Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

VHS CASE/SIDE

Length of film: 161 Minutes 

Rated: Not Rated    

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Director: Otto Preminger

Starring: James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Arthur O’Connell, Eve Arden, Kathryn Grant, George C. Scott

IMDB Rank: 8/10

Part 1 Time:  107 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:   54 Minutes

Where does the first part end? The first day of the trail has concluded and the crown has brought forth all their witnesses. The defence will defend themselves the next day.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “This court stands augured until 9:00am tomorrow” Bailiff states to the courtroom.

First line of dialogue on the second part: No dialogue- Parnell Emmett McCarthy (Arthur O’Connell) is shown getting into a car accident the following night.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, both the crown and the defence have stated their case clearly and has given valid evidence to support their cases. How will the jury find the accused guilty or not guilty of murder?

Which part is better? Although part one provides the background of the case and the first day of the trial. Part two is given the edge as we are able to witness the conclusion of the trial, and Paul Biegler’s (James Stewart) ability to represent the defence.

Academy Awards: Best Picture (Nominated), Best Leading Actor (Nominated-James Stewart), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Arthur O’Connell), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated-George C. Scott), Best Writing. Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Nominated), Best Cinematography- Black and White (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated)

National Film Registry: 2012