

Trial and Error
“The 2nd most outrageous trial of the century”
Synopsis
When lawyer Charlie is sent to a small Nevada town to file a continuance request for a client, his actor friend Richard turns up to throw a surprise bachelor party celebrating his upcoming marriage to the boss's daughter. When Charlie is too hung-over to make it to court for the hearing, Richard fills in, inadvertently committing felony fraud, and Charlie is left with no choice but to coach the clueless Richard through the whole trial.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Trial and Error Trailer (1997)
Type: Trailer • Published 2012-01-25
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Michael Richards
Richard Rietti
Jeff Daniels
Charles Tuttle
Charlize Theron
Billie Tyler
Jessica Steen
Elizabeth
Austin Pendleton
Judge Paul Z. Graff
Rip Torn
Benny Gibbs
Ali Wentworth
Tiffany
Jennifer Coolidge
Jacqueline
Lawrence Pressman
Whitfield
Dale Dye
Dr. Stone
Max Casella
Dr. Brown
McNally Sagal
Charles' Assistant
Kenneth White
Hank Crabbit
Keith Mills
Buck Norman
Zaid Farid
Bailiff
Rachel Winfree
Mrs. Sussex
Ken Magee
Clerk
Michelle C. Bonilla
Court Reporter
Release History & Theatrical Window
May 30, 1997
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$25M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$14.6M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
0.58x
-$10.4M deficit
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jonathan Lynn
- Screenplay & Story
- Gregory Bernstein, Sara Bernstein
- Original Score
- Phil Marshall
- Original Title
- Trial and Error
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
- Production Budget
- $25M
- Worldwide Gross
- $14.6M
- Production Studios
- New Line Cinema, Larger Than Life Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jonathan Lynn
Gregory Bernstein, Sara Bernstein, Cliff Gardner
Phil Marshall
Gabriel Beristain
Tony Lombardo
Gary Ross, Mary Parent, Allen Alsobrook, Jonathan Lynn
Department Leadership Roster
Jonathan Lynn
Director
Gregory Bernstein
Screenplay
Gary Ross
Producer
Sara Bernstein
Screenplay
Gabriel Beristain
Director of Photography
Tony Lombardo
Editor
Victoria Paul
Production Design
Shay Cunliffe
Costume Design
Jonathan Lynn
Producer
Ernie F. Orsatti
Stunt Coordinator
Phil Marshall
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Suitable only for 12 years and over.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Trial and Error.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Trial and Error.
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Favorite Actresses
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Charlize Theron Portfolio - Movies
Curated master portfolio of movies starring Charlize Theron Portfolio - Movies. Updated frequently. Last updated September 26, 2026.
Legal Films
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trial and Error
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Trial and Error about?
When lawyer Charlie is sent to a small Nevada town to file a continuance request for a client, his actor friend Richard turns up to throw a surprise bachelor party celebrating his upcoming marriage to the boss's daughter. When Charlie is too hung-over to make it to court for the hearing, Richard fills in, inadvertently committing felony fraud, and Charlie is left with no choice but to coach the clueless Richard through the whole trial.
Who directed Trial and Error?
Trial and Error was directed by Jonathan Lynn.
Who stars in Trial and Error?
The principal cast of Trial and Error includes Michael Richards, Jeff Daniels, Charlize Theron, Jessica Steen, Austin Pendleton.
When was Trial and Error released and how long is it?
Trial and Error was released in 1997 with a total runtime of 1h 38m.
What was the box office and production budget of Trial and Error?
Trial and Error had a reported production budget of $25M and grossed $14.6M at the worldwide box office (0.58 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).
Who composed the musical score for Trial and Error?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Trial and Error was composed by Phil Marshall.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Trial and Error?
Trial and Error holds official age classifications: GB: 12 (Suitable only for 12 years and over.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).



















