The Star Chamber (1983)

71% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
40% of users liked it
(2,135 ratings)

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 organization consists of nine like-minded judges who endeavor to take the law into their own hands.… More 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 organization 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

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 29 min.
Directed By: Peter Hyams
Written By: Roderick Taylor, Peter Hyams
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Drama

In Theaters: Aug 5, 1983 Wide
On DVD: Feb 1, 2005
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Clint Morris, Moviehole
A tour-de-force thriller from Hyams and Douglas... its final moments are as gripping as Superglue!
Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
Outstanding performances across the board.
Steve Crum, Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers
Conspiracy abounds in this early Michael Douglas far fetcher.
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, 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, 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 just to put up your feet and watch director Peter Hyam
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
directed with pace and style by Peter Hyams and beautifully photographed by Richard Hannah

Read all 7 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Byron B

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.
Anthony V

Could have been more than mildly entertaining.

Cast

            Michael Douglas as Hardin

            Hal Holbrook as Caulfield

            Yaphet Kotto as Lowes

            Sharon Gless as Emily

            James B. Sikking as Lewin

            Joe Regalbuto as Cooms

            Don Calfa as Monk

            John De Santi as Detective James Wickman

            DeWayne Jessie as Flowers

            Jack Kehoe as Hingle

            Larry Hankin as Wiggen

            Dick Anthony Williams as MacKay

            Domingo Ambriz as Hector Andujar

            Frances Bergen as Mrs. Cummins

            Jason Bernard as Judge Bocho

            Keith Buckley as Assassin

            Robert Costanzo as Sgt. Spota

            Ron Cummins as 1st Man

            George Dickerson as George Tillis

            Diana Douglas as Adrian Caulfield

            Michael Ensign as Judge Kirkland

            Matthew Faison as Judge Stoner

            David Faustino as Tony Hardin

            Sheldon Feldner as Judge Culhane

            Robin Gammell as Judge Archer

            Dana Gladstone as Martin Hyatt

            Margie Impert as Louise Rachmil

            Fred McCarren as Robert Karras

            David Proval as Officer Nelson

            Don Pulford as Bailiff

            Jack Slate as Man No. 2

            Charlie Stavola as Detective Serkin

            Alan Oliney as Ladd

            Gary Rebstock as Newscaster

            Kate Zentall as Janet

            John Garrett as Chuck Hurley

            Paul Brennan as Garreth

            Jerry Taft as Judge Fogelson

            George Cooper as State Senator Walden

            John DiSanti
            
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