Judgement at Nuremberg (1961)
"Judgment at Nuremberg" (original title)

In 1948, an American court in occupied Germany tries four Nazi judges for war crimes.

Director:

Stanley Kramer

Writers:

Abby Mann, Abby Mann (original story),

Stars:

Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark

Won 2 Oscars. Another 16 wins & 21 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Spencer Tracy	...	Chief Judge Dan Haywood
Burt Lancaster	...	Dr. Ernst Janning
Richard Widmark	...	Col. Tad Lawson
Marlene Dietrich	...	Mrs. Bertholt
Maximilian Schell	...	Hans Rolfe
Judy Garland	...	Irene Hoffman
Montgomery Clift	...	Rudolph Petersen
William Shatner	...	Capt. Harrison Byers
Werner Klemperer	...	Emil Hahn
Kenneth MacKenna	...	Judge Kenneth Norris
Torben Meyer	...	Werner Lampe
Joseph Bernard	...	Maj. Abe Radnitz
Alan Baxter	...	Brig. Gen. Matt Merrin
Edward Binns	...	Sen. Burkette
Virginia Christine	...	Mrs. Halbestadt

Storyline

It has been three years since the most important Nazi leaders had already been tried. This trial is about 4 judges who used their offices to conduct Nazi sterilization and cleansing policies. Retired American judge, Dan Haywood has a daunting task ahead of him. The Cold War is heating up and no one wants any more trials as Germany, and Allied governments, want to forget the past. But is that the right thing to do is the question that the tribunal must decide.

---

Plot Keywords:

judge | nazi | trial | cold war | war crime | 

---

Taglines:

The event the world will never forget.

---

Genres:

Drama | History | War

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English German

Release Date:

18 December 1961 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Das Urteil von Nürnberg

Filming Locations:

Tower of London, Backlot, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Roxlom Films Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

186 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.75 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film had its world premiere in Berlin sponsored by the city's mayor, Willy Brandt.

---

Goofs

When William Shatner's character (Capt. Byers) swears in Montgomery Clift, the Clift character (Peterson) fails to use the headphones, yet answers the question as if he understood the oath. There was no indication that Byers spoke German nor that Peterson, who was feeble minded, spoke English.

---

Quotes

Judge Dan Haywood: Janning, to be sure, is a tragic figure. We believe he *loathed* the evil he did. But compassion for the present torture of his soul must not beget forgetfulness of the torture and death of millions by the government of which he was a part. Janning's record and his fate illuminate the most shattering truth that has emerged from this trial. If he and the other defendants were all depraved perverts - if the leaders of the Third Reich were sadistic monsters and maniacs - these events would have no...

---

Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Villains: So Bad, They're Good (1995)

---

Soundtracks

"Du, du liegst mir im Herzen"
(uncredited)
By Ernest Gold

User Reviews

Great acting and Movie

As I see again the old movies of the 40s, 50s and early 60s, I am impressed by the quality of material and acting in those movies. Judgment at Nuremberg is an excellent example. Although Montgomery Cliff had a very brief part, he was, as usual, outstanding. He always was. Clearly the acting and direction were flawless. Can't beat it for a view of the period just after WWII, and its effect on both Europe and the USA. Highly recommend the film -- especially on DVD as a brief scene was omitted in going from Tape 1 to Tape 2 on VHS (running time 3 hours and 7 minutes).