This is a situation where the film in question is important, because of its influence, but the film taken on its own terms is deplorable. Directed by Otto Preminger (Laura), this film is a foundational work that has influenced courtroom dramas since its release. The morality at the heart of the film is unforgivable however. The case at hand is one about murder. A soldier murders a bar owner because the soldier believes the man raped his wife. When it turns out the wife is less than pure and the soldier has a history of violence, things get a little questionable. While I won't go into the final scenes, in case you want to sit through this film, I will say that the audience is left at the end with some disturbing morality. The performances are good, the film is important but the story is awful.


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Labels: Ben Gazzara, film, George C. Scott, Jimmy Stewart, Lee Remick, movie review, Otto Preminger