Kiefer Sutherland Remembers the Chilling Moment Rob Reiner Captured an Iconic A Few Good Men Scene
Kiefer Sutherland is reflecting on the extraordinary legacy of Rob Reiner, recalling a quiet but unforgettable moment on the set of one of Hollywood’s most iconic films.
In a preview of the upcoming one-hour special CBS News: Rob Reiner — Scenes from a Life, set to air Sunday, December 21, Sutherland revisits the day A Few Good Men captured its most famous courtroom scene — the moment when Jack Nicholson delivered the now-legendary line, “You can’t handle the truth!”
According to Sutherland, the atmosphere in the courtroom set was unlike anything he had experienced before.
“No one said a word,” he recalled. “Rob walked up to Jack Nicholson and quietly whispered, ‘Do you want to do another one?’ And Jack said, ‘Well, we’re here.’”
They filmed the scene again — and the result, Sutherland said, was just as powerful as the first.
Despite originally scheduling the courtroom sequence to take an entire day, Reiner knew instantly when he had captured something special.
“They had planned to shoot all day,” Sutherland explained. “Rob looked around and said, ‘I couldn’t ask for anything more. You all have the rest of the day off.’”
The anecdote offers a rare glimpse into Reiner’s directing style — one rooted in trust, instinct, and an unshakable understanding of storytelling.
The CBS News special examines both the professional achievements and personal life of Rob Reiner, as well as his marriage to photographer and producer Michele Reiner. The couple were found dead inside their Los Angeles home on December 14, a tragedy that sent shockwaves through Hollywood.
The broadcast includes new and emotional interviews with close friends and collaborators, including Albert Brooks, Kathy Bates, Annette Bening, Michael Douglas, Jerry O’Connell, and Mandy Patinkin, all reflecting on Reiner’s impact both on and off the screen.
Over the course of his career, Reiner directed an extraordinary run of films that shaped modern cinema, including This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand by Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally… (1989), Misery (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992).
Rob and Michele Reiner are survived by their children Jake, Nick, and Romy Reiner.
Their son Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with their deaths. He appeared in court on December 17, and his arraignment is scheduled for January 7. Legal proceedings are ongoing.
In a statement shared with people, siblings Jake and Romy described the devastation of losing their parents.
“The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience,” they said. “They weren’t just our parents — they were our best friends.”
As tributes continue to pour in, Sutherland’s recollection stands as a powerful reminder of Rob Reiner’s rare gift: knowing when a moment was perfect — and having the confidence to quietly let it speak for itself.
