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Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
1 July 1959 (USA) morePlot:
In a murder trial, the defendant says he suffered temporary insanity after the victim raped his wife. What is the truth, and will he win his case? full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for 7 Oscars. Another 7 wins & 11 nominations moreUser Comments:
Intense, Dramatic, Well Crafted Suspense... more (140 total)Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| James Stewart | ... | Paul Biegler | |
| Lee Remick | ... | Laura Manion | |
| Ben Gazzara | ... | Lt. Frederick Manion | |
| Arthur O'Connell | ... | Parnell Emmett McCarthy | |
| Eve Arden | ... | Maida Rutledge | |
| Kathryn Grant | ... | Mary Pilant | |
| George C. Scott | ... | Asst. State Atty. Gen. Claude Dancer | |
| Orson Bean | ... | Dr. Matthew Smith | |
| Russ Brown | ... | George Lemon | |
| Murray Hamilton | ... | Alphonse Paquette | |
| Brooks West | ... | Dist. Atty. Mitch Lodwick | |
| Ken Lynch | ... | Det. Sgt. James Durgo | |
| John Qualen | ... | Deputy Sheriff Sulo | |
| Howard McNear | ... | Dr. Dompierre | |
| Alexander Campbell | ... | Dr. W. Gregory Harcourt |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
160 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)Certification:
Australia:M | Canada:R (Nova Scotia) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PA (Manitoba) | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 (1959) | Sweden:15 | UK:12A (re-rating) (2005) | UK:12 (video re-rating) 2001) | UK:15 (video rating) (1988) | UK:X (original rating) | USA:Unrated | West Germany:16 | Iceland:12Filming Locations:
2nd Floor, Marquette County Courthouse - 234 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, Michigan, USA moreFun Stuff
Trivia:
The part played by Lee Remick was first offered to Lana Turner, who agreed to take it on the condition that she would wear gowns designed exclusively by her personal couturier, Jean Louis. When director Otto Preminger objected that such gowns were not suitable for the role, Turner turned down the part. Columbia was ready to give in to Turner's demands but Preminger resisted and gave the role to Remick, then almost a beginner. moreGoofs:
Crew or equipment visible: Shadow of cameraman visible when Biegler asks the Thunder Bay Inn receptionist to page Mary Pilant moreFAQ
Why does Biegler want to prove that Mrs. Manion was raped? All that matters is that Lt. Manion BELIEVED she had been raped, causing temporary insanity.Is this movie based on a novel?
How closely does the movie follow the book?
more
more (140 total)
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Well filmed, beautifully acted, and painstakingly directed, this film deserves the highest praise.
James Stewart brings his customary stammering, quirky charm to a role that could have easily become overwhelmingly serious. Lee Remick is seen establishing her early image as the somehow fragile, undeniably seductive pawn (see also "A Face in The Crowd"), while Gazzara wavers intensely somewhere between heartless murderer and protective husband. The supporting cast is strong, creating a human backdrop for the senior players, keeping the story in the real world, effectively preventing this from becoming an exercise in legal theory.
This film is noteworthy for a myriad of reasons, but most specifically because it addresses the still controversial issue of acquaintance rape, and presents us with a victim of questionable morals. At the same time our murder victim is seen as a monster, then a friend and father. There really are no heroes here, no noble defenders, no pristine heroines, no completely innocent bystanders...both sides take their turns pointing fingers, each claiming that the other only got what they deserved.
We are forced to re-evaluate our thoughts on what constitutes justifiable homicide--the unwritten law that Manion speaks of in the film versus the law as written that Biegler must now interpret. This manipulation of intended meaning sets a somewhat tragic precedent evident in the legal system we work within today.
This film is highly entertaining, and excellent for discussion. Watch it with some of your more philosophical friends.