Genre:
Mystery
Theatrical Release: 10/23/1987(USA)
Release Date: 01/01/2001
Flags: Violence, Not For Children, Adult Language
Distributor/Studio: Columbia TriStar
British filmmaker
Peter Yates directs
Suspect, a suspenseful
courtroom drama set in Washington, D.C. After a Supreme Court justice commits suicide and a Justice Department secretary is found dead, a deaf-mute homeless veteran,
Carl Wayne Anderson (
Liam Neeson), is the suspected killer. Lonely yet dedicated public defender
Kathleen Riley (
Cher) is assigned to the case to represent
Anderson. Suave lobbyist
Eddie Sanger (
Dennis Quaid) is on the jury, but he starts his own investigation by finding clues that prove
Anderson's innocence. He shares his information with
Kathleen, even though they could get arrested for talking about the case. Eventually, they develop a romance and reveal a conspiracy that leads to a twist ending. The mysterious conclusion involves a final courtroom scene presided over by
Judge Matthew Helms (played by character actor
John Mahoney, who would go on to co-star on the
sitcom Frasier). ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide