Monday, August 16, 2010

182. Judgment at Nuremberg


Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

Director: Stanley Kramer

Starring: Spencer Tracy
Burt Lancaster
Maximilian Schell
Judy Garland
Marlene Dietrich

IMDb Rating: 8
My Rating: 8.5

"What you suggest may very well happen. It is logical, in view of the times in which we live. But to be logical is not to be right, and nothing on God's earth could ever make it right."

Synopsis

American judge Dan Haywood (Spencer Tracy) is sent to Germany at the end of World War II to try four German judges. The judges have been accused of legalization of Nazi practices and executions. With the threat of the Cold War growing larger, both sides are becoming eager to forget the past mistakes. Judge Haywood must now decide whether the indiscretions of these men should be allowed to slip by. The film is based upon the actual events of the Nazi trials at Nuremberg.

What's so great about Judgment at Nuremberg?

Judgment at Nuremberg does an amazing job of telling a familiar story of world history with little bias, while still making it entertaining. Most impressive in this film is the unforgettable performance of Maximilian Schell, who plays Hans Rolfe, the defense for the four German judges on trial.

Anything not so great?

While the story is an extremely detailed one, it's three hour and six minute run time can feel a bit long winded at times.

Best Scene

Dr. Ernst Janning is one of the judges on trial. He refrains from speaking for a good majority of the film. Although when he finally speaks, it is both a powerful and thought provoking scene that really defines the performances of Burt Lancaster.

Does Judgment at Nuremberg belong in the 250?

I believe that it does. This film stands as one of the greatest courtroom dramas I have seen.

Final Words

While reflecting on this film, the thing that sticks in my mind the most is Maximilian Schell. He plays his role with a feeling of great intelligence. He is defending these four German judges for crimes that in our hearts we do feel are morally wrong. Although he finds a way to actually make you listen to his defense and not just write him off. It reminded me very much of Christoph Waltz's performance in Inglourious Basterds. Overall, the film is very well done and a benchmark of the courtroom genre.

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