Anatomy of a Murder

Arguably Otto Preminger's greatest film, Anatomy of a Murder (1959) is also one of the best trial movies ever. Avoiding grandstanding and most cliches, Anatomy is both more realistic and dramatically satisfying than your average courtroom drama.

Former Michigan D.A. Paul Biegler (James Stewart) is enjoying his semi-retirement when he gets an explosive phone call from Laura Manion (Lee Remick). Manion's husband, an Army lieutenant (Ben Gazzara), murdered a man he says tried to rape Laura - though the evidence doesn't entirely bear that out. Unable to argue his client's innocence, Biegler instead decides on an insanity plea. He has his work cut for him, however, when the local prosecutor (Brooks West) brings in Assistant Attorney General Dancer (George C. Scott) to assist. Biegler must rely on not only his own wits, but the efforts of his boozy partner (Arthur O'Connell) and devoted secretary (Eve Arden) to dig up some exculpatory evidence.

Anatomy of a Murder certainly stands out from its peers. Wendell Mayes's screenplay frames a unique scenario: Manion's guilt is never in doubt, only the circumstances. Things remain ambiguous enough that it comes down to legal skills, with Biegler and Dancer perfectly matched in rhetoric and lack of scruples. We admire Biegler's professionalism but his clinical detachment is almost unnerving. The film gained much attention its time for its sexual frankness, though these elements seem tame today. Only towards the end does Anatomy fall back on Perry Mason tricks, with a surprise witness treatening to derail the whole case.

Otto Preminger often gave way to excess and preachiness (Exodus, In Harm's Way) but he's pitch-perfect here. For all of its 162 minutes, the film is constantly engaging, its lack of sociological baggage giving it an edge over tosh like Judgment at Nuremberg. The langorous pacing, perfect cast and Sam Leavitt's brooding photography make for an engrossing experience. Duke Ellington's marvelous jazz score adds another layer of enjoyment.

James Stewart gives one of his best performances, using his cornpone persona to mask a shrewd legal mind. Lee Remick is the right mixture of kittenish sensuality and bewildered innocence, while Ben Gazzara scores points for being roundly unsympathetic. George C. Scott received his big break as the snide prosecutor. Preminger fills key supporting roles with marvelous character talent: Arthur O'Connell, Eve Arden, Murray Hamilton, Kathryn Grant and John Qualen. Joseph N. Welch, Joe McCarthy's famous nemesis, plays the Judge and Duke Ellington has a cameo.

Perhaps Anatomy of a Murder's greatest achievement is versimilitude. I deal with obnoxious lawyers on a daily basis and found the film didn't put a foot wrong in its depiction. When a movie feels like a day at the office, it deserves some praise.