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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Jonathan Wilk
Judd Steiner
Arthur A. Straus
Ruth Evans
District Attorney Harold Horn
Sid Brooks
Critic Reviews for Compulsion
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Somewhat detached in its handling of emotional tensions, this smooth screen treatment of Meyer Levin's book nonetheless generates its own sort of cobra-like hypnosis.
November 5, 2019 | Full Review… -
Black-and-white classic about the Leopold-Loeb murder case.
January 10, 2017 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
First great 'thrill killer' movie
March 16, 2007 | Rating: 5/5 -
[Richard] Fleischer turns the screws hard in "Compulsion.
May 30, 2006 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
June 29, 2005 | Rating: B+ -
Richard Fleischer's thriller is loosely based on the celebrated 1924 Chicago murder trial of Jewish thrill-killers Leopold and Loeb.
February 13, 2005 | Rating: B- | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Compulsion
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Jan 16, 2012Based 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
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Oct 16, 2011Orson Welles was JUST fantastic, as expected, I guess. It reminded me a lot of In Cold Blood.Jennifer D Super Reviewer
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Aug 27, 2009Excellent 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
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Feb 03, 2009Based 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
Compulsion Quotes
Sid Brooks: | I hope they hang him. I hope he hangs till the rope rots! |
Sid Brooks: | I hope they hang him. I hope he hangs til the rope rots! |
D.A. Horn: | The state psychiatrists have declared them completely sane. |
Jonathan Wilk: | Yes, after a searching and exhausting study. Isn't that right Harold? 10 minutes in a crowded hotel room. Oh, we're up against some brilliant minds in this case, and we - we haven't a minute to lose. |
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