Marshall

Marshall

Year: 2017

Runtime: 118 min

Language: English

Director: Reginald Hudlin

BiographyDrama

A young Thurgood Marshall, already a prominent lawyer for the NAACP, finds himself facing a challenging case when he defends Joseph Spell, a black chauffeur accused of assault by his wealthy white employer. Partnered with an inexperienced lawyer, Sam Friedman, Marshall must overcome racial prejudice and systemic injustice to prove his client’s innocence. The legal battle tests Marshall’s skills and courage as he fights for justice in a deeply divided society.

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Timeline & Setting – Marshall (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Marshall (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

April 1941

The film is set during a critical time in American history, just before the United States' entry into World War II. This period is characterized by significant racial tensions, with the Civil Rights Movement beginning to take shape. The legal battles fought during this time were pivotal in laying the groundwork for future advancements in civil rights.

Location

New York City, Bridgeport, Connecticut

The movie primarily takes place in New York City and Bridgeport, Connecticut. New York City serves as the hub of Thurgood Marshall's legal work, representing a vibrant and tumultuous environment for social justice. Bridgeport, Connecticut, becomes the focal point of a racially charged court case that highlights the deep-seated prejudices of the time.

🌆 City ⚖️ Courtroom

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:42

Main Characters – Marshall (2017)

Meet the key characters of Marshall (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Thurgood Marshall (Chadwick Boseman)

Thurgood Marshall is a fearless NAACP lawyer dedicated to fighting racial injustice and defending wrongly accused individuals. His sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to equality make him a formidable presence in the courtroom. Marshall's profound understanding of the law, coupled with his personal experiences, drive him to challenge the systemic injustices of his time.

⚖️ Lawyer ✊ Civil Rights 💪 Determined

Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown)

Joseph Spell is a chauffeur wrongfully accused of rape, whose plight serves as the central focus of the trial. Initially fearful and confused, he represents the struggles faced by African Americans in a prejudiced legal system. As the story unfolds, Spell finds his voice and courage to confront his fears, ultimately revealing the truth about his circumstances.

🚗 Chauffeur 😔 Wrongly Accused 🔍 Searching for Truth

Eleanor Strubing (Kate Hudson)

Eleanor Strubing is the white employer who accuses Joseph Spell of rape, serving as a catalyst for the central conflict in the film. Her character embodies the societal prejudices of the time, and her actions lead to a pivotal trial that exposes the racial dynamics at play. Eleanor's fear and desperation ultimately shape the legal battle that unfolds.

👩‍💼 Accuser ⚡ Tension 🎭 Complexity

Sam Friedman (Josh Gad)

Sam Friedman is an insurance lawyer reluctantly drawn into a highly charged racial trial. Initially lacking confidence, he grows under Marshall's mentorship, representing a bridge between different racial experiences. Friedman's evolution underscores the importance of standing up against injustice and learning to advocate for what is right.

📚 Lawyer 🤷‍♂️ Reluctant 🦸‍♂️ Evolving

Judge Foster (James Cromwell)

Judge Foster is a key judicial figure in the trial, balancing his personal biases with the demands of justice. His character reflects the complexities of the legal system during a racially charged atmosphere. Though he has affiliations that could cloud his judgement, his ultimate decisions impact the outcome of the trial significantly.

⚖️ Authority ⚖️ Judicial ⚠️ Biased

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:42

Major Themes – Marshall (2017)

Explore the central themes of Marshall (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is central to 'Marshall', exploring the struggles against racial prejudice in the legal system. Thurgood Marshall's fight for Joseph Spell underscores the importance of fairness and truth in a flawed judicial process. It highlights the courage required to confront systemic injustice and the relentless pursuit of equality.

💔 Prejudice

Prejudice plays a crucial role in the narrative, reflecting the societal biases that affect the characters' lives. Joseph Spell's wrongful accusation stems from deep-rooted racial stereotypes and fears, illustrating the devastating impact of racial injustices. The film sheds light on how these biases shape the lives of those involved, ultimately pushing the characters toward a fight for dignity.

🤝 Collaboration

Collaboration between Marshall and Friedman signifies the theme of unity against a common goal. Their partnership demonstrates how individuals from different backgrounds can come together to challenge injustices. It emphasizes the importance of support and collaboration in the pursuit of justice, particularly in a racially divided society.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:42

Unlock the Full Story of Marshall

Don't stop at just watching — explore Marshall in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Marshall is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Marshall Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Marshall, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Marshall Summary

Marshall Timeline

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Marshall Timeline

More About Marshall

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More About Marshall

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