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The CBS television series, The Paper Chase, was based upon the 1973 feature film.

James T. Hart (James Stephens) is a first year law student who hails from rural Minnesota, who enters the intensely competitive environment of a prestigious law school. He particularly is eager to study contract law with internationally noted Professor Charles W. Kingsfield (John Houseman), who inspires both awe and fear in his students with his unremitting determination to prepare them for legal careers.

Hart joins a study group with four other students who in time become his friends as well as competitors. They are, Franklin Ford III, (Tom Fitzsimmons), Thomas Craig Anderson (Robert Ginty), Willis Bell (James Keane), Beth Logan (Francine Tacker), Jonathan Brooks (Jonathan Segal).

The series debuted on CBS on September 9, 1978 but was cancelled after one season in spite of its critical acclaim.

After a four year hiatus, the series was continued on Showtime from April 15, 1983 to August 9, 1986.

Professor Kingsfield addressing his class: "The study of law is new and unfamiliar to most of you, unlike any other schooling you have ever known before. You teach yourselves the law but I train your minds. You come in here with a skull full of mush and, if you survive, you leave thinking like lawyers."

This was a marvelous and smart show that deservedly received critical raves for the writing, direction, and cast. The episodes are currently available on good ol' Youtube. I was a big fan of the show but only saw the episodes on CBS from season one. If you're looking for a thoughtful and intelligent show, then I highly recommend this one.