If you're looking to see Steven McQueen (yes, Steven), William Shatner, and Martin Balsam all early on in their careers, check out the Studio One live two-part production of The Defender. Steve is extremely green, and it's very cute to see him before he grew into his screen persona or developed acting skills. I'm not sure what Martin Balsam was trying to communicate through his character, but unless he wanted to come across as impatient and flamboyant, it didn't work. I normally really like him, but I just couldn't keep from giggling at his wild gestures and terse facial expressions. Though getting top billing, Ralph Bellamy didn't really have much acting to do, although I really enjoyed his cross-examinations of Martin's witnesses. Frankly, William Shatner is the reason to watch this movie. He's young, handsome, given the most to do, and does it very well. He and Ralph play a father-son lawyer team charged with defending alleged murderer Steve. They have some tension between them that isn't helped by their disagreement of how to handle the case.
Robert Mulligan's direction is very interesting, livening up what could have been a boring tv courtroom drama. The commercial breaks (and break in between the two segments) are well-timed as recesses, and there are always interesting cutaways to courtroom attendants, jurors, or other cast members to hear reactions and ancillary dialogue snippets. There's no dead time, and you can tell everyone's putting a lot of energy into the production. Check it out even if you don't normally like teleplays; this one's very high quality.
Robert Mulligan's direction is very interesting, livening up what could have been a boring tv courtroom drama. The commercial breaks (and break in between the two segments) are well-timed as recesses, and there are always interesting cutaways to courtroom attendants, jurors, or other cast members to hear reactions and ancillary dialogue snippets. There's no dead time, and you can tell everyone's putting a lot of energy into the production. Check it out even if you don't normally like teleplays; this one's very high quality.