Review of A Fever in the Blood

I watched this film last night for the first time in 30 years, having seen it back in the early 80s. As a practicing attorney and self-published novelist with two courtroom-based books, I'm accustomed to how both TV and movies typically present a highly distorted, unrealistic view of trials. Indeed, I found it frustrating to watch such venerable but overrated shows as "L.A. Law" because the set ups (particularly the "firm meetings" that opened every episode) and the plotting were so contrived, the result of uninspired and overly stylized scriptwriting. But "A Fever in the Blood" presented fairly realistic images of a criminal trial and related behind-the-scenes activity, with only modest dramatic license taken. The out-of-control prosecutor, determined to convict someone for political gain without regard for actual guilt, is a theme seldom featured in fiction, film and television, but this movie did it quite well. Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. was thoroughly credible as a principled judge presented with a confounding moral dilemma, but his character rose to the challenge in a way that was refreshingly unpredictable. Sadly, judges with that level of rectitude are more the exception than the rule in the real world. Another potent reality dose was the dangling (to the Zimbalist character) of a federal judgeship, which, as Senator Alex Simon (Don Ameche) points out, entails lifetime tenure, rather than frequent re-election campaigns---a bit of inside baseball that was presented convincingly, rather than intrusively, adding to my respect for screenwriter Roy Huggins, who went on to create "The Fugitive" TV series. My only criticism is the lack of a back story as to why a trial court judge would have sufficient statewide recognition to be a gubernatorial contender, as most judges are unknown outside their local communities. Any black-and-white film made 51 years ago is bound to be somewhat dated, but the themes of hidden agendas and the ethical quandaries facing members of the judiciary are timeless, giving "A Fever in the Blood" a level of vitality that is remarkable, given its age. The story moves briskly along, never bogs down,and is thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying, with strengths that more than compensate for its weaknesses. It is no classic or near-classic,but I'd give it a solid three star (on a 4-star scale) rating, better than Leonard Maltin's 2.5 stars in earlier editions of his book (the film no longer appears in his guide). I am hoping that Turner Classic Movies will re-run it again from time to time, enabling it to develop the recognition that it deserves. Those who wish to comment directly may contact me at jstreby003@comcast.net.