Maybe the best movie you have not yet seen.

steve-1919

10 out of 10 rating is truly earned. This film remains a very memorable experience for me. My subjective opinion puts it at the top.

Most people have never heard of this movie, but everyone finds it intense and entertaining. It may cause you to think a little.

The theme is not a hot topic today--criminals set free because of loopholes in the law. But on another level, there is current relevance. The system exists for a reason, even if it is not perfect.

Our current political leadership is ignoring the constitution. Proclamations are now law--like with dictatorships.

The Star Chamber is a group of judges acting outside of the law. They want to clean up after the system fails and allows obviously guilty criminals to walk free. They review a case in private, inspect evidence, and then vote on a verdict. If found guilty, a hit man is ready to carry out sentence.

Young Judge Hardin is drawn in after letting 2 child killers walk free on a technicality. He joins the Star Chamber and asks for judgment on the child killer case. Things do not work out the way Hardin had expected.

Acting and photography are striking in this film. Veteran actors give great performances in rich, film noir settings. How do you go wrong with Douglas, Holbrook and Kotto? Action scenes are filled with tension and excitement. The opening footrace takes the viewer along through neighborhood living rooms and back yards. A car chase puts the viewer behind the wheel. The style is realistic, increasing the tension.

The final action scene finds Hardin in an out of control situation, both physically and in the plot. The viewer slides along with Hardin, spinning down an industrial chute to the final showdown.

We find out how the judges in the Star Chamber, even with their good intentions, are a very dangerous group.

Watch the Star Chamber and you will be ready to offer a recommendation to your friends. Someone will say that they need help finding something to watch, and you will recommend this movie and look like a genius.

score 10/10

steve-1919 9 January 2014

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2938269/