Sergeant Ryker (1968)

Director:

Buzz Kulik

Writers:

William D. Gordon, Seeleg Lester

Stars:

Lee Marvin, Bradford Dillman, Vera Miles

Cast

Cast overview:
Lee Marvin	...	Sgt. Paul Ryker
Bradford Dillman	...	Capt. David Young
Vera Miles	...	Ann Ryker
Peter Graves	...	Maj. Whitaker
Lloyd Nolan	...	Gen. Amos Bailey
Murray Hamilton	...	Capt. Appleton
Norman Fell	...	Sgt. Max Winkler
Walter Brooke	...	Col. Arthur Merriam
Francis De Sales	...	President of court-martial
Don Marshall	...	Cpl. Jenks
Charles Aidman	...	Maj. Kitchener, The Law Officer

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

two word title | court martial | character name in title

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 February 1968 (USA)

Also Known As:

Clamor de Justiça

Company Credits

Production Co:

Roncom Films, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Originally two episodes of Kraft Suspense Theatre - "The Case Against Paul Ryker" (Oct, 10 & 17, 1963)

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Goofs

Although Colonel Merriam is an Army officer, his ribbons include the Navy Presidential Unit Citation. While it would not be impossible for him to receive this award, it would be extremely unlikely. In addition, he wears a Second Army patch on his left shoulder. That unit was never stationed overseas.

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Connections

Remake of Kraft Suspense Theatre: The Case Against Paul Ryker: Part 2 (1963)

User Reviews

Gripping Coutroom Mystery

Engaging, riveting tale of captured US army turncoat who has to prove his innocence to avoid the hangman. Paul Ryker dodges friendly fire in a seemingly doomed attempt to convince a military court that he was actually a US spy on a secret mission in Korea. In the vein of classic courtroom dramas, "Sergeant Ryker" is an extremely well crafted mystery, ably guided by an outstanding cast, director Kulik's constant momentum, and effective plot twists and turns.

This film was originally made as a television movie in 1964, and subsequently beefed up for this revision with the presence of many "name" actors, and some action sequences. Dillman, reprising his role, is spot-on as the doubting defence attorney, whose attentions sometimes stray to the personal plight of Ryker's supportive, yet somewhat distant wife, played with aplomb by Vera Miles. Rounding out the frontline is Peter Graves for the prosecution, and Norman Fell and Murray Hamilton in key supporting roles.

Marvin's interpretation of the Paul Ryker character is a balanced depiction of a simple but dedicated man whose normally laid back demeanour is challenged by the desperate circumstances in which he's placed. Marvin switches perfectly from resigned indifference, to impassioned denial of the charges, giving a convincing, often intense performance that is the highlight of this otherwise small-scale drama. It's this performance that should elevate the film to a platform where it occupies a place on the best-ever lists of courtroom dramas.

However, despite its apparent obscurity, "Sergeant Ryker" still remains a taut and compelling examination, like a book that you just can't put down. Highly recommended.