In Chicago of 1924, two boys in their late teens kidnapped and murdered a fourteen year old boy. They were subsequently arrested and convicted. Their case drew sensational nationwide attention, because the killers were from wealthy families and had led privileged, well-educated lives.

Leopold and Loeb murdered not for the money, but for the thrill. Legendary lawyer Clarence Darrow (later of Scopes 'Monkey Trial' fame) was hired as their defense attorney. Since the teens had stupidly and arrogantly confessed, not only to the police but to reporters, Darrow's task was to obtain their life imprisonment. The only alternative would have them swinging from a rope.

Hollywood has made three films based on the notorious case: Rope (1948), Compulsion, and Swoon (1992). Rope is the most famous, as it was directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and starred James Stewart. Swoon had the advantage of being made in an era of 'R' movies. The homosexual nature of the teens' relationship was by necessity avoided in the earlier films.

In the adaptation for Compulsion, Artie Straus (Bradford Dillman) represents Loeb, while Judd Steiner (Dean Stockwell) represents Leopold. Both Dillman and Stockwell were miscast, as they were too old for their characters. Dillman was nearly thirty. Stockwell was a child star during the 1940s (Gentleman's Agreement), and has had a long, successful Hollywood career as a character actor.

Darrow is portrayed by Orson Welles, whose character has been named Jonathan Wilk. After makeup, Welles greatly resembled Darrow, who was in his late sixties during the trial. Welles was the most famous actor in the cast. He was first billed despite not appearing until the final third of the movie.

During the actual trial, Darrow's closing statement lasted for three days. Welles' summation lasts about ten minutes, and is a moving argument against capitol punishment. Unlike in other roles, Welles is not the least bit campy. Even when his despicable clients act like jerks, he doesn't so much as raise an eyebrow. The prosecuting attorney, his opponent, is played by E.G. Marshall.

Of our two anti-heroes, Straus is by far the least sympathetic. He's cocky, sadistic, and boastful. Steiner is conceited, believing himself superior due to his intellect and education. But he's also torn with self-doubt, and is easily manipulated by Straus.

Steiner is given a love interest (Diane Varsi). She sees his 'sensitive', 'vulnerable' side and wants to help him overcome his obvious emotional problems. Varsi's performance has been ridiculed, perhaps because the audience prefers a conventional tough 'femme fatale' character in a crime drama. (60/100)




Recommended: Yes