What Is A Civil Action About?
The premise of A Civil Action in 295 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet New England town of Woburn, the everyday rhythm is tinged with an unseen menace that has begun to seep into the very water families rely on. The community’s close‑knit character clashes with a growing sense of unease, and the town’s simple façade hints at deeper, more troubling currents. A lingering dread hangs in the air, suggesting that what seems ordinary may be anything but.
Enter Jan Schlichtmann, a Boston attorney whose confidence borders on bravado. He runs a modest but fiercely loyal personal‑injury practice, and his sharp legal mind is matched only by his restless ambition. Within his tight‑knit team, camaraderie and competition intermingle, shaping a workplace where wit and determination are as essential as case files. Jan’s reputation for clever maneuvering and his willingness to gamble on unconventional strategies set the stage for a battle that promises to test every facet of his professional resolve.
When Anne Anderson appears on the radio, pleading for help on behalf of her ailing child, the plea cuts through the town’s quiet desperation. Her story becomes the catalyst that pulls Jan into a case that feels both personal and monumental. The lawyer’s instinct tells him that the stakes extend far beyond a simple compensation claim, hinting at an undercurrent of corporate influence and hidden danger that will challenge his ideals and his firm’s survival.
The film’s tone marries procedural tension with an atmospheric, almost claustrophobic, sense of moral urgency. As Jan navigates the labyrinth of legal obstacles, scientific complexities, and the weight of community expectations, the story promises an engrossing portrait of a man whose pursuit of justice may cost him everything. The mood is sober yet charged, inviting viewers to contemplate the price of truth in a world where power often eclipses the vulnerable.
What Happens in A Civil Action?
The complete story of A Civil Action, from the first scene to the last, in 405 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In the city of Woburn, Massachusetts, serious environmental toxins have seeped into the water supply, leading to tragic consequences with multiple local children succumbing to illness. In this gripping drama, cocky Boston attorney Jan Schlichtmann and his tight-knit team of personal injury lawyers are approached by Woburn resident Anne Anderson, who seeks justice for her son, lost to Leukemia just two years prior.
Compelled by Anne’s heart-wrenching story shared during a radio appearance, Jan discovers the daunting statistics of 12 Leukemia cases in just 15 years. With tests revealing contamination in two of the town’s wells from known carcinogens, his partners express concerns about the financial burden of pursuing the case, leading to a unanimous decision to drop it. However, as Jan assesses the gravity of the situation, he uncovers a significant opportunity within the environmental crisis indicating that local tanneries may hold the key to multiple fatalities.
The plot thickens as Jan steps up to challenge deux major corporations—Beatrice Foods and W. R. Grace and Company—believing that not only could this case earn him considerable financial reward, but also salvage the dignity of his law firm. An arduous class action lawsuit ensues where, despite Jan’s keen legal acumen, he faces daunting opposition from seasoned defense lawyers like Jerry Facher.
In the throes of litigation, Jan plunges deeper into a maze of scientific evidence requiring expertise from geologists and engineers, revealing the contaminated origins of the townspeople’s water supply. Despite the backlash and dwindling finances, he refuses to settle easily, insisting that the case reaches beyond mere compensation—it’s about accountability and securing a safer future for the community.
As tension escalates within his firm, relying on loans and personal assets to keep afloat, Jan endures a heart-wrenching trial filled with setbacks. A pivotal ruling by Judge Walter J. Skinner prevents victims from testifying, creating a tremendous hurdle for Jan’s case. Ultimately, though he fights valiantly, the outcome leaves him and the families disillusioned, resulting in a meager settlement and the dissolution of his law firm.
Left with nothing but a small apartment and shattered dreams, Jan’s journey doesn’t conclude in defeat. Years later, his relentless pursuit of justice and environmental responsibility prompts the EPA to take action against the corporations involved, extracting millions for cleanup efforts. Despite the scars left by the battle, Jan finds renewed purpose, now practicing environmental law in New Jersey, having turned the page on a challenging chapter in his life.
A Civil Action Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Toxic Contamination in Woburn” to “New Career Path”. 4 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
Toxic Contamination in Woburn
In Woburn, Massachusetts, serious environmental toxins infiltrate the local water supply. This contamination leads to tragic repercussions, with several local children facing severe health issues and even succumbing to illnesses such as leukemia.
Where:Woburn, Massachusetts
- 2
Anne Anderson's Tragic Loss
Woburn resident Anne Anderson reaches out to attorney Jan Schlichtmann, sharing her heartbreaking story of losing her son to leukemia just two years ago. This personal tragedy serves as a catalyst for Jan's interest in pursuing the larger implications of the toxic situation.
Where:Woburn, Massachusetts
- 3
Discovery of Alarming Statistics
After hearing Anne's story during a radio appearance, Jan investigates the health crisis and uncovers alarming statistics of twelve leukemia cases documented over a mere fifteen years. This revelation propels him to further examine the conditions surrounding the local water supply.
- 4
Contamination Findings
Testing reveals the water contamination in two of Woburn's municipal wells, with known carcinogens traced back to local tanneries. This significant finding strengthens Jan's resolve to take action against the responsible parties.
Where:Woburn, Massachusetts
- 5
Challenges from Within the Law Firm
As Jan's determination grows, his partners express serious concerns about the financial implications of pursuing the lawsuit. Faced with mounting pressure, they reach a unanimous decision to abandon the case, which forces Jan to reconsider their priorities.
- 6
Going Against Major Corporations
Jan decides to challenge two major corporations, Beatrice Foods and W. R. Grace and Company, believing that holding them accountable could not only lead to financial success but also restore his firm's integrity. This marks a significant turning point in the case.
- 7
Class Action Lawsuit Initiated
A complex class-action lawsuit is initiated, which pits Jan against a team of experienced defense attorneys, including Jerry Facher. This legal battle proves to be both arduous and entrenched in scientific scrutiny, testing Jan's abilities as a lawyer.
- 8
Deeper Investigations
Jan delves deeper into the intricacies of the environmental crisis, seeking expertise from geologists and engineers. This investigation reveals crucial information regarding the contamination in the townspeople's water supply, which becomes central to the legal argument.
- 9
Financial Struggles Intensify
During the trial, Jan's law firm faces financial strains, leading him to rely on personal loans and assets to continue the fight. The mounting pressure takes a toll on him and his colleagues, amplifying the stakes of the case.
- 10
Critical Verdict by Judge Skinner
A pivotal ruling from Judge Walter J. Skinner bars victim testimonies from being included in the trial. This ruling creates significant obstacles for Jan's case, complicating his efforts to showcase the human impact of the corporate negligence.
Show the other 4 events of A Civil Action Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Disheartening Settlement
Despite his relentless efforts, the trial concludes unfavorably for Jan and the affected families. They are left disillusioned with a meager settlement, which highlights the challenges of seeking justice against powerful corporations.
- 12
Dissolution of the Law Firm
Following the disappointing outcome of the trial, Jan's law firm dissolves, leaving him with little more than a small apartment and shattered aspirations. This moment serves as a dramatic low point in Jan's professional journey.
- 13
Renewed Purpose Years Later
Years after the trial, Jan's commitment to environmental justice leads him to advocate for accountability, prompting action from the EPA against the responsible corporations. This advocacy extracts millions for crucial cleanup efforts.
- 14
New Career Path
Having turned the page on a challenging chapter in his life, Jan embraces a new direction in his career by practicing environmental law in New Jersey. This transition allows him to continue fighting for justice, albeit in a different capacity.
Where:New Jersey
Who Are the Main Characters in A Civil Action?
3 characters, among them Jan Schlichtmann (John Travolta), Anne Anderson (Kathleen Quinlan) and Jerry Facher (Robert Duvall): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Jan Schlichtmann (John Travolta)
Played by John Travolta
Jan Schlichtmann is a confident and ambitious Boston lawyer who is initially motivated by financial gain. However, as he delves deeper into the case, he transforms into a relentless advocate for justice, willing to risk his career and financial stability for the sake of the victims. His character embodies resilience in the face of adversity and highlights the ethical dilemmas lawyers encounter.
- 👨⚖️ Lawyer
- 🏆 Ambitious
- 💼 Advocate
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Anne Anderson (Kathleen Quinlan)
Played by Kathleen Quinlan
Anne Anderson is a heartbroken mother who loses her son to leukemia, serving as the emotional catalyst for the legal battle. Her compelling story leads Jan Schlichtmann to become invested in a case that he initially viewed as a financial opportunity. Anne's character represents the human side of the tragedy, showcasing the profound impact of environmental issues on families.
- 👩👦 Mother
- 😢 Grief
- 💔 Advocacy
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Jerry Facher (Robert Duvall)
Played by Robert Duvall
Jerry Facher is a seasoned defense attorney representing the corporations involved in the environmental scandal. He is portrayed as a formidable opponent who employs tactical legal strategies to undermine the plaintiffs' case. Facher epitomizes the challenges faced by the protagonist, demonstrating the intricacies of litigation and the lengths to which corporations will go to protect their interests.
- 👨⚖️ Defense Lawyer
- 💼 Tactical
- ⚔️ Antagonist
Where and When Is A Civil Action Set?
A Civil Action is set in Woburn and Massachusetts. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Woburn, Massachusetts
Woburn, Massachusetts, is a city with a rich history that became the focal point of a significant environmental crisis. Known for its suburban charm, the town's tranquility was shattered when toxic chemicals contaminated the local water supply, affecting the health of its residents, particularly children. This dire situation led to a high-profile legal battle addressing corporate accountability for the environmental disaster.
- 🏙️ City
- 🚰 Water Supply
- ⚖️ Legal Battle
What Are the Themes of A Civil Action?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Justice, Environmental Responsibility and Loss.
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01
Justice
The theme of justice permeates the narrative as the protagonist, Jan Schlichtmann, embarks on a quest to hold powerful corporations accountable for their negligence. The struggle against formidable opponents highlights the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by those seeking justice for the harmed community. Ultimately, it reflects the broader societal fight for accountability and environmental protection.
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02
Environmental Responsibility
Environmental responsibility is a central theme of the film as it delves into the consequences of corporate actions on the community's health. The contamination of Woburn’s water supply serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding natural resources and the dire need for accountability in environmental issues. The narrative promotes awareness about the long-term effects of pollution and the necessity for reform.
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03
Loss
Loss manifests in multiple ways within the film, primarily through the tragic illness and death of local children due to leukemia. This overwhelming grief drives the character of Anne Anderson to seek justice for her son, while Jan's personal and professional losses escalate as the legal battle takes a toll on him. The theme poignantly illustrates the human cost of environmental neglect.
What Kind of Film Is A Civil Action?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense and emotionally draining legal drama that follows a lawyer's obsessive, high-stakes battle against corporate power, characterized by unrelenting pressure, complex evidence, and devastating personal cost.
- tense
- anxious
- draining
- sobering
- unrelenting
- gripping
- legal drama
- corporate malfeasance
- environmental disaster
- moral conflict
Content notes: child death, terminal illness, environmental poisoning.
Quiz
How well do you remember A Civil Action? Test yourself on the story.
