Trial and Error (1962)

An incompetent barrister is assigned to defend an accused wife murderer.

Director:

James Hill

Writers:

John Mortimer (play), Pierre Rouve (screenplay)

Stars:

Peter Sellers, Richard Attenborough, Beryl Reid

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Peter Sellers	...	Morgenhall
Richard Attenborough	...	Fowle
Beryl Reid	...	Doris
David Lodge	...	Bateson
Frank Pettingell	...	Tuppy Morgan
Tristram Jellinek	...	Perkins
Audrey Nicholson	...	Morgenhall's Girl
Eric Woodburn	...	Judge Banter
John Waite	...	Clerk of the Court
Patrick Newell	...	First Warder
Henry Kay	...	Second Warder
Frank Thornton	...	Photographer
Eric Dodson	...	Examiner

Storyline

An incompetent barrister is assigned to defend an accused wife murderer.

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Plot Keywords:

murder trial | lawyer | based on play | trial | murder | 

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Taglines:

This is NOT the Birdman of Alcatraz!..It's only Peter Sellers with his sly, sneaky style of humor that creeps up on you and the leaves you wanting more.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Although this film has been shown on British television many times in the 21st century, it has always been screened under its American title of "Trial And Error", not as "The Dock Brief", its original and proper title. Furthermore, it has been released on DVD in the UK under its American title as well.

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Goofs

While Morgenhall is waiting for his "first case," a series of crossword puzzles are shown, as "time passes." Unfortunately, the puzzles are not in numerical order --- their numbers go up and down, never continually increasing, as they should as the months and years go "passing by."

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Connections

Version of Dock Brief (1960)

User Reviews

a tender, touching drama of human condition

an underrated flick , unfolding a powerful drama about the relation of a less fortunate attorney whose inner portrait is revealed when he is assigned to defend a man accused of murder. Witty dialogue and social satire, as well as excellent performance by Peter Sellers and Richard Attenborough.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Latin

Release Date:

5 August 1963 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Trial and Error

Filming Locations:

Shepperton Studios, Shepperton, Surrey, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dimitri De Grunwald Production, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer British Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White