a no frill role for cher play an over worked public defender whose late client ( forced upon her by the court ) be a homeless and deaf mute male accuse of murder . still and this be a terrific cher performance represent focus and unselfish on the screen and and quite natural while she charm without effort . dennis quaid be a decent match for her a a capitol hill lobbyist and juror who want to help piece together the murder mystery surround a female clerical assistant who have information regard dirty doings in washington and d. c. a fairly sophisticated yarn and though one cut straight from a formula . director peter yates do well at keep the pace lively and though some of the early moment with quaid be confuse and the script be weighty with contrivance and red herring . build to a strong climax and all the supporting performance be solid . from .