Anatomy of a Murder 1959

     Army Lieutenant Frederick Manion is married to Laura and they live in a trailer near the base.  Laura has been raped and beaten by a nearby bar owner.  Frederick has been arrested for the murder of the rapist Barney Quill.  Paul Biegler is a small-town lawyer and he takes the case.  He questions Laura and he believes her story.  The only possible way that Frederick can fight the murder charge is to claim temporary insanity.  The case is weak but Paul is pulling out all the stops to free his client.

     There are a lot of twists and turns in this trial.  The prosecution is suppressing any information that is positive for the defense.  There is a LOT of arguing in the courtroom between defense and prosecution.  The judge is becoming tired of their antics.  A man’s life is at stake and there must be a proper trial.  I didn’t know how this was going to turn out and what the verdict would be?  The defense portrays Frederick has hot headed, violently possessive and jealous.  Laura has a reputation for boredom leading to drinking and flirting with other men.  None of this will help the case!!  This film seems like an Alfred Hitchcock film.  3 ½* (I liked this movie)

160 min, Crime directed by Otto Preminger with James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Arthur O’Connell, Eve Arden Kathryn Grant, George C. Scott, Orson Bean, Russ Brown, Murray Hamilton, Brooks West, Ken Lynch, John Qualen, Howard McNear, Alexander Campbell.

Note:  Imdb 8.1 out of 10, 100% critic 90% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.6* out of 5* with 290 reviews, Slant Magazine 4 ½* out of 5*, Guardian 4* out of 5* Peter Bradshaw, Leterboxd 5* out of 5*.

Special Note:  Filmed in Ishpeming, Marquette, Big Bay, Michigamme and Powell Michigan.  There are errors with the characters, continuity, crew or equipment visible and geography.