Compulsion
Sometimes Murder Is Just A Way To Pass The Time.
In this riveting true story about the notorious 1924 Leopold/Loeb murder case, Orson Wells stars as the brilliant Clarence Darrow whose history-making defense against capitol punishment saved two Chicago teenagers from a death sentence.
Though names have changed, this factual, fascinating character study based on news reporter Meyer Levin's bestseller focuses on the two boys - one bossy and intimidating (Bradford Dillman), the other sensitive and introverted (Dean Stockwell) - who thought their superior intellect would enable them to pull off "the perfect crime." E.G. Marshall, Martin Milner and Diane Varsi co-star in this "tense, intelligent" (Time) re-enactment of what was seen as the crime of the century.
Member Reviews
See it For Welles, excuse the shortcomings - zzzzzz
In another era, this would have been called a "vehicle" picture--in this instance, a showcase for Orson Welles. It works on that level. Welles steals the show--which is a feat in itself, because he doesn't appear until the last 3rd of the movie. It's worth watching for his performance alone.
At the time of its release (late 50s), there is no denying that it had an real impact, as did another courtroom drama released the same year (Anatomy of a Murder.) Movies were venturing into new territory.
Today, does it still work on those other levels? To some extent, but it's effect uneven. The "attack" scene with one of the accused and a college coed is somewhat mawkish by today's blunt, brutal standards.Well Ahead Of Its Time - revsdd
This is a movie that's far ahead of its time. In some ways, it's a psychological study of why some people turn to evil without any apparent remorse. It's also an anti-capital punishment argument in a time when capital punishment was both accepted and non-controversial. It deals with subject matters that I wouldn't normally expect to see in a movie of this era, and it's a very taut psychological thriller that wouldn't bore anyone.
Dean Stockwell was the clear highlight of the film. He offered an amazing portrayal of Judd Steiner, the seemingly emotionless one of the murderous duo (the other was Bradford Dillman as Arthur Strauss.) Steiner and Strauss are basically rich, spoiled kids who decide to take up killing for the fun and excitement involved. The movie revolves around the investigation into the murder of a young boy, and then the trial of the two. Stockwell and Dillman made an interesting combination. In the beginning, Strauss is portrayed as the one in charge, with Steiner uncertain and nervous. By the end, Steiner is transformed into a hard as nails and cold as ice monster. The evolution of that relationship is fascinating.
There were aspects of the story that didn't work for me. Ruth came across as far too forgiving of Judd after her encounter with him, and frankly, the rather long-winded speech by Orson Welles (playing attorney Jonathon Wilk) to the judge at the end of the movie was too long-winded, even though I agreed with some of it. (Modern studies of capital punishment would call into question Wilk's statement that only rich kids would die for this kind of crime; in fact, it's overwhelmingly the poor who are sentenced to death.) I thought the movie also opened with a musical score and what we would call today fonts for the credits that were entirely inappropriate, and which seemed to almost set this up as some sort of comedy. It's not. It's deadly serious, and very good.Fine '50's Drama With Orson Welles In Scene Stealer - bwod
Two young men plot a thrill killing and murder a young boy in Chicago, 1924. A big name lawyer defends them and tries to save the accused from the gallows.
Based on a play, a book, and real events, "Compulsion" is a treat for those who appreciate a good crime drama played out on the big screen. Wait for Orson Welles' segments in the latter part of the film. In real life, Clarence Darrow (The Scopes Monkey Trial) defended the murderous youths. Welles draws on actual courtroom speeches to make his case for leniency.
It's powerful stuff.
Overall, the acting is excellent, and the story is fascinating. Well worth a look. I give it two thumbs up, for a moving script based on true events.
Member Reviews
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See it For Welles, excuse the shortcomings - zzzzzz
In another era, this would have been called a "vehicle" picture--in this instance, a showcase for Orson Welles. It works on that level. Welles steals the show--which is a feat in itself, because he doesn't appear until the last 3rd of the movie. It's worth ...Well Ahead Of Its Time - revsdd
This is a movie that's far ahead of its time. In some ways, it's a psychological study of why some people turn to evil without any apparent remorse. It's also an anti-capital punishment argument in a time when capital punishment was both accepted and non-controversial. ...Fine '50's Drama With Orson Welles In Scene Stealer - bwod
Two young men plot a thrill killing and murder a young boy in Chicago, 1924. A big name lawyer defends them and tries to save the accused from the gallows.
Based on a play, a book, and real events, "Compulsion" is a treat for those who appreciate a good ...