100 Centre Street

After being away from television for 40 years, Sidney Lumet (SERPICO, 12 ANGRY MEN) goes back to his roots. The film focuses on Judge »let-em-go« Rifkind (Alan Arkin), whose wise old sense of justice serves as a counterpoint to the tough realities outside the court building where he works. In the manner of »ER«, Lumet develops around the legendary New York City Courthouse a big-city microcosm consisting of drag queens, murderers, attorneys, and judges in which comedy and tragedy are inextricably intertwined. Thanks to a new implementation of traditional material, 100 CENTRE STREET is a prime example of quality American television. Due to the dialogue and acting, this long-awaited series was one of the TV highlights in the US last year.