Synopsis

Boston attorney Jan Schlichtmann takes on a lawsuit filed by families whose children died after exposure to contaminated drinking water in Woburn, Massachusetts. What begins as a routine settlement opportunity becomes an expensive, exhausting battle against powerful corporations and an experienced defense lawyer. As the case threatens his firm's finances and his own convictions, Schlichtmann must decide how far he is willing to pursue justice.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film is based on Jonathan Harr's 1995 nonfiction book, which chronicles the real Woburn, Massachusetts, water-contamination case of the 1980s.

• The lawsuit involved allegations that industrial pollution, including trichloroethylene contamination, had entered the local water supply and contributed to serious illnesses and deaths among area residents.

• The real case was known as Anne Anderson et al. v. Cryovac, Inc. et al. The movie condenses years of litigation and scientific investigation into a roughly two-hour courtroom drama.

• Jerome Facher, the real defense attorney portrayed in the film, reportedly approved of Robert Duvall's interpretation of him.

• Several real-life figures connected with the Woburn case visited the production, and some appeared in cameo roles.

• Filming took place in Massachusetts locations including Woburn, Northbridge, Boston, Fenway Park, and the Boston Athenaeum, with additional scenes shot at Los Angeles City Hall.

• Production ran from October 7, 1997, through February 25, 1998.

• The movie opened in New York and Los Angeles on December 25, 1998, before receiving a nationwide release on January 8, 1999.

• Made with an estimated $75 million budget, the film earned approximately $56.7 million worldwide, making it a commercial disappointment despite generally favorable critical notices.