Anatomy of a Murder

I heard the sad news of Ben Gazzara's passing today.  Whenever I think of Ben I always think of one of my all-time favorite movies--Anatomy of a Murder. 

Based on a novel by John Voelker (pen name Robert Traver), the movie follows the story of Lt. Manion (Ben Gazzara), his wife Laura (Lee Remick) and Paul Biegler (Jimmy Stewart).  The film focuses on the trial of Lt. Manion for the murder of a local tavern owner accused of raping Manion's wife.  Jimmy Stewart portrays the Lawyer hired to defend Ben Gazzara's character.  A young George C. Scott gives a fantastic performance as the "brilliant prosecutor from the big city of Lansing".  Duke Ellington also makes a cameo appearance as band leader Pie-eye, playing a at roadhouse party. 

Filmed in 1959, the subject matter of the movie was quite risque for the day.  There is a lot of dialogue about girdles and panties during the trial scene.

The novel was inspired by the true events of a murder that took place in Big Bay, Michigan.  The case was prosecuted by none other than John Voelker himself. The movie was filmed on scene in the very same courtroom where the actual trial happened in Marquette, MI.  This happens to be the town that I have called home for the last eleven years.  I really enjoy seeing what friends houses, the building I used to work in and of course, our beautiful courthouse looked like in 1959.  Many local folks were used as extras in the movie.  I can only imagine the excitement created by having big stars come to our little town!   





RIP

Ben Gazzara

1930-2012

'Til we meet again,

Ms. Adventure