Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

But is there a man alive in Michigan's Upper Peninsula who hasn't seen them?The success of this film is the result of its outstanding cast and, for me, its authentic location in the area where the true story actually occurred, the remote and unique Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The location was genuine to the extent that the bar where much of the movie's action occurred was the same place where the original murder was committed in 1952.I am very thankful that director Otto Preminger refused to allow Lana Turner to model her fancy gowns as Laura Manion and that he had the insight to choose a much more appealing newcomer, Lee Remick, instead. Gowns in a trailer camp? That would be ridiculous, Lana. With her usual stiffness and self-consciousness, Turner would have significantly weakened the action while Remick's natural impertinence, radiant beauty, and simmering sexuality lured me into a script that I might otherwise have found to be dull and lifeless. Beyond her very pleasing physical appearance, Remick's smooth acting ability was established beyond a doubt here and her performance in this film launched her career, which peaked only a few years later in her Oscar nominated role as Kirsten Arnesen Clay in "The Days of Wine and Roses" (1962). When Lee Remick died at the young age of 55, it was a very sad day for Hollywood and for all of us "out here in the dark" who truly loved her and still love her.In addition to Remick's lively portrayal as Laura Manion, the wife of the accused and the supposed victim of the alleged rape that triggered the murder in the first place, we are treated to top notch performances by James Stewart as Paul Biegler, her husband's embittered defense attorney, Ben Gazzara as Lt. Frederic Manion, the accused husband, and George C. Scott as the visiting prosecutor from the state capital of Lansing. Add to that dynamic list an always entertaining, wise-cracking Eve Arden ("Mildred Pierce, "Our Miss Brooks") as Biegler's loyal legal administrator and a lovely Kathryn Grant Crosby ("The Phenix City Story", "Seven Voyages of Sinbad", and several Bing Crosby Christmas TV specials) as a miscast but still very attractive Mary Pilant, who plays a critical role in the film's final outcome. Also among the very entertaining cast is Arthur O'Connell in his Oscar nominated role as an endearing Parnell McCarthy, Biegler's devoted but alcoholic sidekick. As to Laura Manion's panties, the intimate article of clothing that played such a pivotal role in her husband's trial, the fast living wife of the murder suspect struck me as a woman who often lost track of her panties, so you'll have to decide on your own whether Barney Quill actually raped her or whether she was rather a willing, consensual partner. While the Manions may appear to be a very engaging couple at first glance, we should know to approach them with an abundance of caution. Watch this one for the outstanding cast, the intriguing, authentic locale, the quirky, interesting characterizations, and that classic and very cool 1949 Pontiac Silver Streak convertible in which Stewart and O'Connell tool around town. It takes a special breed to ride through the UP of Michigan with the top down at any time of the year.

This film is helmed by the great James Stewart, one of the most cherished actors in history and one with the most distinctive drawls. And, this being one of his most well-known roles, it stands to reason that it would be a pretty good film in general. It certainly doesn't disappoint.The plot, based on true events, goes that a former district attorney (Stewart) gets pulled in to defend a man charged with first-degree murder. Alright, all in day's work, except that the man really did commit the killing, no way around that. But his wife also claims that the murder victim had raped her beforehand, offering mitigating circumstances. So our hapless DA protagonist faces a true uphill battle to get a no guilty verdict for his client.Anatomy of a Murder isn't all that different from all other courtroom dramas you might have seen. At least story-wise, that is. It's the all-star cast and the great script which elevate it above its peers. Stewart especially, but the film also includes names such as Arthur O'Connell, Ben Gazzara and George C. Scott, all powerful actors in their own right. The score featuring one and only Duke Ellington doesn't exactly hurt the film either.Not that the story doesn't have some good things going for it as well. It's pretty rare to see a film crime case where the accused defended by the protagonist is actually guilty. And also a pretty unlikable person as a whole. But the whole point of the film is that it shouldn't matter. If there is a case to be made within the law that he is not guilty due to the circumstances, then not guilty he should be. And that's something you don't see in every film.Anatomy of a Murder is one of my favourite courtroom dramas and a great film by any standard worth setting. Definitely worth your time.

Here and there you see "Anatomy of a Murder" described as one of the best trial movies ever made. I would go one further and say it is the best trial movie ever made – and it's nearly 60 years old.It is possible that other people could have played some of the parts, but not Jimmy Stewart's as Paul (Polly) Biegler; he was so right and brought unique qualities to the role of the laid back, almost nerdish smalltown lawyer who reveals a sharp legal mind. And who would want to replace Lee Remick as Laura Manion? She is so amazingly sexy in this. I never tire of seeing her on the screen at any stage of her career. Like most of the stars of this film though, she died years ago; too young at 55.It's fascinating the way Polly resists the charms of Laura when she fully expects to ensnare him like she does just about all men. We sense that Polly knows where his happiness lies. He is content with his insular existence; his close circle of friends; his passion for fishing and the study of the law with his old friend Parnell McCarthy (Arthur O'Connell) – battles in the courtroom are one thing, but he doesn't encourage the kind of disruption to his life that someone like Laura Manion would bring.Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, George C. Scott and Kathryn Grant were all newcomers; what a cast, and the interesting thing is that this would remain one of the best movies of their careers.Director, Otto Preminger liked to push the envelope. Even now, the rape case at the core of the film and terminology used in the court still sounds a little shocking – amazing for a film made in 1959.Preminger also had a reputation as one of the meanest, most fractious filmmakers in Hollywood. However according to a recent biography, "Otto Preminger: The Man Who Would Be King" by Foster Hirsch, the participants of the film claimed that he created almost a family atmosphere on location in Michigan and it was one the happiest shoots they were ever involved in.Otto made a number of very good movies in his career and some pretty ordinary ones. But "Anatomy of a Murder" is a masterpiece, and surely no artist can line the ducks up perfectly every time although Otto's batting average was better than most.

Paul Biegler (James Stewart) is a former district attorney who lost his re-election. He spends his days fishing and talking to his alcoholic friend Parnell McCarthy (Arthur O'Connell) and his secretary Maida Rutledge (Eve Arden). Army lieutenant Frederick Manion (Ben Gazzara) is arrested for the murder of bartender Barney Quill who supposedly raped his wife Laura (Lee Remick). Biegler leads him to claim insanity. Laura is flirty and Fred is jealous. Assistant DA Claude Dancer (George C. Scott) from the capital Lansing comes to co-chair the prosecution. James Stewart is impeccably solid. The acting is generally terrific. Ben Gazzara is filled with intensity and Lee Remick is acting through her sweater. The plot is a bit long-winded and it's a bit slower than the modern legal procedural. The movie has some of the minutia of court procedures. However this is still a great classic courtroom drama.