Anatomy of a Murder

"Temporary insanity" is the argument on which lawyer Biegler (James Stewart) bases his defense. On trial is the young lieutenant Manion (Ben Gazzara), who killed the owner of a bar who had raped his wife (Lee Remick). As clear as the case seems and as solid as the defense appears to be, the actors outside the courtroom act contradictorily and the circumstances become increasingly opaque. "The truth is what the jury decides." The anatomy of doubt is not dispelled. It is echoed by Duke Ellington's wild jazz soundtrack. (mg)