He may be an Iron Cross awarded loyal German soldier being held prisoner of war in a small town detention camp, but there's doubt in lawyer Walter Matthau's mind after being forced to take the case after speaking with suspect Peter Firth that he's guilty. In his delicious sardonic way, Matthew delivers the above line beautifully, and even those opposed to his involvement in the case are amused, eveb as they grieve the death of a beloved doctor.
Corrupt judge Harry Morgan wants a guilty verdict until young prosecuting attorney Robert Carradine surprises him and Matthau by demanding that Firth be tried in accordance with United States style justice. Matthau's reputation in his home town is affected, with graffiti and harassing calls impacting Matthau, daughter-in-law Susan Blakely and granddaughter Ariana Richards, their lives even more impacted by the sudden death of Matthau's son in action.
Intense, powerfully written and amazingly acted, this is a great way to start the series about idealistic small town attorney Harmon Cobb, one of Matthau's best dramatic parts. He's the type of guy that everyone could call a loyal friend, even rival Morgan who can't help but admire Matthau's courage into standing up to him. William Schallert, as the local sheriff, is initially certain of Firth's guilty, but soon is on Matthau's side. The great Barnard Hughes has a memorable cameo as the murder victim, an aging doctor who confesses his fear of the ghosts of dead soldiers suffering eternity in torment. Great twists keeps the viewer riveted. There's no doubt that Firth is guilty of atrocities, but he wasn't on trial here for those. The bond that grows between him and Matthau is subtle but truthful, and a powerful statement.
Corrupt judge Harry Morgan wants a guilty verdict until young prosecuting attorney Robert Carradine surprises him and Matthau by demanding that Firth be tried in accordance with United States style justice. Matthau's reputation in his home town is affected, with graffiti and harassing calls impacting Matthau, daughter-in-law Susan Blakely and granddaughter Ariana Richards, their lives even more impacted by the sudden death of Matthau's son in action.
Intense, powerfully written and amazingly acted, this is a great way to start the series about idealistic small town attorney Harmon Cobb, one of Matthau's best dramatic parts. He's the type of guy that everyone could call a loyal friend, even rival Morgan who can't help but admire Matthau's courage into standing up to him. William Schallert, as the local sheriff, is initially certain of Firth's guilty, but soon is on Matthau's side. The great Barnard Hughes has a memorable cameo as the murder victim, an aging doctor who confesses his fear of the ghosts of dead soldiers suffering eternity in torment. Great twists keeps the viewer riveted. There's no doubt that Firth is guilty of atrocities, but he wasn't on trial here for those. The bond that grows between him and Matthau is subtle but truthful, and a powerful statement.