Aha Moment: Perry Mason vs. “The Paper Chase”
Growing up in the socially tumultuous 1960s,Jonathan Amsbarywanted to be a lawyer to “help America be what it was supposed to be.” He idealized TV’sPerry Mason, the righteous defense attorney who stood up for the little guy and always made sure justice was done.
“It’s really about how can the law be manipulated.” — Jonathan Amsbary
Just before heading off to college, Amsbary sawThe Paper Chase, the 1973 film about a first-year Harvard law student named Hart. His tough-as-nails professor challenges him to value rationality over all else, grinding down Hart’s moral compass. “It is not a way that a normal human being looks at an issue of justice, of right and wrong,” Amsbary recalls. “It’s really about what does the law say, how can the law be manipulated.” Amsbary resolved not to become another Hart.
(Originally aired August 3, 2012)
Is there a movie, song, book, or other work of art that has changed your life?Tell us in a comment or byemail.
The story you just read is accessible and free to all because thousands of listeners and readers contribute to our nonprofit newsroom. We go deep to bring you the human-centered international reporting that you know you can trust. To do this work and to do it well, we rely on the support of our listeners. If you appreciated our coverage this year, if there was a story that made you pause or a song that moved you, would you consider making a gift to sustain our work through 2024 and beyond?