Anatomy of a Murder
Semi-retired Michigan lawyer Paul Biegler takes the case of Army Lt. Manion, who murdered a local innkeeper after his wife claimed that he raped her. Over the course of an extensive trial, Biegler parries with District Attorney Lodwick and out-of-town prosecutor Claude Dancer to set his client free, but his case rests on the victim's mysterious business partner, who's hiding a dark secret.
Critics Sentiment
Mary Pilant reveals she found the panties and that Quill was her father
The Manions disappear leaving only a mocking note about irresistible impulse
The film peaks with Mary Pilant's shocking courtroom revelation, then drops significantly with the disappointing ending where the Manions skip town.
Anatomy of a Murder maintains strong critical approval throughout most of its runtime, with reviewers consistently praising the authentic legal procedures, stellar performances, and groundbreaking subject matter. The film reaches its peak during the dramatic courtroom climax with Mary Pilant's testimony, but stumbles at the very end with an ending many critics found unsatisfying and anticlimactic.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 27
James Stewart
Paul "Pauly" Biegler
Lee Remick
Laura Manion
Ben Gazzara
Lieutenant Frederick "Manny" Manion
Arthur O'Connell
Parnell Emmett "Parn" McCarthy
Eve Arden
Maida Rutledge
Kathryn Grant
Mary Pilant
George C. Scott
AAG Claude Dancer
Orson Bean
Dr. Matthew Smith
Russ Brown
Deputy Sheriff George Lemon
Murray Hamilton
Alphonse "Al" Paquette
Brooks West
DA Mitchell "Mitch" Lodwick
Ken Lynch
Det. Sgt. James "Jim" Durgo
John Qualen
Deputy Sheriff Sulo Kangas
Howard McNear
Dr. Adelord Dompierre
Alexander Campbell
Dr. W. Gregory Harcourt
Ned Wever
Dr. Homer Raschid
Jimmy Conlin
Clarence "One-Shot" "Smoky" Madigan
Joseph N. Welch
Judge Harlan Weaver
Royal Beal
Sheriff Max Battisfore
Joseph Kearns
Lloyd Burke
Crew
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