Marshall - 4 smiles

"Marshall" targets a representative event from the life of 20th century icon Thurgood Marshall, and by limiting the time frame, we get a distinct snapshot not only of the main character but of the setting that resulted in his becoming historically important. The focus is the 1941 trial of 'The State of Connecticut v. Joseph Spell.' At the time, Marshall (Chadwick Boseman), one of the NAACP's star lawyers, is traveling around the country litigating questionable cases with black defendants. Most are in the South but the organization, needing an influx of donations from wealthy supporters in the North, sends Marshall to Connecticut in January 1941 to team with local (white Jewish) attorney Samuel Friedman (Josh Gad). The case is steeped in racial undertones. Wealthy socialite Eleanor Strubing (Kate Hudson) claims to have been raped multiple times and thrown over the side of a bridge by her black chauffeur, Joseph Spell 9Sterling K. Brown). The case sets off a mass hysteria that results in white fold firing black servants. After speaking with Spell, Marshall is convinced of his innocence.

The resulting trial is a media sensation. Prevented by Judge Foster (James Cromwell) from speaking in court because he's not a member of the Connecticut bar (he is only allowed to silently advise Friedman). Marshall uses written notes and facial expressions to act as Friedman's voice. He lets his voice be heard in the papers by giving daily speeches on the courtroom steps. The prosecutor, avowed bigot Loren Willis (Dan Stevens), is friendly with the judge and the jury looks as unfavorable as one can envision for a black man in 1941. But Marshall's investigative tenacity and Friedman's growing comfort with criminal litigation shine a light on a truth that's tragic from many angles. 'The State of Connecticut v. Joseph Spell' was not one of Marshall's most famous cases but it provides the filmmakers an opportunity to illustrate the characteristics that made him a respective lawyer and civil rights figure. At the time when "Marshall" is set, the title character is still a quarter-century away from being names as the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, but the seeds of what would lead Lyndon Johnson to nominate him are in evidence.

Although it's widely accepted that the South was highly racist during the 40s, the movie illustrates that racism was alive and deeply-rooted in the more progressive North. For all of its intolerance and segregationist mindset, Greenwich, Connecticut might as well have been deep in Dixie as in New England. The movie unfolds as a courtroom drama and it's as much about co-counsel Friedman as it is about Marshall. In fact, insurance lawyer Friedman goes on to become a nationally-known civil rights attorney. Chadwick Boseman's performance shows his versatility and force of personality and Josh Gad, better known for his more comedic roles, does admirably in a purely dramatic part. Marshall is a name in history books; this compelling movie brings him to life and imbues him with a hero's traits. "Marshall" is an engaging movie. It's also important.