MovieChat Forums > The Rainmaker (1997) Discussion > Question (SPOILER)

Question (SPOILER)

posted 15 years ago by Joshua24fan
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If the Blacks were suing Great Benefits, that would make the Blacks Plaintiffs and Great Benefits the defendents. So how come during summations, Great Benefits lawyer (Jon Voight) goes first? I read the book awhile ago and do not remember what happened, I plan on reading it again. Was is something Coppola wanted to do in hopes of no one really noticing so for dramatic effect he had Rudy Baylor go last? Or can a defendent go first if they prefer?

[–] sevenhawk 15 years ago

I think it was a matter of editing. As Drummond finished his summation the Judge tells Baylor that it's time for his rebuttal. From experience this indicates to me that Baylor has completed his summation and as the Plaintiff is afforded a rebuttal to the defense summation.