United States

"I know my life, I know what I have done. My life has not been perfect, my life has been human - too human." The words of the famous radical American defence lawyer, Clarence Darrow (1857-1938).The late, great Henry Fonda demonstrates all his acting skills and mastery in this intense yet sensitive living-portrait of Darrow. Like Fonda himself, Darrow was a man of the people. A compassionate individual with strong ideals of human rights and a dislike of the power of an establishment which can easily crush the less fortunate amongst mankind. In this high-quality video of a Broadway production originally staged at the Helen Hayes Theatre, Fonda takes us on the fascinating journey of Darrow's extra-ordinary life, the heights of success and the avenues of despair. He uses his commanding stage presence and superb acting technique to grip our attention throughout, never once does he bore or over-play his hand. Fonda is Darrow, with all the man's virtues and faults, his hopes and fears. At the end of the performance, an indelible impression of Darrow's soul is stamped on one's mind. Darrow is probably best remembered for his own role of defence lawyer in many notorious criminal cases. He built a reputation as a champion of the underdog. Playing him was a fitting role for Fonda who himself, reflected the spirit of Darrow so often in his own life. This video is an appropriate tribute to Fonda, and will be treasured by all his admirers.