A solid, worthwhile film, for us of most interest for another totally committed performance from Spencer Tracy, who I read performed his final summation in one entire take, running the full length of the ten minute camera reel. He nailed it, from memory, in that first take, to thunderous applause from the cast and crew.
Do I like Kramer? I'm not really sure.
On screen for the most time are Richard Widmark (prosecution) and Maximillian Schell, who won the Oscar for his almost-Nazi performance. Burt Lancaster is the almost sympathetic judge on trial. Good, telling appearances from Montgomery Clift, Marlene Dietrich (who was on set distributing Danishes!) and Judy Garland. Monty was a mess, drinking on set and on dope. Spencer - himself understanding only too well the pernicious effects of alcohol - told him to play his scene to him, and he did. According to Richard Widmark 'He played it to Spence, and it came out great'. And Kramer added 'Spencer was the greatest reactor in the business.'
The Nazis are Torben Mayer, Martin Brandt and Werner Klemperer.
Abby Mann won the writing Oscar, from his own original TV drama in 1959 (in which Schell acted).
Sam Leavitt shot it with smooth operating by Charles Wheeler and good use of a zoom lens working at different speeds.
UA were understandably nervous about it.
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