Review of Anatomy of a Murder (1959) by Stephen C — 21 May 2012
One of the best courtrooom dramas ever filmed ,and for its time one of the most daring .
James Stewart is excellent as smalltown lawyer Paul Biegler an easy going sort of a fellow with a penchant for fishing and Jazz.
When a tough murder rape case lands on his doorstep ,Biegler steps up to the plate and seeks justice for the husband and wife couple involved.
The trouble is the Husband Lt Fred Manion is a known hot head with a penchant for flying off the handle as his wife Laura is pure trailer trash who may have encouraged the victim to attack her.
The film does all the prep work leading up to the courtroom battle where Stuart must take on Two prosecuting attornies and the bleif of the jury that the Lt is stone cold guilty.
Its here where the film broke many taboos with the mention of intercourse and the use of the words panties.
This may sound tame today but at the time director Otto Preminger was breaking new ground.
The courtroom scenes are some of the best ever filmed with Stuart holding court and becoming the most riveting thing in the film.
Duke Ellingtons score is suitably smoky and adds to the whole nuance of the film.
A classy and memorable film with plenty of high drama .
This review of Anatomy of a Murder (1959) was written by Stephen C on 21 May 2012.
Anatomy of a Murder has generally received very positive reviews.
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