GREAT COURTROOM MOVIES - PART 10

Courtroom movies depict the legal practice and matters revolving around justice in society. In most cases, these movies are based on real-life happenings. They can be produced based on the real past even or to mimic a common justice issue. These movies often follow the real protocol and time as it happens in the courtroom. However, it is not uncommon for these movies to be based on fictional attorneys, the complainants, and the defendants. Most people fail to draw the line between the courtroom and police crime movies. Police crime films always focus on the police investigating a case and solving crime-related issues. In contrast, the central themes in courtroom dramas are occurrences in courtrooms. These movies may also include other aspects of legal procedures, including jury deliberations and other activities that occur in law firms. The term "Legal Drama" refers to televised shows and films, while "Legal Thrillers" is used when referring to novels and plays. Here are some of the great courtroom movies.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt 1956

The central theme of this movie revolves around circumstantial evidence. A newspaper publisher named Austin Spencer (Sidney Blackmer) desires to unleash the issue regarding the insufficiency of circumstantial evidence. He opens up to Tom Garrett (Dana Andrews), the fiancé to his daughter, regarding participation in a hoax to help reveal the clumsiness of the tough-minded district attorney. The hoax requires Tom to plant clues that may result in his arrest for the murder of a nightclub dancer, Patty Gray. Once Tom is convicted, Spencer will reveal the hoax and then accuse and humiliate the attorney. Tom consent to the plan, and everything works as planned until Tom is arrested. However, Spencer succumbs to a car accident before he could give the testimony that was supposed to lead to the release of Tom. Worse still, all the photographic evidence burns in the car beyond recognition. What a bad turn of events! Tom is found guilty and sentenced to death. Lucky enough, the written evidence by Spencer is discovered, hence the convict is to be pardoned. Nevertheless, Tom slips while discussing with his fiancé' and reveals that he actually knows the name of the dead woman. This makes him confess. The woman who was murdered is Emma Blucher, his estranged wife. The woman had gone back on her intention to divorce him while in Mexico. Since this circumstance was complicating his plan to marry Susan, Tom Killed Emma. As a result, the pardon is annulled prior to the actualization of the double jeopardy rule. The movie ends as he is sent back to the cell.

Director; The movie is directed by Fritz Lang.

Cast; The movie stars Dana Andrews (Tom Garrett), Joan Fontaine (Susan Spencer), Sidney Blackmer (Austin Spencer), Shepperd Strudwick (Jonathan Wilson), Arthur Franz (Bob Hale), and Robin Raymond (Terry Larue).

Awards and Nominations; The information regarding awards and nominations is not available.

Commercial Performance; The Box Office was valued at $1.1 million. The information regarding gross earning is not available.

Trivia; Joyce Taylor made her debut as an actress in this movie. Also, the movie was crafted in just 20 days. This was also the last American Film directed by Fritz Lang before he went back to Germany. This was a box office letdown. Lastly, the car driven by Tom Garrett is a 1956 Lincoln Premiere sedan.

Helter Skelter 1976

William Garretson is put behind bars after the bodies of Sharon Tate, and her guests were found at her home. Nevertheless, William is released due to lack of evidence, just three days after the arrest. The investigative authorities are reluctant to link the death of Tate to Hinman and LaBianca killings, even though there are some similarities between the crime scenes. These similarities include blood writings on the walls. The authorities only focus on the drug-related angle between the killings. They raid Spahn Ranch in an effort to break an auto theft ring and put Manson and his gang in custody. Steven Quint (aged 9) finds a gun that is then surrendered to the police by the father. However, it is also ignored.

After the Manson family is set free, Stephanie Mark and Kitty Lutesinger inform the authorities that the Manson Family has shifted to the Barker Ranch. They also inform the policy that Susan Atkins participated in the killing of Hinman. As a result, Susan is put in custody, where she opens up to her fellow inmate on her killing of Sharon Tate and her involvement in the other 11 killings. Following the interview with Vincent Bugliosi (District Attorney), Danny Decarlo visits Spahn Ranch and asserts that Manson was in possession of a 22 caliber Buntline revolver that appears similar to the one used in the killings. Ronnie Howard reports to the homicide division Susan's confession because of burning down the earthmoving equipment belonging to the municipal. Bugliosi requests that the bail for Manson's trial be hyped significantly.

The interview with the Manson's girls leads to the arrest of the individuals involved in the murder. The fingerprints of Tex Watson and Patricia Krenwinkel resemble the ones discovered at the Tate residence. In the jury sessions, Susan gives all the material information regarding the killings, leading to the arrest of the suspects, including Susan herself, Leslie Van Houten, Tex, Patricia, Linda, and Manson. After the trial, all the defendants are found guilty and sentenced to death. However, the state of California expels the death penalty later, making them fit for parole application.

Director; The movie is directed by Tom Gries.

Cast; This movie stares George DiCenzo (Vincent Bugliosi), Steve Railsback (Charles Manson), Nancy Wolfe (Susan Atkins), Marilyn Burns (Linda Kasabian), Christina Hart (Patricia Krenwinkel), Cathey Paine (Leslie Van Houten), Alan Oppenheimer (Aaron Stovitz) Sondra Blake (Ronnie Howard), and Rudy Ramos (Danny DeCarlo).

Awards and Nominations; Billy Goldenberg was nominated for the Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Special. Tom Gries was nominated for the Outstanding Directing in a Special Program – Drama of Comedy. Lastly, Byron Brandt and Bud S. Isaacs were nominated for Outstanding Film Editing for a Special.

Commercial Performance; This information is not available.

Trivia; To adequately act as Charles Manson, Steve Railsback had to be in a closet for 2 hours daily. Manson's car in the movie is also the original one that was lent by the authorities. Lastly, most of the dialogues in the courtroom were adapted from the actual court transcripts.

The Music Box 1989

Mike Laszlo (Armin Mueller-Stahl) is a Hungarian immigrant who has made tremendous progress ever since he settled in the United States following the end of World War II. He has been in the US for at least four decades. Mike is very impressed by his daughter Ann Talbot (Jessica Lange), an efficacious attorney. However, the release of the World War II records leads to his accusation as an infamous war criminal. Mike is fully convinced that this a hoax by the Communists to disrepute him. He is defended by his daughter in court. Nevertheless, unbridles some startling secrets that unleash new mysteries.

Director; The movie is directed by Costa-Gavras.

Cast; This movie stares Jessica Lange (Ann Talbot), Armin Mueller-Stahl (Mike Laszlo), Frederic Forrest (Jack Burke), Donald Moffat (Harry Talbot), and Lukas Haas (Mikey Talbot).

Awards and Nominations; The movie won the Golden Bear at the 40th Berlin International Film Festival. In addition, Jessica Lange was nominated for the Academy Award for the Best Actress and Golden Globe For Best Actress. Lastly, Lukas Haas was nominated for the Best Young Actor Supporting Role in a Motion Picture in the Young Artist Award.

Commercial Performance; This movie grossed $6 263 883 in the US, which was also its cumulative worldwide gross.

Trivia; The title of the film was drafted by Costa- Gavaras, while the screenplay was written by Joe Eszterhas. Also, the initial screenplay was named "Sins of the Fathers."

A Dry White Season 1989

The plot of this movie revolves around Ben du Toit (Donald Sutherland), a teacher who ignores the critical issues brought about by apartheid in South Africa. However, his view changes when a son of the gardener is, Winston Nashona, is murdered by a corrupt cop Stolz (Jurgen Prochnow). The teacher then convinces human rights lawyer Ian McKenzie (Marlon Brando) to file a long-shot case against the cop. In the course of the trial, Toit transforms into an advocate of justice and immerses himself into it to the point of distancing himself from his family.

Director; The movie is directed by Euzhan Palcy.

Cast; The movie stares Donald Sutherland (Ben du Toit), Janet Suzman (Susan du Toit), Susannah Harker (Suzette du Toit), Rowen Elmes (Johan du Toit), Marlon Brando (Ian McKenzie), and Susan Sarandon (Melanie Bruwer).

Awards and Nominations; The movie was nominated for the Human Rights Award in the Political Film Society, USA. Marlon Brando was nominated for the Golden Globes Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture and BAFTA Awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Furthermore, he won the Best Actor award at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Euzhan Palcy won the Orson Welles for best Achievement Award in American Film Institute, International Recognition Award in the Durban International Film Festival, and the Orson Welles for best Achievement Award in the American Film Institute. He was also nominated for the award for Tokyo Grand Prix in the Tokyo International Film Festival and Best Supporting Actor in the Academy Awards.

Commercial performance; The movie earned $3.8 million in the US. Its estimated budget was $9 million. In the UK, the movie earned £334,314.

Trivia; This was the last film produced to show anti-Apartheid story released while Mandela was still imprisoned.  Interestingly, Euzhan Palcy was the first black lady to direct a major Hollywood film.

Hart's War 2002

Because of the father's influence, Lieutenant Tommy Hart (Colin Farrell), a law student in his second year, is recruited as an aid to an officer during World War II. However, he is captured and sent to Germany's prisoner war camp. While in the camp, Colonel William McNamara (Bruce Willis) gives him the responsibility of defending Lieutenant Lincoln Scott (Terrence Howard). Scott is a black POW convicted for killing a colleague white prisoner. McNamara came up with a cunning scheme to run away and extinguish a nearby multimillion plant. He utilizes the hero's resolve to execute his plan. He is forced to choose between his life and his country's good.

Director; The movie was directed by Gregory Hoblit.

Cast; The movie stars Bruce Willis (Col. William McNamara), Colin Farrell (Lt. Thomas Hart), Terrence Howard (Lt. Lincoln Scott), Cole Hauser (Staff Sgt Vic Bedford), Marcel Iureş (Oberst Werner Visser), Linus Roache (Captain Peter Ross), Vicellous Reon Shannon (Lt. Lamar Archer), and Jonathan Brandis (Private Lewis P. Wakely).

Awards and Nominations; The information regarding awards and nominations is not available.

Commercial Performance; The move's budget was estimated to be $7 million. It grossed $19 077 641 in the US and a cumulative worldwide gross of $3 287, 044.

Trivia; Because of an Australian accent, Sam Worthington’s voice was dubbed.

High Crimes 2002

A successful lawyer Claire Kubik is plagued with a significant challenge. Her husband, whom she has always thought to be Tom Kubik, is put into custody. His real identity turns out to be Ron Chapman. Ron is charged with the killing of Latin American individuals when he was still in the marines. Claire acknowledges that she would need to be facilitated by the rather eccentric Charlie Grimes to get through the military justice system. At the same time, her sister falls in love with Lieutenant Embry, the official defense attorney. Sadly, a good number of the eye witnesses have passed on.

Director; The movie was directed by Karl Franklin.

Cast; The movie stares Ashley Judd (Claire Kubik), Morgan Freeman (Charlie Grimes), Jim Caviezel (Tom Kubik / Ronnie Chapman), Adam Scott (First Lieutenant Terence Embry), Amanda Peet (Jackie Grimaldi), and Tom Bower (Special Agent Mullins).

Awards and Nominations; Morgan Freeman received a nomination for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture. Nevertheless, he lost to Denzel Washington in John Q, which was his 4^th successive win in this category.

Commercial Performance; The movie's estimated budget was $41 543 917. It grossed $41 453 917 in the US and recorded a worldwide gross of $63 781 810.

Trivia; Ashley Judd played the role of the Harvard professor in the original versions of the script.3

Snow Falling on Cedars 1999

This movie depicts a scene in 1950 at the San Pedro Island. The dead body of the Commercial fisher Carl Heine is being removed from the ocean water in a fishing net. Heine died out of head trauma, though Kazuo Myamoto is charged for his death. The two were very good friends, right from their childhood. However, World War II strained their communities, specifically the Japanese and Caucasians in the region and the Japanese population that has always been the majority on the island. The two find themselves in a land dispute that may have led to the death of Carl.

Director; The movie is directed by Scott Hicks.

Cast; The movie stars Ethan Hawke (Ishmael Chambers), Reeve Carney (young Ishmael), James Cromwell (Judge Fielding), Max von Sydow (Nels Gudmundsson), Youki Kudoh (Hatsue Miyamoto), Anne Suzuki (young Hatsue), and Richard Jenkins (Sheriff Art Moran).

Awards and Nominations; Robert Richardson won various awards, including Best Cinematography, in Chicago Film Critics Association Awards, Best Cinematography in Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association Awards, Best Cinematograph in Florida Film Critics Circle Awards, and Best Cinematography in Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards. Furthermore, Reeve Carney won Best Performance in a Feature Film, Supporting Young Actor in Young Artist Awards. There were also various nominations received by other characters in the movie.

Commercial Performance; The movie's estimated budget was $35 million. It grossed a worldwide cumulative total of $23 049 593.

Trivia; Ethan Hawke agreed later that the drama was "not a great acting experience." Also, this was the second time Scott Hicks got a nomination for an Academy Award.

The Bottom Line

Apart from contenting the entertainment need for movie buffs, courtroom movies can help instill various societal values. Individuals can learn from the mistakes depicted by the characters in these movies. This genre continues to evolve with time. This blog has discussed at least seven great courtroom movies. Watch them, get entertained, and learn.

Movie Buffs Forever stocks classic movies on DVD from the 1940's to the early 2000's. Browse our vast collection of old, rare and out of print classic movies on DVD.  

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Why We Still Love DVDs