True Believer (1989)

"...entertaining all the way.  Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
"James Woods....makes True Believer a legal blast.  Desson Howe, Washington Post

Editor's Note James Woods stars as a William Kuntsler-style lawyer in this tale of injustice and renewed dignity. In the 1960s, idealistic advocate Eddie Dodd courted controversy by defending outspoken youths and free spirits. Alas, in the 20 years since, he has succumbed to cynicism. Nowadays, perpetually stoned, he protects coke dealers who pay for his services with paper bags full of cash. Then Eddie takes on an assistant, Roger Baron, who brings to his attention the case of a wrongly imprisoned Asian man. Suddenly Eddie's conscience is sparked, and he sets out to clear the man's name. As Eddie investigates the crime, he encounters on-the-take police officers, dirty D.A.s, and even neo-Nazis every step along the way. Eddie not only must help an unjustly accused man but salvage his own self-confidence--and stay alive--as well. TRUE BELIEVER, directed by Joseph Ruben, features terrific performances by James Woods and Robert Downey Jr.

	James Woods
	Margaret Colin
	Robert Downey, Jr.
	Yuji Okumoto
	Joseph Ruben - Director
	John Lindley - Director of Photography
	Brad Fidel - Musical Score
	Walter F. Parkes - Producer
	Lawrence Lasker - Producer
	Wesley Strick - Writer

Once an acclaimed civil rights attorney, Eddie Dodd is now an embittered cynic defending lowlifes. But his passion for justice is rekindled when an idealistic young associate urges him to reopen an eight-year-old murder case. New York Times
"...TRUE BELIEVER has made a powerful impression even before the opening credits are over....Woods's performance is crackling and passionate..." 02/17/1989 p.C10

USA Today
"...[The film] gives us one of those irresistible underdog situations out of THE VERDICT..." 02/17/1989 p.6D