'The People Against O'Hara' did sound really intriguing and immediately grabbed my attention hearing about it. Have not liked everything that John Sturges did (i.e. don't care personally for example for 'Ice Station Zebra') but he did make classics such as 'The Magnificent Seven' and 'The Great Escape'. Spencer Tracy was a fine actor and even when battling demons that did not stop him from giving so many compelling performances. The subject is the kind that is up my alley when watching any film or series.
While there is a lot to like in 'The People Against O'Hara', there was potential for it to have been quite a bit better than it turned out. It is a very worthwhile and impressive film, just not a great one. The latter of which it could easily have been and should have been considering what it had going for it. Tracy certainly does not disappoint, any problems 'The People Against O'Hara' has has nothing whatsoever to do with him and there are some powerful moments, but with a better lead (no Tracy actually isn't the lead here strictly speaking) and a tighter paced middle the film could have been great.
Have just said that Tracy's role is not really strictly speaking the lead, though actually in terms of performance and because his character is the most interesting it certainly feels like it is. Namely because the actual lead James Arness makes so little impression, found him very stiff and a complete blank. His acting does not here match his wonderfully imposing physique.
Did feel that the middle act was at times bogged down by too much admittedly thoughtful but a bit too over-literate talk and too over-deliberate a pace. Although Pat O'Brien does a good job in his role, for high up billing his screen time and the character himself is too limited so actually to me O'Brien felt underused.
For all those issues, there is a lot to admire about 'The People Against O'Hara'. First and foremost Tracy, in one of his most personal roles with it being very close to home. He is absolutely terrific here and dominates the screen with intensity, authority and at times pathos with no signs of hamminess. Although Diana Lynn and especially a refreshingly honest (in terms of character that is) John Hodiak are also strong, they don't quite match Tracy. The film is beautifully shot, with a striking grit but done stunningly. Strueges generally directs solidly, especially in the final act which really redeems the film along with Tracy.
Script is often thought-probing and has an uncompromising toughness in Curtayne's character writing and sincerity. The story starts off really well in a gritty, taut fashion, already making one excited for what's to come. Although the middle act isn't as strong, there are powerful moments still as Curtayne is such an interesting character and some of his scenes do wrench the gut. The final act fares the best, tense and intriguing finishing with an ending that is both suspenseful and moving.
In summary, much to admire but could have been better. 7/10
While there is a lot to like in 'The People Against O'Hara', there was potential for it to have been quite a bit better than it turned out. It is a very worthwhile and impressive film, just not a great one. The latter of which it could easily have been and should have been considering what it had going for it. Tracy certainly does not disappoint, any problems 'The People Against O'Hara' has has nothing whatsoever to do with him and there are some powerful moments, but with a better lead (no Tracy actually isn't the lead here strictly speaking) and a tighter paced middle the film could have been great.
Have just said that Tracy's role is not really strictly speaking the lead, though actually in terms of performance and because his character is the most interesting it certainly feels like it is. Namely because the actual lead James Arness makes so little impression, found him very stiff and a complete blank. His acting does not here match his wonderfully imposing physique.
Did feel that the middle act was at times bogged down by too much admittedly thoughtful but a bit too over-literate talk and too over-deliberate a pace. Although Pat O'Brien does a good job in his role, for high up billing his screen time and the character himself is too limited so actually to me O'Brien felt underused.
For all those issues, there is a lot to admire about 'The People Against O'Hara'. First and foremost Tracy, in one of his most personal roles with it being very close to home. He is absolutely terrific here and dominates the screen with intensity, authority and at times pathos with no signs of hamminess. Although Diana Lynn and especially a refreshingly honest (in terms of character that is) John Hodiak are also strong, they don't quite match Tracy. The film is beautifully shot, with a striking grit but done stunningly. Strueges generally directs solidly, especially in the final act which really redeems the film along with Tracy.
Script is often thought-probing and has an uncompromising toughness in Curtayne's character writing and sincerity. The story starts off really well in a gritty, taut fashion, already making one excited for what's to come. Although the middle act isn't as strong, there are powerful moments still as Curtayne is such an interesting character and some of his scenes do wrench the gut. The final act fares the best, tense and intriguing finishing with an ending that is both suspenseful and moving.
In summary, much to admire but could have been better. 7/10