The Story on Page One

Excellent performances from all, and especially a rare performance from Sanford Meisner. Great direction and intensity from Clifford Odets. A rather simple story superbly told. Sanford Meisner's performance is especially outstanding and fresh as the prosecuting attorney on the scent.

As a long time criminal/civil trial lawyer, I think most films/TV shows about trials are pretty bad. I thought this one was was good in that the trial procedures, in particular the direct and cross examinations of the witnesses, were highly realistic (as they are in the better known " Anatomy of a Murder"). Sanford Meisner's cross examination of Gig Young was very well done as was Franciosa's of Young's meddling mother. Hugh Griffith also did a good job as the judge. The police and prosecution were not portrayed in a very favorable light which was unusual during that era. I'm surprised that it's not out on DVD as yet. I caught it on FMC when that station was still running good movies. This film gives a far better picture of a trial than those in most TV shows which tend to show actors making speeches for the jury.

An above-par courtroom drama, set in Los Angeles, elevated by director/screenwriter Clifford Odets' sharp script. He originally intended for this work to be a play. It was also elevated by an outstanding cast, with special kudos to Rita Hayworth's warm portrayal of a woman in an abusive marriage and by Sanford Meisner's forceful and expressive performance as the cross-examing prosecutor.

The bulk of the film takes place in the courtroom and since we immediately see the crime, we know that it was an accident and therefore the tension in the film comes about in finding out if the two lovebirds accused of murdering her husband will be given a death sentence, because the circumstances point to their guilt.

The beauty in the film is in the long-drawn-out courtroom dramatics.

The story itself wasn't too interesting, but the performances were energetic and the film had a good courtroom style, enough to make this chatty film well worth seeing.

From the beginning, I noticed how well my TV's stereo was working when watching this story. Funny thing is, this was a Mono. recording originally? Perhaps it was an illusion but it was as if each person had their own microphone and the voices seemed to jump left and right just as the characters sat across from each other. In most films, I hardly notice anything stereo when two people are sitting quite close together. The sound worked well with the 2.35:1 wide screen image...so wide that it still only filled half of my digital TV screen.

In the courtroom, in addition to the voices, the smallest noise of rustling paper or moving a glass filled the background. The result was very lifelike.

Not a great story, but one that is a real treat for the ears.

A fine movie underplayed by all except Tony Francisco who took his part to am outstanding performance. Acting in his role to levels we rarely see him in.

The role by Hayworth was purposely underacted and she became a minor role in the movie but was quite effective.

What impressed me most was Young's character as a "Mommy's" boy who came to his own through the film.

I have always liked Young and this might have been his best dramatic movie of his career even though his part was minimalised through most of the movie.

& yes, he won fair maiden.

A full 7/10 and maybe an 8.

Watch and enjoy!!!!

p.s. It might not have been near as good in color. B&W was perfect.