In 1963 Chamberlain was instantly recognizable from his Dr. Kildare role on television, so it was only natural that MGM would try to parlay his small-screen talents into movie success. When Buttram is found murdered in Durango, New Mexico, it's up to Chamberlain, a local attorney, to
defend number one suspect Adams. Although at first he believes his client to be guilty, gradually Chamberlain begins to have some doubts. The written confession conflicts with Adams' story, so, with the encouragement of retired attorney Rains and daughter Blackman, Chamberlain continues his
investigation. At the trial, Gregory, a politically hungry lawyer, refuses to call up several key witnesses, which only confirms Chamberlain's suspicions that his client is being framed. Soon the truth comes out: Adams did indeed kill Buttram but only after he had found the town's leading citizen
in bed with his wife (Heatherton.) The prosecution tries to stop this scandal from coming out, but Chamberlain pursues it, and a not guilty verdict is returned from the jury. Chamberlain wins this important case and gets Blackman's love as well. This courtroom drama is a slick piece of
entertainment, though somewhat dated by its language. The writing is well honed, and the direction handles the legal maneuvering with good skill. Chamberlain is good in this character switch and has some nice support from the cast, although audiences did not flock to this as MGM had hoped. It
received Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Adams) and Best Art Direction.
