{"id":41592,"date":"2018-12-29T14:11:19","date_gmt":"2018-12-29T21:11:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=41592"},"modified":"2021-02-05T20:33:29","modified_gmt":"2021-02-06T03:33:29","slug":"anatomy-of-a-murder-1959","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=41592","title":{"rendered":"Anatomy of a Murder (1959)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>&#8220;Why wouldn&#8217;t I be legally justified in killing the man who raped my wife?&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Poster.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Poster-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-41602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Poster-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Poster-85x128.jpg 85w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Poster.jpg 666w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Synopsis:<\/strong><br \/>\nWith the help of his tippling friend (Arthur O&#8217;Connell) and loyal secretary (Eve Arden), a small-town lawyer (Jimmy Stewart) agrees to defend an army lieutenant (Ben Gazzara) accused of murdering the barkeeper who raped his wife (Lee Remick). Will Gazzara&#8217;s plea of temporary insanity set him free, or will the prosecuting attornies (Brooks West and George C. Scott) successfully convict him in front of the no-nonsense judge (Joseph Welch) presiding over the courtroom?\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>\n<strong>Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ben Gazzara Films<\/li>\n<li>Cat and Mouse<\/li>\n<li>Courtroom Drama<\/li>\n<li>Eve Arden Films<\/li>\n<li>George C. Scott Films<\/li>\n<li>Jimmy Stewart Films<\/li>\n<li>John Qualen Films<\/li>\n<li>Lawyers<\/li>\n<li>Lee Remick Films<\/li>\n<li>Otto Preminger Films<\/li>\n<li>Rape<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Review: <\/strong><br \/>\nLee Remick&#8217;s sexy, sultry performance is the central, most memorable draw of this surprisingly non-violent tale of murderous vengeance, directed by Otto Preminger and based on <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/John_D._Voelker\">Michigan Supreme Court Justice John D. Voelker&#8217;s novel<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvdtalk.com\/dvdsavant\/s3808anat.html\">DVD Savant<\/a> refers to it as &#8220;still the best courtroom drama ever, and perhaps director Otto Preminger&#8217;s finest movie overall&#8221;, while in the book <em>1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die<\/em>, reviewer Kim Newman similarly asserts that this once-controversial film &#8212; daring to use terms like &#8220;panties&#8221; and &#8220;spermatogenesis&#8221; &#8212; remains &#8220;a trenchant, bitter, tough, witty dissection of the American legal system&#8221;, and is &#8220;the best trial movie ever made&#8221;. While I&#8217;m not in agreement with this sentiment, the film certainly does present the trial process in an exacting and seemingly realistic fashion, thanks in no small part to the presence of non-actor Welch, famous for <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/PTwDUpbQHJg?t=80\">putting Senator Joseph McCarthy appropriately to shame<\/a>. From the striking opening titles by Saul Bass to Sam Leavitt&#8217;s atmospheric cinematography and strong performances across the board, <em>Anatomy of a Murder<\/em> is both a visual and an acting delight &#8212; though I&#8217;ll profess to finding it overly long, overly talky, and ultimately not as engaging or satisfying as one would hope given its credentials. With that said, it&#8217;s certainly worth viewing at least once by all film fanatics, and possibly many more &#8212; as DVD Savant writes, it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvdtalk.com\/dvdsavant\/s3808anat.html\">&#8220;never fails to reveal more complexities, no matter how many times one sees it&#8221;<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Redeeming Qualities and Moments: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Saul Bass&#8217;s opening and closing credits<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Saul-Bass.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Saul-Bass-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-41595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Saul-Bass-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Saul-Bass-128x72.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Saul-Bass-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Saul-Bass-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Saul-Bass.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Jimmy Stewart as Paul Biegler<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Stewart.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Stewart-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-41597\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Stewart-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Stewart-128x72.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Stewart-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Stewart-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Stewart.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>George C. Scott as Claude Dancer<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Scott.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Scott-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-41596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Scott-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Scott-128x72.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Scott-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Scott-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Scott.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Lee Remick as Laura Manion (nominated by Peary as one of the Best Actresses of the Year in his <em>Alternate Oscars<\/em>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Remick.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Remick-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-41603\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Remick-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Remick-128x72.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Remick-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Remick-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Remick.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Ben Gazzara as Lt. Manion<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Gazarra.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Gazarra-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-41601\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Gazarra-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Gazarra-128x72.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Gazarra-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Gazarra-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Gazarra.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Joseph N. Welch as Judge Weaver<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Welch.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Welch-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-41598\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Welch-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Welch-128x72.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Welch-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Welch-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Welch.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Sam Leavitt&#8217;s cinematography<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Cinematography2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Cinematography2-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-41600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Cinematography2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Cinematography2-128x72.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Cinematography2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Cinematography2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Anatomy-of-a-Murder-Cinematography2.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Must See? <\/strong><br \/>\nYes, for its historical relevance. Listed as a Personal Recommendation in the back of Peary&#8217;s book. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Categories<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Historically Relevant<\/li>\n<li>Oscar Winner or Nominee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> (<span style=\"color:red;font-weight:bold;\">Listed in <a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-static\/1001Movies.htm\"><em>1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die<\/em><\/a><\/span>) <\/p>\n<p><strong>Links: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0052561\/\">IMDb entry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvdtalk.com\/dvdsavant\/s3808anat.html\">DVD Savant Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.qnetwork.com\/review\/2722\">Q Network Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcm.com\/tcmdb\/title\/3737\/anatomy-of-a-murder#articles-reviews?articleId=85867\">TCM Article<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/1959\/07\/03\/archives\/screen-a-court-classic.html\">NY Times Original Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Why wouldn&#8217;t I be legally justified in killing the man who raped my wife?&#8221; Synopsis: With the help of his tippling friend (Arthur O&#8217;Connell) and loyal secretary (Eve Arden), a small-town lawyer (Jimmy Stewart) agrees to defend an army lieutenant (Ben Gazzara) accused of murdering the barkeeper who raped his wife (Lee Remick). Will Gazzara&#8217;s plea of temporary insanity set him free, or will the prosecuting attornies (Brooks West and George C. Scott) successfully convict him in front of the&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=41592\"> Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41592","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41592","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=41592"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41592\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69123,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41592\/revisions\/69123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=41592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=41592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=41592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}