Review of Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) by Bryan M — 27 Jun 2010

Among the finest courtroom dramas, up there with "12 Angry Men," "The Verdict," and "Witness for the Prosecution." But it also has the added value of a balanced view of the crimes committed during WWII under the guise of taking orders.

Maximilian Schell plays the defense attorney for accused judges who rendered verdicts in Germany under the Third Reich. He is convincing in his portrayal of a man who gives a vigorous defense of these clients.

Richard Widmark is the prosecution attorney who makes an impassioned case against the judges. Spencer Tracy is an American judge (one of three justices) presiding over the proceedings, who tries to understand both sides of the argument and weighing all the issues.

Various star cameos include Judy Garland, as a woman whose friendship with a Jewish man created a controversial ruling during the war, and Montgomery Clift, who testifies about cruel experiments that took place.

All-around beautifully acted and intelligently written, based on a teleplay by Abby Man for "Playhouse 90" that had starred Claude Rains and Mr. Schell. Director Kramer ("The Defiant Ones," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner") delivers a riveting drama without using a lot of gimmicks, undoubtedly would be employed today.

Look for a young William Shatner, as Tracy's assistant.