Ajuste de Contas

This is a film that makes us realize there is sometimes a difference between justice and the law. Robert Preston shines as the grief-stricken father, who, after a miscarriage of justice, takes matters into his own hands, and is put on trial for it. Beau Bridges, as his attorney, realizes there's something to the fight Preson is making. Mel Ferrer, as the judge who had to let a criminal go, is outstanding. His conscience bothers him, but he abides by the law he's sworn to protect. And Burgess Meredith is a crusty as ever. Some great old pros in this one.If this film doesn't make you think, you need to watch it again.

The most stunning thing about "Outrage" is not so much the intriguing storyline, but rather the fact that it was produced by Irwin Allen, the "Master of Disaster" of '70s cinema, and also responsible for erstwhile sci-fi TV series of the '60s like "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" and "Lost In Space." His productions are usually criticized for their lack of attention to the finer details like the script and dramatic performances. But here, he surprises his critics (and fans) with a taut, and timely subject that is more "Law and Order" than "Poseidon Adventure." No action sequences, no explosions or people running around in rubber monster suits. Just good acting with a provocative plot line.

My only complaint is that Robert Preston's character seemed a bit 'dated' by 1986 in the way he lived through his religion....I mean, I didn't know many New York Irish Catholics in the '80s that were THAT religious (particularly a man). I assume the director wanted his Catholicism 'played to the hilt" to emphasis Preston was above reproach to further the courtroom dramatics.

For those who crave for this kind of stuff - I do not - that's a pretty good story, strongly held, and very daring against the penal system in the USA. In France, we would not be so courageous. And I agree with another comment, in which it is said that Robert Preston is maybe not the real lead of this movie. Beau Bridges brings maybe one of his best performances ever. But Bob Preston, in his last role, is very good too, and Mel Ferre too. And I also want to add something, in the scene at the beginning, where Bob Preston shoots and kills the Black man responsible for his daughter's death, watch out the way he holds his gun and his body with legs bent. For a common law abiding citizen; I think he looks like an elite cop, as we always see in crime movies or series. I also guess that the producers and other film maker should have paid attention to this kind of details. It is clumsy for the production not to ask Preston TO BE CLUMSY, sweet irony isn't it? It is clumsy to show a poor common American to behave like an elite cop, clumsy if you compare with the exceptional quality of the rest of this awesome piece of work. That's my own opinion.

Great movie! It really makes one think about how the Justice system really does work. Great story and performances by all, especially by Beau Bridges. See it!

I saw this movie in 86, and later noticed it was remade, starring Beau Bridges, in 97 "Defenders: Payback". Same premise carefully retold 11 years later, only with John Larroquette as the vigilante "I don't want no attorney" father, instead of the original with Robert Preston. Though the suspect chase would be used in the other "Defenders" TV movie "Choice Of Evils".

More or less, a decent Hollywood justice type of film If you take it for what it is in that context. The main idea is to show the viewers that not all homicide cases are black & white. Instead, this film attempts to show (or rather pose to) the viewer, how YOU might react if your child's rapist or molester had been released on a technicality, even though he confessed to the crime. Would YOU become a vigilante too?