Drama na Página Um

An above-par courtroom drama, set in Los Angeles, elevated by director/screenwriter Clifford Odets' sharp script. He originally intended for this work to be a play. It was also elevated by an outstanding cast, with special kudos to Rita Hayworth's warm portrayal of a woman in an abusive marriage and by Sanford Meisner's forceful and expressive performance as the cross-examing prosecutor.

The bulk of the film takes place in the courtroom and since we immediately see the crime, we know that it was an accident and therefore the tension in the film comes about in finding out if the two lovebirds accused of murdering her husband will be given a death sentence, because the circumstances point to their guilt.

The beauty in the film is in the long-drawn-out courtroom dramatics.

The story itself wasn't too interesting, but the performances were energetic and the film had a good courtroom style, enough to make this chatty film well worth seeing.

Other than trying to figure out why Rita Hayworth was falling for such a weak mama's boy like Gig Young in the first place The Story On Page One is one of her best roles showing our World War II era sex goddess can really act in a good role with proper motivation.

The Story On Page One has Rita Hayworth still beautiful, but in a drab role as a housewife married to cop Alfred Ryder who's a real caveman alpha male type and abusive. I guess Young's sensitivity is what attracted her, he's a 180 degree different from Ryder.

In any event we know what happens right away. Ryder catches Young and Hayworth together at their home. Ryder being a cop has a licensed weapon. He and Young struggle for the gun and it goes off killing Ryder.

She needs a lawyer and as it turns out Hayworth's mom Katherine Squire knows a good one who's kind of gone to seed. Anthony Franciosa who I think is one of the most underrated talents ever is hired.

I'm not sure charges would have been brought had Ryder not been a cop. And Young and Hayworth do some stupid things not helping their case any. In their stupidity they actually convince Franciosa that they're innocent. Now if he can sell a jury which is the crux of the film.

Soome other nice performances of note are Robert Burton as the District Attorney and Mildred Dunnock as Young's mother. She has a scene with Hayworth telling her to keep her hands off her darling boy that's another highlight. One of my favorite of players Hugh Griffith plays the judge and Griffith is not given all that much to do.

The film is adapted from a Clifford Odets play and directed by Odets. He sure brought out a great performance in Rita Hayworth.

I finally had a chance to see this film from beginning to end. I first came across the movie one Saturday afternoon in 1997 and never knew its title. After a couple of years of searching, I gave up. Just last week, a librarian referred me to a video store in North Hollywood that had the title. Rita Hayworth is Prozac-like and convincing in her portrayal as a sensitive, yet withdrawn woman. Her husband, played by Alfred Ryder is as insensitive and abusive as they come; especially that he carries a gun. I thought Gig Young's character would have stood up to his mother, played by Mildred Dunnock, more sooner than later in life. Dunnock's, Mrs. Ellis was superbly overbearing, manipulative and snobbish. Tony Franciosis performed magnificently on cross of the character when questioning her undue and unwanted influence over her son. Once Defender Santini took his seat after questioning, one could see the flames of anger and disdain flow from his nostrils. This movie is a definite must-see for classic movie lovers. All those years were worth the wait and anticipation.

Excellent performances from all, and especially a rare performance from Sanford Meisner. Great direction and intensity from Clifford Odets. A rather simple story superbly told. Sanford Meisner's performance is especially outstanding and fresh as the prosecuting attorney on the scent.

From the beginning, I noticed how well my TV's stereo was working when watching this story. Funny thing is, this was a Mono. recording originally? Perhaps it was an illusion but it was as if each person had their own microphone and the voices seemed to jump left and right just as the characters sat across from each other. In most films, I hardly notice anything stereo when two people are sitting quite close together. The sound worked well with the 2.35:1 wide screen image...so wide that it still only filled half of my digital TV screen.

In the courtroom, in addition to the voices, the smallest noise of rustling paper or moving a glass filled the background. The result was very lifelike.

Not a great story, but one that is a real treat for the ears.