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Movies / On DVD / Anatomy of a Murder
Anatomy of a Murder

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Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

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Reviews Counted:4

Fresh:4

Rotten:0

Average Rating:N/A

Consensus: One of cinema's greatest courtroom dramas, Anatomy of a Murder is tense, thought-provoking, and brilliantly acted, with great performances from James Stewart and George C. Scott.

Runtime: 2 hrs 41 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: Director Preminger thrives in tense legal showdowns and this is perhaps his best, mostly for Stewart's cagey performance as a deceptively wily small-town lawyer. An army lieutenant shoots a bar... Director Preminger thrives in tense legal showdowns and this is perhaps his best, mostly for Stewart's cagey performance as a deceptively wily small-town lawyer. An army lieutenant shoots a bar owner for allegedly raping his wife. A trial ensues, in which his attempts to convince the jury that the lieutenant is innocent of first degree murder because of he was the victim of an "irresistible impulse." The plot is complicated by the nature of the criminal and defendants, none of whom is purely good or evil, but who all have a complex relationship to the law and to society. [More]

Starring: James Stewart, George C. Scott, Murray Hamilton, Eve Arden

Starring: James Stewart, George C. Scott, Murray Hamilton, Eve Arden, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Orson Bean, Arthur O'Connell

Director: Otto Preminger

Director: Otto Preminger
Producer: Otto Preminger
Composer: Duke Ellington

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Release:

Jul 11, 2000

[DVD Details]
 
 
  • 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(r) 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!
  • Source: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
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    Reviews for Anatomy of a Murder

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    At 160 minutes, Anatomy is longer than the subject warrants, but the pace seldom slackens -- thanks to the competence of Director Otto Preminger.

    Full Review Source: TIME Magazine | comment Comment
    04/24/09
    TIME Magazine
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    Preminger purposely creates situations that flicker with uncertainty, that may be evaluated in different ways. Motives are mixed and dubious, and, therefore, sustain interest.

    Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
    10/23/07
    Variety Staff
    Variety Staff
    Variety
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    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.

    Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | comment Comment
    10/23/07
    Jonathan Rosenbaum
    Jonathan Rosenbaum
    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic Icon Top Critic

    It is the best courtroom melodrama this old judge has ever seen.

    Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
    05/20/03
    Bosley Crowther
    Bosley Crowther
    New York Times
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