Anatomy of a Murder (1959 Otto Preminger)

Written by Wendell Mayes, from 1958 John Voelker (lawyer, author and fly fisherman) novel, published under the name Robert Traver, and inspired by a real case from 1952 in which he acted as the defense attorney. Perhaps this is why they cast a real judge.

Though why is Stewart trying to defend a man who is clearly guilty?

Overlong (two and a half hours), talky, uncinematic, the film is largely of note for a great cast, with Stewart, Arthur O'Connell and Eve Arden representing the old guard and Ben Gazzara, Lee Remick, George C Scott and Murray Hamilton the new kids on the block.

And great Duke Ellington score, Saul Bass credits. Shot by Sam Leavitt.