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This is classic courtroom drama. Directed by Otto Preminger with a stellar cast including Jimmy Stewart, George C. Scott, Lee Remmick and Ben Gazzara. Stewart plays a small town lawyer defending Gazzara on a murder charge for shooting a man who allegedly raped Remick (his wife). Or was it due to jealousy? This is not a who done it. Rather, the mystery is why did Gazzara do it? The plot and courtroom scenes are realistic. This is a much better and more realistic courtroom drama than more recent courtroom dramas such as Jagged Edge, The Verdict, or even Presumed Innocent. The screen play was very faithfully adapted from the novel of the same name by Robert Traver (the pen name of a now deceased former justice of the Michigan Supreme Court). As you would expect, the courtroom scenes and legal dialogue are realistic. Watching this dvd gives you the feeling of what it's like to try a major case. The dialogue, however, is at times dated and somewhat corny. However, the caet is first rate - Stewart, George C. Scott and Lee Remick sizzle. The rest of the cast is fun to watch. Watch for Joseph C. Welch - the Boston lawyer who was credited with bringing down Senator Joe McCarthy - as the judge. Duke Ellington appears in a cameo role. Floyd the Barber from the Andy Griffith TV show and Mr. Wilson from the Dennis the Menace TV series also make breif appearances. I suggest you prep for your next murder trial by watching Jimmy Stewart.Read full review
James Stewart at his best- an analytical, cunning mind beneath the slow-moving, country boy exterior. Fabulous surprise ending is bolstered by a few mid-movie surprise revelations. Human frailities are brought out, aired like dirty linen, but never judged. Supporting cast is terrific-characters like the bartender and trailer park manager get their opportunity to have a once-in-a-lifetime ten minutes' of fame. The husband and wife are a mass of contradictions, passion, and even, a touch or so of sheer evilness. This was a great novel that made the shift-as so rarely happens- into a great film. I had seen it many times and just had to add it to my personal film collection.
James Stewart, a name I have yet to see associated with a BAD picture. There might be one, but I haven't seen it. This was an engaging trial scene and well worth what I paid for it. I prefer color, but I knew it was B&W when I ordered it, so I still rate it five stars. It has an ending you can place anywhere you want to, but the ending I had to conclude was not the one I would have preferred. I would recommend this film if you like intrigue.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Refreshing historical firsts on the movie screen and in a Michigan small town.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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