Compulsion

1959

Compulsion

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100%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 9

85%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,446
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Movie Info

Compulsion is a compelling, stylish thriller, loosely based on the famous 1924 murder trial of thrill-killers Loeb and Leopold, two homosexual students who murdered a young boy to demonstrate their intellectual superiority. Artie Straus (Bradford Dillman) is a sadistic, mother-dominated bully. Judd Steiner (Dean Stockwell) is a submissive, introverted sissy. Having been raised by wealthy, arrogant families, both Artie and Judd consider themselves above conventional morality. Unfeeling and conceited, the boys, after the killing, take delight in offering to aid in finding the culprits. It is this arrogance which leads to their capture and prosecution for the murders. Jonathan Wilk (Orson Welles), playing a Clarence Darrow-like criminal defense attorney, takes on the case, and puts on a defense, without the cooperation of his clients, who will offer no explanation for what they have done. Bradford Dillman gives an outstanding performance, as does Dean Stockwell as the utterly unsympathetic murderers. Orson Welles is flamboyantly imposing as Wilk, who must use all his wits to try to save the boys from execution. Compulsion is a suspenseful courtroom drama, even though most viewers will know the outcome. Tautly directed by Richard Fleischer, the film is an outstanding, believable courtroom drama. ~ Linda Rasmussen, Rovi

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Cast

Orson Welles
as Jonathan Wilk
Dean Stockwell
as Judd Steiner
Bradford Dillman
as Arthur A. Straus
Diane Varsi
as Ruth Evans
Clarence Darrow
E.G. Marshall
as District Attorney Harold Horn
Martin Milner
as Sid Brooks
Richard Anderson
as Max Steiner
Edward Binns
as Tom Daly
Robert Burton
as Charles Straus
Louise Lorimer
as Mrs. Straus
Wilton Graff
as Mr. Steiner
Gavin MacLeod
as Padua
Robert F. Simon
as Lt. Johnson
Terry Becker
as Benson
Russ Bender
as Edgar Llewellyn
Gerry Lock
as Emma
Harry Carter
as Detective
Simon Scott
as Detective
Voltaire Perkins
as Judge
Robert Simon
as Lt. Johnson
Jack Lomas
as Medical Examiner
Peter Brocco
as Albert, Steiner's Chauffeur
Ina Balin
as Mike's Girlfriend
Alan Carney
as Globe Newspaper Editor
Wendell Holmes
as Jonas Kessler
Frank Conroy
Kenner G. Kemp
as Juror
Henry Kulky
as Waiter
Dayton Lummis
as Doctor
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Critic Reviews for Compulsion

All Critics (9)

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Audience Reviews for Compulsion

  • Jan 16, 2012
    Based on the Leopold-Loeb case, Compulsion makes for an interesting watch. Surely, the story of two lads, with one being extremely influenced and misled by Nietzsche's philosophy, wanting to commit a perfect crime that ends up with the murder of a child is appealing in itself. But its execution can make a world of difference. The director succeeds extensively to create a compelling thriller sticking to the facts as closely as possible. However, there's an element missing that could have made it better than what it is; IDK exactly, maybe the lack of details about the victim and his family. Of course, the movie's about the awesome twosome, but a wee-bit footage to the victim wouldn't have harmed much. I didn't find Welles' speech against capital punishment that interesting, but his response to Artie's reaction on the verdict is indeed remarkable. I went for it hesitantly, thanks to IMDb message board, but without a hesitation I'd admit that I've no remorse over my decision. As far as I'm concerned, it's a great deal for 75+ minutes. Well, to each, their own.
    familiar s Super Reviewer
  • Oct 16, 2011
    Orson Welles was JUST fantastic, as expected, I guess. It reminded me a lot of In Cold Blood.
    Jennifer D Super Reviewer
  • Aug 27, 2009
    Excellent examination of the Loeb/Leopold case. Dillman is chilling in his utter contempt for all emotion and Stockwell is fine as his puppet but alll pale next to Welles who offers a wily and wise performance. It's a shame he didn't act in more films like this and Touch of Evil that were worthy of his talent.
    jay n Super Reviewer
  • Feb 03, 2009
    Based on the 1924 case of Nathan Leopold Jr and Richard Loeb, two wealthy upper-crust college students who methodically planned the kidnapping and murder of a 14 yr old boy (Robert Franks). A solid, well acted docu-drama that, near the end, suffers from an over abundance of preachy thespianism. It's one thing to cast the legendary Orson Welles as a Clarence Darrow-ish defense attorney in an obviously anti death penalty message film, but it's awfully highhanded to let him rant incessantly about the barbarics of capital punishment. In effect, he's not a cast member with a script who is reciting monologue to a judge, he's an actor with an agenda speaking to us (the audience). A memorable but highly liberal classic.
    Randy T Super Reviewer
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