Four of the best courtroom dramas

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book about racial intolerance in the Deep South was initially ignored by many Hollywood studios. As the film’s director, Robert Mulligan, later said, ‘The studios didn’t want it because what’s it about? It’s about a middle-aged lawyer with two kids. There’s no romance… no action. Where’s the story?’ Universal had the last laugh, creating one of the all-time great (and most-loved) films. Gregory Peck (below) was perfectly cast as Atticus Finch, wise and loving father to Scout and Jem, and brilliant lawyer. In defending a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman, he led one of the most dramatic court scenes in cinematic history. The studio was rewarded with three Oscars, including best actor for Peck.

Kramer vs Kramer (1979)

A mother tenderly kisses her son goodnight, finishes packing her case and walks out of a marriage, leaving a workaholic father suddenly struggling with the needs of his six-year-old. The ensuing vicious custody battle reaches the courtroom. Directed by Robert Benton, Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman (and Justin Henry, as their son) give such devastating performances that on its release one critic described Kramer vs

Kramer as akin to open heart surgery. Streep apparently rewrote her character’s entire courtroom testimony, stealing the film as she did so, and infuriating Hoffman in the process. No matter – the film won five Oscars, including best film.

12 Angry Men (1957)

Sidney Lumet’s blistering drama is not a courtroom film per se, but one set in the claustrophobic confines of a jury room, on the hottest day of the year. Twelve men (known only by their numbers, no names) must decide the fate of an 18-year-old on trial for the murder of his abusive father. If found guilty, he faces the death penalty. Eleven are convinced of his guilt, but juror number eight (Henry Fonda) is not. In reaching a verdict, the group confront their own prejudices.

Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Billy Wilder’s sparkling treatment of Agatha Christie’s play has his brilliant cast crackling through the trial of an unassuming young man, Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), who is accused of murdering a wealthy widow (Norma Varden). Charles Laughton is his doughty barrister (propped up by a flask of cocoa laced with brandy) and Marlene Dietrich his German wife, who takes the stand against him.