Review of Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) by Tyler L — 09 Jun 2007

A classic film and incredibly played. The Nuremberg Trials are nearing the end, in 1948, the Cold War is starting to boil and the last of the Nazi war criminals are ready for trial. Four distingushed members of the Nazi court system. Among the defendants is Justice Minister Ernst Janning(Burt Lancaster). Janning is at times portrayed as someone who is sympathtic. This notion is only re-enforced by his lawyer, Hans Rolfe, played by great Austrian actor Maximilian Schell in his very deserving Oscar winning role as Best Actor. Schell's emotion in the court room at times turn from sympathic German nationalist to a down right bully. Especially to witnesses played by Montgomery Clift and Judy Garland. Wonderful performances by Spencer Tracy, as lead judge. Richard Widmark, as chief prosector. cameos by a young William Shatner provide the film with a wonderful cast of stars about examining our consciouses about who was to blame for the tragedy of the Holocaust and how we deal with those responsible in the future in order to avoid them.

An American classic that should be shown in high school classrooms or in any legal college course.