The Paper Chase (1978)

Episode Overview

James Hart (James Stephens), a rural Minnesota farmboy, embarks on his inaugural year at law school. On his first day in "Contracts," he faces the daunting Professor Charles W. Kingsfield, Jr. (John Houseman), who labels Hart as "dead," effectively ensuring he will never be called upon in class. This harsh reality signifies that Hart's participation in the "Socratic dialogue" is over for the year. Kingsfield's notorious practice of shrouding one student annually adds to Hart's anxiety. Meanwhile, fellow student Franklin Ford III (Tom FitzSimmons) forms a study group, but doubts linger about Hart's ability to contribute due to his shroud.