The basic story here is a good one -- a man at the top of his profession loses faith in himself, hits rock bottom, and . . . Things develop from there. The way the script works this out is very silly at times. The courtroom antics of the main character are beyond unbelievable. Fortunately, however, things move quickly enough to keep you entertained despite the nonsense.
The excellent cast really makes the movie. Edward G. Robinson is wonderful as a win-at-all-costs trial lawyer. Nina Foch plays off him perfectly as his protege, the daughter of a deceased friend and mentor. Hugh Marlowe is always a welcome presence, even when he's phoning it in. Other familiar faces add to the fun: DeForest Kelley (Star Trek TOS) has a small role early in the film; Edward Platt (Get Smart) is Robinson's successor as DA; Albert Dekker (Kiss Me Deadly) is the crime boss; Jayne Mansfield (The Burglar) does a nice job with a key role; Ellen Corby (The Waltons) is Robinson's loyal but critical secretary. And many others whom fans of '60s-'70s television will recognize.
Max Steiner is given credit for the score, although I must admit I had trouble detecting any Steiner-ian touches.
The excellent cast really makes the movie. Edward G. Robinson is wonderful as a win-at-all-costs trial lawyer. Nina Foch plays off him perfectly as his protege, the daughter of a deceased friend and mentor. Hugh Marlowe is always a welcome presence, even when he's phoning it in. Other familiar faces add to the fun: DeForest Kelley (Star Trek TOS) has a small role early in the film; Edward Platt (Get Smart) is Robinson's successor as DA; Albert Dekker (Kiss Me Deadly) is the crime boss; Jayne Mansfield (The Burglar) does a nice job with a key role; Ellen Corby (The Waltons) is Robinson's loyal but critical secretary. And many others whom fans of '60s-'70s television will recognize.
Max Steiner is given credit for the score, although I must admit I had trouble detecting any Steiner-ian touches.