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Plot Summary
A riveting courtroom drama of rape and premeditated murder is brought to life with an all-star castin 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). Producedand 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!
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Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews
TOMATOMETER
100%- Reviews Counted: 42
- Fresh: 42
- Rotten: 0
- Average Rating: 8.6/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Fresh: It is the best courtroom melodrama this old judge has ever seen.
Fresh: At 160 minutes, Anatomy is longer than the subject warrants, but the pace seldom slackens -- thanks to the competence of Director Otto Preminger.
Fresh: Preminger purposely creates situations that flicker with uncertainty, that may be evaluated in different ways. Motives are mixed and dubious, and, therefore, sustain interest.
Fresh: As an entertaining look at legal process, this is spellbinding all the way, infused by an ambiguity about human personality and motivation that is Preminger's trademark, and the location shooting is superb.
Customer Reviews
More than an "Anatomy of a Murder"--this is what a "true crime " story is all about!
I've seen this film 3 times and I could see it another "3 times"!!! This film is the only realistic version of what happens in a court room during an investigation and trial of a murder case. All the elements are there--passion and "on the edge of your seat tenseness, plus great acting, especially by Jimmy Stewart and George C. Scott(who was not seen in the preview done by Otto Preminger). I agreed with the previous reviewer, this IS NOT "Law and Order" tv, but the real thing. Actually excellent all the way around--screenplay, acting, directing, photography(location and court room).
Highly recommended!!
Now, I will admit that I am a bit biased as I am originally from the UP of Michigan where Anatomy was filmed, and Robert Travers (or John Voelker as I knew him) was a friend of my grandfathers, but the story/film was written as a loose interpretation of an actual murder in the UP. Mr. Voelker's works were based in great part on his life and times as an attorney and Michigan Supreme Court judge. Consider the times when Anatomy was released (1959) and how far ahead of it's time the content was. Murder, rape, infidelity and strong sexual inuendo all combine to create a riveting crime drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and knock you off of it at the end. All that and the amazing cast, Anatomy, arguably, would have won the Academy Award for best picture if it wasn't for Ben-Hur. And, if you like it, also check out Twelve Angry Men (1957) with Henry Fonda. A different kind of crime drama, but along the same cinemagraphic lines.
This is a classic
This film is wonderful. With all due respect, it is nowhere near an early version of a formulaic courtroom drama. It's so much more. It's James Stewart, for goodness sake. Watch this film and enjoy it; listen closely.
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- $12.99
- Genre: Drama
- Released: 1959
- © 1959, renewed 1987 Otto Preminger Films, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.