Salient. Official Newspaper of Victoria University of Wellington Students Association. Vol. 40 Number 4. March 21 1977
The Paper Chase
The Paper Chase
This film is about the trials and triumphs of a bright young Harvard Law student named Hart, His hero is Professor Kingsfield, a brilliant, irascible old professor of contract law, marvellously well-played by John H. Houseman. Kings-field, using the Socratic method of teaching, pushes, bullies and ridicules his students, with the aim of turning them into first-class lawyers. Hart is at first intimidated, and then challenged, propelled by an interest in learning, rather than in the material rewards that may follow. He has an affair with a pretty, independent girl who turns out to be Kingsfield's daughter.
Portrayed is the conformism of the Law School, the pressures of the Socratic system, and a mild rebellion.
This film is to be recommended to anyone who has done law, is doing law is thinking of doing law, or has been done by law!