Watch Murder Of Mary Phagan

The movie Murder Of Mary Phagan, released in 1988, is a gripping courtroom drama that recounts one of the most sensational and controversial trials of the 20th century. Based on real events, the movie tells the story of the murder of a young factory worker named Mary Phagan in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1913, and the trial of her accused murderer, Leo Frank.

The film is set in the early 20th century and provides a vivid portrayal of the social and political landscape of the time. The story begins with a young Mary Phagan working at the National Pencil Factory in Atlanta. On April 26th, 1913, Mary is found murdered in the factory's basement. Suspicion immediately falls on Leo Frank (portrayed by Peter Gallagher), the Jewish superintendent of the factory who had been seen alone in the building on the day of the murder. Frank is arrested and charged with the crime, sparking a media frenzy and a public outcry demanding justice for the young victim.

The trial of Leo Frank is the centerpiece of the movie, with the courtroom scenes expertly dramatized to bring the viewer into the heated proceedings. The prosecution is led by Hugh Dorsey (played by Richard Jordan), a Southern district attorney with political aspirations, who presents a case based on circumstantial evidence and the testimony of a number of witnesses whose stories are rife with inconsistency and contradiction.

On the other side of the courtroom is Leo Frank's defense team, which includes the legendary lawyer Clarence Darrow (Jack Lemmon), who is brought in by Frank's family to represent him. Darrow is initially hesitant to take on the case, unsure whether he can win given the deeply ingrained anti-Semitic sentiment of the time. However, Darrow is ultimately persuaded by the strength of Frank's character and his own belief in the importance of justice over prejudice.

Robert Prosky delivers a standout performance as Luther Rosser, the lead defense attorney who works closely with Darrow throughout the trial. The defense team's strategy is to counter the prosecution's weak case with evidence and testimony that highlight the inconsistencies and bias of the prosecution's witnesses. Rosser and Darrow gradually piece together a compelling narrative of events that implicates others in Mary Phagan's murder, and their efforts culminate in a gripping closing argument that is both moving and masterful.

The movie's production values are first-rate, with meticulous attention paid to period detail to recreate the look and feel of early 20th century America. The script, written by Larry McMurtry, is a skillful adaptation of the book by Steve Oney, which itself drew from extensive research and interviews with surviving witnesses and participants in the trial.

Overall, Murder Of Mary Phagan is a masterful portrayal of a seminal moment in American legal history that still resonates today. The film presents a compelling case for the importance of the rule of law, the dangers of prejudice and irreducible bias, and the power of human perseverance and resolve in the face of injustice. It is a must-see for anyone interested in this period of American history, the legal profession, or the struggle for civil rights and social justice.

Murder Of Mary Phagan is a 1987 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.