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The People Against O'Hara

Play trailer Poster for The People Against O'Hara Released Sep 1, 1951 1h 41m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 2 Reviews 37% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
After being accused of murdering a shopkeeper, Johnny O'Hara (James Arness) begs retired lawyer James Curtayne (Spencer Tracy) to represent him. Once in court, the shaky Curtayne struggles in the face of a tough prosecutor -- and worse yet, his alcoholism also threatens to unravel him. After O'Hara ends up in prison because of his lawyer's botched handling of the case, a reeling Curtayne will stop at nothing to redeem himself, even if it means taking matters into his own hands.
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The People Against O'Hara

Critics Reviews

View All (2) Critics Reviews
Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine It's a bit lumbering in pace, but decent and unpretentious, and some of the minor roles are unusually well-acted. Jan 28, 2020 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews It's not the usual strong role Spencer Tracy is noted for. Rated: B- Feb 11, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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CL Excellent noir cinematography, good acting, good writing. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/27/23 Full Review Steve D Predictable melodrama sure to disappoint. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 06/23/23 Full Review Audience Member The movie starts out as a good courtroom drama with good performances by Spencer Tracy and James Arness. Halfway through it becomes more of detective drama and a more typical film noir. At that point it loses its unique touch. But overall it's a good film. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member There's a lot to like about the film noir, but the script isn't one of them. See if for John Alton's superb B & W cinematography, and the stellar performances from Spencer Tracey, Diana Lynn and others. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Not a classic noir but a decent drama with Tracy customarily excellent. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The People Against O'Hara

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The People Against O'Hara

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Movie Info

Synopsis After being accused of murdering a shopkeeper, Johnny O'Hara (James Arness) begs retired lawyer James Curtayne (Spencer Tracy) to represent him. Once in court, the shaky Curtayne struggles in the face of a tough prosecutor -- and worse yet, his alcoholism also threatens to unravel him. After O'Hara ends up in prison because of his lawyer's botched handling of the case, a reeling Curtayne will stop at nothing to redeem himself, even if it means taking matters into his own hands.
Director
John Sturges
Production Co
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 1, 1951, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 1, 2012
Runtime
1h 41m
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