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Michael Douglas, Hal Holbrook, Yaphet Kotto, Sharon Gless, James B. Sikking ... see more see more... , Joe Regalbuto , Don Calfa , John De Santi , DeWayne Jessie , Jack Kehoe , Larry Hankin , Dick Anthony Williams , Domingo Ambriz , Frances Bergen , Jason Bernard , Keith Buckley , Robert Costanzo , Ron Cummins , George Dickerson , Diana Douglas , Michael Ensign , Matthew Faison , David Faustino , Sheldon Feldner , Robin Gammell , Dana Gladstone , Margie Impert , Fred McCarren , David Proval , Don Pulford , Jack Slate , Charlie Stavola , Alan Oliney , Gary Rebstock , Kate Zentall , John Garrett , Paul Brennan , Jerry Taft , George Cooper , John DiSanti

Fed up with watching vicious criminals walk on technicalities and loopholes, judge Michael Douglas accepts his older colleague Hal Holbrook's invitation to join "The Star Chamber." This sub-rosa organ... read more read more...ization consists of nine like-minded judges who endeavor to take the law into their own hands. Essentially, these are robed vigilantes, but Douglas joins them, determining that the end justifies the means. Before long, however, Douglas finds himself balking at sanctioning the murder of freed criminals -- and as a result becomes the target of the Star Chamber himself. Worth noting in the supporting cast of The Star Chamber are Diana Douglas, Michael Douglas' real-life mother, and Frances Bergen, widow of Edgar Bergen and mother of Candice Bergen. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

40% liked it

2,135 ratings

Critics

71% liked it

14 critics

R, 2 hr. 29 min.

Directed by: Peter Hyams

Release Date: August 5, 1983

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DVD Release Date: February 1, 2005

Stats: 93 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (93)

  • hypathio7
    October 3, 2009
    hypathio7
    Good thriller with interesting implications on the justice system. From what I remember, the poster is a bit misleading by having Douglas armed and ready with a gun. He is a judge! The movie consists of mostly psychological thrills.
  • threefolddado
    July 1, 2008
    threefolddado
    Could have been more than mildly entertaining.
  • maurocapitaldirect
    August 21, 2009
    maurocapitaldirect
    One of the most realistic movies ever made depicting internal conflicts in the practice the Law in the U.S. It also illustrates the core foundation and illustrates why we have the safeguards we have in the U.S. Consitution...awesome....this was Michael Douglas at his best...

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Critic Reviews

Clint Morris
July 23, 2008
Clint Morris, Moviehole

A tour-de-force thriller from Hyams and Douglas... its final moments are as gripping as Superglue!

Rob Gonsalves
April 9, 2007
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com

Outstanding performances across the board. Full Review

Steve Crum
February 20, 2007
Steve Crum, Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers

Conspiracy abounds in this early Michael Douglas far fetcher.

Rob Thomas
March 9, 2006
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)

A couple of great chases, but it doesn't quite live up to its intriguing premise.

Chuck O'Leary
October 10, 2005
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily

The Star Chamber is an intense, thought-provoking, great-looking action-packed thriller. Sadly overlooked in theaters, this is truly an '80s buried treasure.

Douglas Pratt
October 14, 2004
Douglas Pratt, DVDLaser

While the movie is set in L.A., the rules of justice appear exaggerated to the point where the film seems to be taking place in a different country, but it doesn't really matter. It would be great fun...

James Kendrick
February 27, 2001
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk

directed with pace and style by Peter Hyams and beautifully photographed by Richard Hannah Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Janet Maslin
August 30, 2004
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

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The Star Chamber Trivia

  • Harrison Ford (Han Solo) ad libbed his line "I know" in the carbon freezing chamber in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back.  Answer »
  • In "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," what does Deforest Kelley (Dr. McCoy) shout, as he realizes that Leonard Nimoy (Spock) is about to enter the engine room's radiation chamber?  Answer »
  • What is the name of the frog-dog chained up in Jabba's audience chamber in "Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi"?   Answer »
  • The Chamber of Horrors in the Hollywood Wax Museum features which boxing star?   Answer »
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