Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic 1950s legal drama has discussion of rape and murder.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Anatomy of a Murder
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ANATOMY OF A MURDER follows defense attorney Paul Biegler (James Stewart) as he defends a flawed suspect in a murder case.
Is It Any Good?
This vintage courtroom tale thrives on ambiguity and doesn't give its audience any easy answers. As grandstanding attorney Paul Biegler, Stewart embraces the theater of Anatomy of a Murder's pivotal trial, with George C. Scott similarly impressive in an early role as the waspish opposing counsel. But even Biegler is occasionally knocked off balance by Lee Remick's Laura Manion. Despite frequently being shown to be the victim of 1950s misogyny and skepticism toward alleged rape victims that still persists today, she is far from passive, and provides the movie with many of its twists and turns. Ben Gazzara's performance as Laura's on-trial husband -- the volatile soldier, Manny -- rounds out a cast of screen legends who command attention. With no character shown to be faultless, the movie's real masterstroke is to expose the messiness of criminal trials and America's divides. Some of the lengthier courtroom scenes require endurance, but it remains a story that's influenced legal dramas for seven decades and counting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the trial process in Anatomy of a Murder. Why is it important that people are given a fair trial if they are accused of a crime? What do you think makes a trial fair?
How were women, in particular Laura, spoken about? Did the comments about her appearance and behavior feel dated? Why is it important to acknowledge double-standards for men and women?
Which characters displayed good communication, perseverance, and curiosity? Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of a time when you've shown these traits?
How were alcohol and smoking represented? Were there consequences for using them? Why does that matter? Do you think attitudes toward drinking and smoking have changed?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 1, 1959
- On DVD or streaming : July 11, 2000
- Cast : James Stewart , Lee Remick , Ben Gazzara
- Director : Otto Preminger
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Run time : 161 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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