Post-WWII Courtroom Drama.

Rating: 8/10 (10 November 2013)

Stanley Kramer directed this powerful courtroom drama based on fact, and set in post-WWII Europe, as respected American Judge Dan Haywood(played by Spencer Tracy) is chosen to preside over the trial of four German judges(led by Ernst Janning, played by Burt Lancaster) accused of legalizing Nazi atrocities like sterilization and murder. Still, there is much pressure put on Haywood to show leniency, which is difficult to do when the witnesses(played by Judy Garland & Montgomery Clift, among others) are so sympathetic, and the defense attorney(played by Maximilian Schell in an Academy Award winning performance) is so harsh. Richard Widmark & William Shatner costar as the local American military officers. Compelling and thoughtful(if a bit long) drama with superb performances and direction making this a must-see.