who played Willis Bell in the original film, Craig Richard Nelson, does a fine job of making his character snooty and haughty although it never feels like it's so over the top that he's acting the part. Every college class has someone like Bell whose been given everything since before birth and acts like everyone else is dirt under his feet. By contrast, the actor who played Bell in the TV show, James Keane, misses the mark and his performance skyrockets into over-the-top-dom. Especially in the second episode when Bell's lobbying for a job, he came off like a science major who decided to try an acting class. It just doesn't work. The same could be said of the two Fords. The Ford of the film came off like a true law student, not particularly sociable but not unfriendly--the true studious intellectual engrossed in the case book. By contrast the Ford of the show comes off like this hot-head people-pleaser who wants everyone to vote for him in the second episode. And unfortunately, the hot-headed-ness starts to climb Mt Everest.
It is not only the actors' fault. The writing of some of these episodes are just not on par with the original film, although some scenes and/or lines from the movie were used in the pilot. Some of the lines of the show are so ridiculously contrived I was almost rolling over the floor, especially when Stephens was in Kingsfield's office during the pilot episode, saying "But but Professor Kingsfield..." in a last-ditch effort to gain some sort of footing in the class. Sort of akin to the line "Why why you you...!" I have never heard anyone actually say these kinds of lines except in movies and TV shows.
Ultimately a let-down as I vaguely remember the show when it first aired (I was in Elementary School at the time), but I never watched it religiously. I acquired the original film "The Paper Chase" not long ago and decided it would be fun to see the TV series. Unfortunately it falls flat. I rest my case.
WONDERFUL SERIES..THE CHASE CONTINUED TILL GRADUATION
renfield5413 August 1999
This was such a great show it was continued as a SHOWTIME cable series. An improvement on the film of the same name, the continuity was seamless and was done expertly and lovingly. The adventures of Mr. Hart and his co-horts was a pleasure to watch. The small screen version so defined the Paper Chase and Harvard Law School that I find the big screen, Timothy Bottoms, version very unsatisfying and dated.
Timothy bottoms is not missed as Mr. Hart, due to the great performance of James Stephens. John Houseman reprising his role of the scholarly, curmudgeon, Professor Kingsfield, provides the link to the original movie that makes the series work. He was exceptional in the role. First feared and hated (by some), he gradually wins you over becoming admired and even loved by those that understand him best (like Hart), providing a near father figure.
An intelligent series for the masses, try to see it in chronological order. ENJOY.........
Timothy bottoms is not missed as Mr. Hart, due to the great performance of James Stephens. John Houseman reprising his role of the scholarly, curmudgeon, Professor Kingsfield, provides the link to the original movie that makes the series work. He was exceptional in the role. First feared and hated (by some), he gradually wins you over becoming admired and even loved by those that understand him best (like Hart), providing a near father figure.
An intelligent series for the masses, try to see it in chronological order. ENJOY.........
Please put this out on DVD or some odd cable channel in repeats
ziggyff29 December 2004
Please put this out on DVD or some odd cable channel in repeats. This is one of the few shows that outdoes the movie version and where even a with second broadcast chance on Showtime, there was no loss in quality either. I'm tired of HBO always getting the raves as having the best original series. This qualifies, as it received new castings each year and yet maintained quality throughout. I loved it so much I tried following the cast members who moved on to other TV shows, movies, etc.. The show even intermixed some humor and parody into basically a serious drama, for example; the episode "My Dinner with Kingsfield" or the "Moot Court" episode to name a few. I've had to keep my beta VCR working since I kept them on tape all this time. Easily the best thing ever put out on Showtime and probably in the top 10 on broadcast TV too.
Harvard Law School was never so much fun.
Bill-46525 October 1999
This was a most enjoyable series. It was designed for the more intelligent viewer. With rare exception, the characters were sensitive, intelligent and sometimes foolish enough to be totally believable. I taped most of the episodes and enjoy them even today.
Sadly, with John Houseman's passing, there will never be another Prof. Charles Kingsfield, though George C. Scott may have made an interesting one also. This is one I would like to see re-run.
The movie was good, but the series was better. Most can relate better to the real people of the series over the movie.
Sadly, with John Houseman's passing, there will never be another Prof. Charles Kingsfield, though George C. Scott may have made an interesting one also. This is one I would like to see re-run.
The movie was good, but the series was better. Most can relate better to the real people of the series over the movie.
the best show on television
thespian5722 December 2005
Recipe for success. Put a bunch of graduate students from all levels of experience and schooling together in one place under one tough teacher, mix well, and cook thoroughly for 4 years. This concept worked better as a TV series than it did as a movie. Though the movie focused more on Hart and Susan, Kingsfields daughter, I found myself wondering more about the other students. Thanks to this well written and acted program, I found out more about o'Connor, and Ford, Bell, and the rest.
This television show first aired opposite the "Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley" hour, a death knell for any television show of that era. It moved to Friday nights in the grave yard and there it sat until Showtime picked it up and ran with it. Easily my favorite television show of all time. The writing was consistently excellent as was the ensemble acting. My only complaint was that in some ways it was predictable. We all knew that Hart was going to be at the top of his class. The guest players (Connie Lehman, among others) moved in and out with credibility. The message to this show is that no one makes it through school alone. I am in Seminary now and have made use of the "study group" as used in this show.
The comic relief (from Stots, and Zeiss, and Willis Bell) offset the drama quite nicely. This show just goes to show what a bunch of relative unknowns can do with quality material. (remember cheers, and taxi?.and particularly M*A*S*H?..yes those are comedies, but the rule holds.... ). I hope this show comes out on DVD sometime soon. I recorded most of the first season and some of the outstanding subsequent episodes on Showtime.
This television show first aired opposite the "Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley" hour, a death knell for any television show of that era. It moved to Friday nights in the grave yard and there it sat until Showtime picked it up and ran with it. Easily my favorite television show of all time. The writing was consistently excellent as was the ensemble acting. My only complaint was that in some ways it was predictable. We all knew that Hart was going to be at the top of his class. The guest players (Connie Lehman, among others) moved in and out with credibility. The message to this show is that no one makes it through school alone. I am in Seminary now and have made use of the "study group" as used in this show.
The comic relief (from Stots, and Zeiss, and Willis Bell) offset the drama quite nicely. This show just goes to show what a bunch of relative unknowns can do with quality material. (remember cheers, and taxi?.and particularly M*A*S*H?..yes those are comedies, but the rule holds.... ). I hope this show comes out on DVD sometime soon. I recorded most of the first season and some of the outstanding subsequent episodes on Showtime.
an intellectual Room 222
dtucker8615 October 2002
I can say this, I am so glad that I never had John Houseman for a professor when I was in college. Whew! the old guy was really intimidating. It was still an enjoyable "thinking mans" show. Houseman was the one who really made it work. He always stood out like a lion in a roomful of kittens. What is so shocking is that before he won his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for the movie, he had never really acted before. For those of you who are trivia buffs, Houseman was very instrumental in the writing of Citizen Kane. Orson Welles liked to steal all of the credit though. The fact there were different series with different Mister Harts makes it confusing, but still a good show.
Let me know if someone have English subtitles of season 1 and 2
bykongmeng6 September 2016
This TV series is my favorite golden oldie TV series in my young days. Recently I have bought "the paper chase,TV series season 1 and 2" from Amazon. But, unfortunately, English subtitles or captions has not seen there.. I need the English subtitles for well understanding the contents of paper chase TV show. Please let me know if someone have English subtitles of season 1 and 2... John Houseman's character of the law professor Charles W. Kingsfied was very impressed by me in young days in 1970s. Although scholastic to a degree it also had touches of humor. The show spans generations too. Most can relate better to the real people of the series over the movie.
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