Cast
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Tom Conway
as Steve Barnes
Martha O'Driscoll
as Georgia Gale
June Clayworth
as Joan Mason
Robert Armstrong
as Vic Wright
Addison Richards
as District Attorney Gordon
Pat Gleason
as Joe West
Steve Brodie
as Frankie Wright, Vic's Brother
Robert Warwick
as Mr. Marquette
Phil Warren
as Bill Brannegan
Joe Devlin
as Clark J. 'Brownie' Brown
Lee Bonnell
as Gil Lambert, Barnes' Assistant
Robert Clarke
as Charlie
Tommy Noonan
as Cab Driver (uncredited)
Jason Robards Sr.
as Al Marsh (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Robert Wise
Writer
- Lawrence Kimble
Producer
- Martin Mooney
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Criminal Court examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert Wise brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1946, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Criminal Court took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 63 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1946, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Criminal Court shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Civil Action, which focuses more on action than character development, Criminal Court offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Way of the Dragon and Kung Fu Hustle explore similar territory, Criminal Court stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 15, 1946
- Runtime: 1h 3m
