I recently watched both this 1988 version and the 1999 version and I can't understand why this version is rated lower than the other two. Sure, there are good and bad points, as there are with both movies. The 1999 version has better production values, but not enough to lift it above TV movie fare. Some of the characters are a bit wooden and the acting is like reading lines, which are to be expected for a movie made for television.
But, the guts of this story is the courtroom battle between Brady and Drummond and any attempt at telling this story hinges on the characterizations of the two, their courtroom banter, and their clashing of ideals. Most of the lines in each movie are word for word so it's they way that they are delivered that sets them apart. Kirk Douglas and Jason Robards absolutely nail it. Both actors bring all their experience to their characters and the courtroom duel plays out with a fervour that the other versions just don't have. Small things like timing and pauses, and emphasis on particular words and sentences bring a sense of drama that raises the scene above the others. These two fine actors really make the movie worth watching and make it the definitive version. It's just a pity that it's so hard to find.
But, the guts of this story is the courtroom battle between Brady and Drummond and any attempt at telling this story hinges on the characterizations of the two, their courtroom banter, and their clashing of ideals. Most of the lines in each movie are word for word so it's they way that they are delivered that sets them apart. Kirk Douglas and Jason Robards absolutely nail it. Both actors bring all their experience to their characters and the courtroom duel plays out with a fervour that the other versions just don't have. Small things like timing and pauses, and emphasis on particular words and sentences bring a sense of drama that raises the scene above the others. These two fine actors really make the movie worth watching and make it the definitive version. It's just a pity that it's so hard to find.