Criminal Law
Synopsis
Ben Chase is an on-the-rise Boston attorney currently defending a wealthy client in a high-profile murder case. Martin Thiel is the wealthy young man on trial for a particularly brutal murder. The verdict sets Thiel free. Within 24 hours another grizzly and all-too-familiar murder has taken place with striking similarities to the first crime. Chase inexplicably agrees to act as his defense attorney; but this time it will be to gather evidence that will put away his client for good.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Criminal Law (1988) Original Trailer [HD]
Type: Trailer • Published 2023-07-07
Top Cast
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Gary Oldman
Ben Chase
Kevin Bacon
Martin Thiel
Tess Harper
Detective Stillwell
Karen Young
Ellen Faulkner
Joe Don Baker
Detective Mesel
Sean McCann
Jacob Fischer
Ron Lea
Gary Hull
Michael Sinelnikoff
Professor Clemens
Karen Woolridge
Claudia Curwen
Ali Giron
Isabel Fuertes
Rob Roy
Ethan Parks
Terrence Labrosse
Judge
Barbara Jones
Sandra Massina
Jeannie Walker
Mrs. Monroe
Tyrone Benskin
Jackson
Johnny Cuthbert
Hal Keeler
Claire Rodger
Thiel Nurse
Rebecca Hall
Grade Teacher
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 28, 1989
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$5M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$10M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
1.99x
+$5M net gain
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Martin Campbell
- Screenplay & Story
- Mark Kasdan
- Original Score
- Jerry Goldsmith
- Original Title
- Criminal Law
- Country of Origin
- Canada
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 54m
- Production Budget
- $5M
- Worldwide Gross
- $10M
- Production Studios
- Hemdale Film Corporation, Northwood Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Martin Campbell
Mark Kasdan
Jerry Goldsmith
Phil Meheux
Chris Wimble
Robert K. MacLean, Derek Gibson, Hilary Dwyer, John Daly
Department Leadership Roster
Martin Campbell
Director
Robert K. MacLean
Producer
Hilary Dwyer
Producer
Marco Bianco
Stunt Coordinator
Curtis A. Schnell
Production Design
Jerry Goldsmith
Original Music Composer
Phil Meheux
Director of Photography
Chris Wimble
Editor
Mark Kasdan
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Criminal Law.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Criminal Law.
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Movies
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1989
1989
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Legal Films
Courtroom dramas, legal thrillers, legal comedies and films about lawyers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Law
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Criminal Law about?
Ben Chase is an on-the-rise Boston attorney currently defending a wealthy client in a high-profile murder case. Martin Thiel is the wealthy young man on trial for a particularly brutal murder. The verdict sets Thiel free. Within 24 hours another grizzly and all-too-familiar murder has taken place with striking similarities to the first crime. Chase inexplicably agrees to act as his defense attorney; but this time it will be to gather evidence that will put away his client for good.
Who directed Criminal Law?
Criminal Law was directed by Martin Campbell.
Who stars in Criminal Law?
The principal cast of Criminal Law includes Gary Oldman, Kevin Bacon, Tess Harper, Karen Young, Joe Don Baker.
When was Criminal Law released and how long is it?
Criminal Law was released in 1989 with a total runtime of 1h 54m.
What was the box office and production budget of Criminal Law?
Criminal Law had a reported production budget of $5M and grossed $10M at the worldwide box office (1.99 return on budget, classified as a budget recovered).
Who composed the musical score for Criminal Law?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Criminal Law was composed by Jerry Goldsmith.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Criminal Law?
Criminal Law holds official age classifications: CA: R; US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).