Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

This realistic depiction of an Army lieutenant accused of murdering a bartender who reportedly raped his coquettish wife is directed by Otto Preminger. James Stewart as the defense attorney, George C. Scott as the prosecutor, Ben Gazzara as the defendant, and Lee Remick as his wife lead an A-list cast.

The real-life lawyer Joseph Welch, who defended the Army in the McCarthy hearings, gives a magnificent performance in the part of the judge. The plot deftly navigates a maze of ethical difficulties that come with representing a murder defendant.

It was based on a true story and was adapted from a novel by a Michigan Supreme Court justice. Duke Ellington, who also appears in the film, composed the original score.

Trivia: Nominated for seven Oscars. Lost for Best Picture to Ben-Hur.

Director: Otto Preminger | Stars: James Stewart, Lee Remick, Ben Gazzara, Arthur O'Connell