Constitutional Issues Film Suggestions Film can be an excellent teaching tool. The following popular movies effectively illustrate and explore important constitutional issues. Consider using one or more of the following in the classroom or as part of a larger community discussion or festival. Most of the listed films are available on videotape Absence of Malice -- Sally Field plays an investigative reporter who destroys the life of an innocent man with her careless fact gathering. [PG; 116 minutes] The Candidate -- Robert Redford stars as an idealistic young California lawyer involved in civil rights and ecology whose ideals are steadily eroded when he runs for the U.S. Senate. [109 minutes] El Norte -- Story of Mexican workers’ struggle to come to the United States in search of a better life. With English subtitles. [R; 139 minutes] Incident at Oglala -- This documentary examines the legality of the case against Native American activist Leonard Peltier, who was convicted of murder. Narrated by Robert Redford. [PG] Inherit the Wind -- A reenactment of the Scopes trial in which Clarence Darrow defended the right of a Tennessee educator to teach the theory of evolution. With Spencer Tracy and Gene Kelly. [NR, 128 minutes] Kramer vs. Kramer -- Drama about a man faced with the responsibility of raising his young son, and later forced into a custody battle with his ex-wife. With Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep. [PG, 105 minutes] Mr. Smith Goes to Washington -- Frank Capra film starring Jimmy Stewart as a Boy Scout leader who accidentally becomes a U.S. Senator and discovers the rampant corruption in the institution. [NR, 125 minutes] Norma Rae -- A Southern millworker is won over to unionization. Sally Field won an Oscar for her performance. [PG, 110 minutes] Silkwood -- Based on the true story of Karen Silkwood, a worker at a nuclear facility in Oklahoma who died delivering evidence of alleged safety violations to a newspaper. With Meryl Streep and Cher. [R, 131 minutes] Twelve Angry Men --A jury struggles to determine the guilt or innocence of a ghetto youth accused of murder. Henry Fonda stars as a juror who is not convinced of the boy’s guilt. Explores the concept of "beyond a reasonable doubt." [NR, 92 minutes] The Verdict -- A disillusioned lawyer, played by Paul Newman, becomes embroiled in a controversial lawsuit which was never meant to come to trial. [R, 129 minutes] >>Elementary >>Intermediate >>Upper Level/Adult >>Film Suggestions Resources Home | Resources: Constitutional Issues Home