Opened: July 2, 1959

Directed by: Otto Preminger

Starring: James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Arthur O’Connell, Eve Arden, Kathryn Grant, George C. Scott, Orson Bean, Russ Brown, Murray Hamilton, Brooks West, Ken Lynch, John Qualen, Howard McNear, Alexander Campbell, Ned Wever, Jimmy Conlin, Royal Beal, Joseph Kearns, Don Ross, Lloyd Le Vasseur, James Waters, Duke Ellington & Joseph N. Welch

Although it’s a brilliant courtroom drama that’ll keep you invested in the case, Anatomy of a Murder shows its age with the slut-shaming of one of its key female characters.

Lt. Frederick Manion (Ben Gazzara) is arrested for the murder of Barney Quill, whom Manion accuses of raping his wife Laura (Lee Remick). Laura seeks out Paul Biegler (James Stewart) to be Manion’s attorney.

When Laura is put on the stand, prosecution lawyer Claude Dancer (George C. Scott) implies the way she dressed and acted may have invited a sexual advance. In modern time, women have fought tremendously against these accusations and if the film were made today, it would be tone deaf.

Outside of this, it’s a great drama with realism that stands strong. The battles between Biegler and Dancer are legendary.

Final say: A touch out of date. ★★★★☆