Anatomy Of A Murder
"One of the most extraordinary films ever made." -Los Angeles Times
A riveting courtroom drama of rape and premeditated murder is brought to life with an all-star cast in the suspenseful and highly-acclaimed Anatomy Of A Murder. Nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture (1959), the film pits a humble small-town lawyer (James Stewart) against a hard-headed big-city prosecutor (George C. Scott). Emotions flare as a jealous army lieutenant (Ben Gazzara) pleads innocent to murdering the rapist of his seductive, beautiful wife (Lee Remick). Produced and directed by the renowned Otto Preminger, the film features a brilliant score by Duke Ellington. Packed with drama, passion and intrigue, Anatomy Of A Murder is a cinematic masterpiece that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Member Reviews
What can I say but... - ShawnConnery
This is definitely a classic courtroom drama. Though not as suspenseful as I thought it'd be, the acting is incredible (how can you go wrong with the likes of Scott and Stewart?), the story is captivating, and the screenplay is fantastic. Even the music by Duke Ellington enhances the filmIt's all about Jimmy - Cherries
I was surprised at how much I liked Anatomy of a Murder.
This is a rather unremarkable story about some rather unremarkable characters involved in some rather unremarkable events. Even the circumstances surrounding the murder in question are rather, well, unremarkable.
And yet, this is a thoroughly enjoyable movie to watch. Why? Two words: Jimmy Stewart. There is something about Stewart's on-screen persona that just makes you want to watch him. And this "aura" extends to all the supporting cast as well. What's more, Stewart can draw you in without even seemingly trying. But I guess that's the point, and one of the reasons he was one of Hollywood's greatest stars.
Watching Stewart on screen is like having a casual conversation with an old friend--comfortable, safe, yet strangely engaging. This is not to take away from the excellent supporting cast--who were all good in their respective roles, bar none. George C. Scott as the powerful lead prosecuting attorney; Joseph N. Welch as the kindly, if pedantic, Judge Weaver brings some levity to the heavier courtroom scenes; Arthur O'Connell as the cuddly, pathetic Parnell who climbs out of a bottle with Stewart's help to find purpose in his life again. And of course, the stunningly beautiful Lee Remick as Laura Manion, the wife of the accused , rape victim and free spirit.
Once could consider the score by Duke Ellington a species of supporting cast member. The high energy jazz music has its own presence and sometimes overpowers the film, but it gives "Anatomy" a rather unique atmosphere that speaks to the grittiness of the circumstances and the questionable morals of some of the characters.
That said, "Anatomy" without Stewart in the lead role might have been a fairly good but forgettable movie. It's Stewart who makes it an endearing American classic.The Master, James Stewart. - BogieMan
I don't know of anyone else in history that can play the "Humble, Naive, Small town nice guy" like Jimmy Stewart. He made an entire career of it. The Musical score in this movie is what really makes it stand out, Duke Ellington did the music and it was pretty cool in this movie.
I really like court room movies and this is one of the best.
Member Reviews
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What can I say but... - ShawnConnery
This is definitely a classic courtroom drama. Though not as suspenseful as I thought it'd be, the acting is incredible (how can you go wrong with the likes of Scott and Stewart?), the story is captivating, and the screenplay is fantastic. Even the music by ...It's all about Jimmy - Cherries
I was surprised at how much I liked Anatomy of a Murder.
This is a rather unremarkable story about some rather unremarkable characters involved in some rather unremarkable events. Even the circumstances surrounding the murder in question are rather, ...The Master, James Stewart. - BogieMan
I don't know of anyone else in history that can play the "Humble, Naive, Small town nice guy" like Jimmy Stewart. He made an entire career of it. The Musical score in this movie is what really makes it stand out, Duke Ellington did the music and it was pretty ...