Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (1956)
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67% of critics liked it
(6 reviews) -
57% of users liked it
(646 ratings)
Crusading publisher Austin Spenser (Sidney Blackmer) wants to prove a point about the insufficiency of circumstantial evidence. Spencer talks his prospective son-in-law Tom Garrett (Dana Andrews) into participating in a hoax, the better to expose the alleged ineptitude of conviction-happy DA (Philip… More Crusading publisher Austin Spenser (Sidney Blackmer) wants to prove a point about the insufficiency of circumstantial evidence. Spencer talks his prospective son-in-law Tom Garrett (Dana Andrews) into participating in a hoax, the better to expose the alleged ineptitude of conviction-happy DA (Philip Bourneuf). Tom will plant clues indicating that he is the murderer of a nightclub dancer, then stand trial for murder; just as the jury reaches its inevitable guilty verdict, Spencer will step forth to reveal the set-up and humiliate the DA. Somewhat surprisingly, Tom eagerly agrees to this subterfuge. Unfortunately, an unforeseen event renders their perfectly formed scheme useless. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt was the last American film of director Fritz Lang. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Fritz Lang, Peter Hyams
- Written By
- Douglas Morrow
- Genres
- Mystery & Suspense, Drama
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Sep 5, 1956 Wide
- Studio
- RKO Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
While the purpose may be exemplary, the method the gentlemen employ is highly dubious as a practical exposition. And once it is revealed to prove their point, it should certainly put them in a pickle for conspiring to subvert justice and fool the courts.
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John Beifuss, Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)
Says a prosecutor, during the trial: 'Beneath his intellectual and cultured exterior, he was moved by brutal impulses.' Is this also Lang's self-indictment? Or an indictment of any artist who trucks in sexual titillation and murder-as-entertainment?
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Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Strange, complexly styled crime melodrama.
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Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
O último filme americano de Lang é também um de seus trabalhos menos interessantes visualmente, tornando-se ainda mais decepcionante em função do roteiro terrivelmente confuso em suas discussões morais.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Twisty courtroom drama about the dangers of capital punishment.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
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Cast
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Dana Andrews
as Tom Garrett
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Joan Fontaine
as Susan Spencer
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Sidney Blackmer
as Austin Spencer
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Barbara Nichols
as Dolly Moore
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Philip Bourneuf
as Thompson
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Arthur Franz
as Hale
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Shepperd Strudwick
as Wilson
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Edward Binns
as Lt. Kennedy
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Robin Raymond
as Terry Larue
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William Leicester
as Charlie Miller
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Dan Seymour
as Greco
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Rusty Lane
as Judge
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Joyce Taylor
as Joan
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Carleton Young
as Kirk
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Trudy Wroe
as Hatcheck Girl
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Joe Kirk
as Clerk
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Charles Evans
as Governor
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Wendell Niles
as Announcer
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Baynes Barron
as Higgens
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Larry Barton
as Customer
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William Boyett
as Staff
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Benny Burt
as Reporter
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Myron Cook
as Reporter
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Dorothy Ford
as Blonde
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Dorothy Gordon
as Secretary
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Joey Ray
as Eddie
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Jeffrey Sayre
as Foreman of Jury
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Harry Strang
as Warden
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Ralph Volkie
as Photographer
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Eric Wilton
as Clergyman
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Frank Mitchell
as Waiter
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Tony DeMario
as Doctor
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Carl Sklover
as Taxi Driver;Photographer
- Amber Tamblyn
- David Jensen
- Grant James
- Jesse Metcalfe
- Joel Moore
- Juli Erickson
- Megan Brown
- Michael Byrnes
- Michael Douglas
- Tony Bentley
- Ed Binns
