The Paper Chase (1973)

7.2PG113 minDirector: James Bridges

1973 film by James Bridges

The Paper Chase is a 1973 American comedy-drama film starring Timothy Bottoms, Lindsay Wagner, and John Houseman, and directed by James Bridges.

Based on John Jay Osborn Jr.'s 1971 novel The Paper Chase, it tells the story of James Hart, a first-year law student at Harvard Law School, his experiences with Professor Charles Kingsfield, a brilliant and demanding contract law instructor, and Hart's relationship with Kingsfield's daughter. Houseman earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as the professor. Houseman later reprised the role in a TV series of the same name that lasted four seasons, following Hart, played by James Stephens, through his three years of law school.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is The Paper Chase about?
The Paper Chase (1973) — Serious, hard-working student James T. Hart faces the rigors of his first year at Harvard Law School. The pressure to succeed is tremendous and some of the students form study groups while also spending a great many hours studying. Hart's greatest challenge is contract law and hi
Is The Paper Chase based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is The Paper Chase scary?
Content rating: PG. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.