Watch Judgment at Nuremberg

Judgment at Nuremberg is a 1961 American courtroom drama film directed by Stanley Kramer and stars an all-star cast including Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Marlene Dietrich, Maximilian Schell, and Judy Garland. The film is a dramatization of the Nuremberg Trials, where several high-ranking Nazi leaders were tried for their crimes against humanity during World War II.

The story revolves around the trial of four German judges who sentenced innocent people to death during the Nazi regime. Judge Dan Haywood, played by Spencer Tracy, is an American judge who is appointed to preside over the case. Burt Lancaster plays a defense attorney for one of the judges, while Richard Widmark is the prosecuting attorney.

As the trial begins, it becomes evident that the judges committed horrific crimes and are guilty of their charges. However, the defense argues that the judges were simply following orders and were not responsible for their actions. This leads to a heated debate between the prosecution and defense on the morality of following orders and the culpability of those in positions of power.

Throughout the trial, the film also explores the effects of the Holocaust on the witnesses and the judges, as they all struggle to come to terms with the scale of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. The character of Holocaust survivor, Mrs. Bertholt, played brilliantly by Marlene Dietrich, provides a poignant reminder of the horrors endured by those who suffered under the regime.

Despite the mounting evidence against the judges, Judge Haywood must balance the need for justice with the desire for a fair trial. He must consider the motivations behind their actions and decide whether they were acting out of obedience to authority, or were fully aware of the consequences of their actions.

The film is a masterclass in acting, particularly from Spencer Tracy and Maximilian Schell. Tracy delivers a powerful and heartfelt performance as Judge Haywood, a man facing a moral dilemma. Schell, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of defense attorney Hans Rolfe, is equally strong in his portrayal of a man willing to defend his client, despite the overwhelming evidence against him.

Judgment at Nuremberg is an important film that provides insight into the complexities of post-war justice and the moral implications of obedience to authority. The film is a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime and serves as a warning against the dangers of blindly following orders.

Overall, Judgment at Nuremberg is a masterful courtroom drama that offers a thought-provoking examination of the morality of power and obedience. The film's superb acting and insightful script combine to make it an enduring classic of American cinema.

Judgment at Nuremberg is a 1961 drama with a runtime of 3 hours and 6 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3 and a MetaScore of 60.