Trials have been dramatized practically since the birth of theater and have yet to fall out of fashion. These classic films dared to push the boundaries of censorship with the production standards of the day, which was still in effect until the late 1960s. Just as science fiction has the ability to allude to present social problems, the court is also an effective venue to challenge what is right, wrong and even the vast spaces in between.

Anatomy of a Murder

Anatomy of a Murder (1959) is directed by Otto Preminger, and stars Jimmy Stewart. The tone of the film is set early through the jazz music of Duke Ellington, who also makes a cameo appearance. The complexity of jazz mirrors the complexity of ethics in its many shades of gray. It is truly refreshing to see Jimmy Stewart masterfully seize a role away from the sanitized material that had won the hearts of his previous audiences. Preminger gets away with the unspeakable by utilizing more technical language. Anatomy of a Murder is a beautifully paced treat.

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) is directed by Robert Mulligan, and stars Gregory Peck. Much care was taken to present the film in the spirit of the classic novel by Harper Lee. The story of rape and racism is told through the eyes of a child, which is a strong and crafty device that practically demands the matters be taken seriously. The film is a multi-dimensional account that has effects for a family and their deep rooted community. Its viewing is simply time well spent.

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