A pictures of his estranged daughter (Stephanie Zimbalist) brings on rare emotion from tough small town judge (Harry Morgan), previously rival to attorney Walter Matthau and now his best friend. Probably his only friend. It's by coincidence manipulated by the teleplay that at that moment, Zimbalist and son Nick Stahl are confronted by the supposedly deceased ex, Stahl's father, David Nerman, who wants to create a relationship with her son, even though Zimbalist insists that he's no good. The illegitimatacy of Stahl is the reason for the estrangement, and Morgan must put aside his judgments when his daughter comes to need him. Soon Nerman is dead and Morgan is on trial for his murder, defended by Matthau.
Not as strong as the others I've seen of the Matthau/Harmon Cobb series, simply because the premise isn't as complex even though both Matthau and Morgan are a terrific team. Even with a twist at the trial, the film is way too predictable and has some far too convenient plot points. Lori Hallier is great as a lady prosecutor, giving the film some feminist touches ahead of their time. Bernard Behrens as the judge in this case is even more irascible than Morgan was when he was the judge which seems sort of manipulative to the audience. Others in the series of other films weren't as soap opera like as this one, dealing with much more serious issues that affected society at large rather than just a family having all of their dirty laundry aired out to be exposed.
Not as strong as the others I've seen of the Matthau/Harmon Cobb series, simply because the premise isn't as complex even though both Matthau and Morgan are a terrific team. Even with a twist at the trial, the film is way too predictable and has some far too convenient plot points. Lori Hallier is great as a lady prosecutor, giving the film some feminist touches ahead of their time. Bernard Behrens as the judge in this case is even more irascible than Morgan was when he was the judge which seems sort of manipulative to the audience. Others in the series of other films weren't as soap opera like as this one, dealing with much more serious issues that affected society at large rather than just a family having all of their dirty laundry aired out to be exposed.