In 1947, four German judges who served on the bench during the Nazi regime face a military tribunal to answer charges of crimes against humanity. Chief Justice Haywood hears evidence and testimony not only from lead defendant Ernst Janning and his defense attorney Hans Rolfe, but also from the widow of a Nazi general, an idealistic U.S. Army captain and reluctant witness Irene Wallner.
Acting
Schell's Oscar-winning defense is magnetic, Tracy's exhaustion is devastating.
Writing
Abby Mann's script weaponizes dialogue like a prosecutor.
Direction
Kramer lets silences scream louder than testimony.
Director
Stanley Kramer
Spencer Tracy
Dan Haywood
Richard Widmark
Tad Lawson
Maximilian Schell
Hans Rolfe
Burt Lancaster
Ernst Janning
Marlene Dietrich
Mrs. Bertholt
Judy Garland
Irene Hoffman Wallner
Montgomery Clift
Rudolph Petersen
William Shatner
Harrison Byers
Werner Klemperer
Emil Hahn
Kenneth MacKenna
Kenneth Norris
Torben Meyer
Werner Lampe
Alan Baxter
Matt Merrin
Edward Binns
Senator Burkette
Virginia Christine
Mrs. Halbestadt
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Judy Garland's comeback role as Irene was her first dramatic performance in 15 years; she reportedly shook through every take.
Released during the Eichmann trial, the film became a mirror for audiences processing live history—director Kramer received death threats for 'daring to humanize' Nazi defendants.
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