This one was Predictable going in, an Overrated Director, John Sturges, and an Actor, when commenting on, becomes Blasphemous to call Overrated, but a case could be made, Spencer Tracy, always seemed to be Old On Screen even in the Early Days and although He could be Commanding and Intense, the Range was Small and He Rarely Played anything other than Spencer Tracy. But He is much Beloved.MGM was Late to Film-Noir and Never seemed to Get it quite Right and this is another Excellent Example of the Studio Trying but Coming Up Short. John Alton's Cinematography in the First Act and the Third Act give the Film a Distinctive Urban-Crime Feel and the Ending is Surprising considering the Studio.But the Film is Clunky at times and Tracy Struggles to show the Difference between His Drunk and Non Drunk Scenes. James Arness as the one on Trial is Miscast and pretty Stiff. The Rest of the Familiar Cast go through the Motions Without Much Flare, even the Flamboyant Criminals.Overall, it is Highly Melodramatic and Not a lot of it Works that Well. But it is Worth a Watch for Spencer Tracy Fans, John Alton's Noir-ish Look and to See Director Sturgess before He Became completely Formulaic and a Mainstream Hack that Delivered Popcorn Pictures Masquerading as Artful Cinema like "The Great Escape" (1963) and "The Magnificent Seven" (1960).

Spencer Tracy plays a seasoned attorney with his work cut out for him defending a young man in a murder trial. In some ways a routine courtroom drama, but it goes beyond that. Tracy is terrific, doing his usual crusty cynic bit but that's what we love him for. The role has some depth to it, as the character is a struggling alcoholic who makes a mistake in a moment of weakness. The rest of the cast doesn't match his performance, although John Hodiak is pretty good as the opposing counsel. The plot takes some interesting turns and goes into true noir territory in the third act. And cinematography by John Alton... need I say more? Those brilliant patches of light amidst deep, deep shadows look fantastic as always. I'll be honest, courtroom movies don't generally excite me, but this one is a cut above the usual fare.

The People Against O'Hara was enjoyable to watch mainly because of the great list of actors. Spencer Tracy will always be good to see in any role, from Bad Day to Mohicians to this movie. They don't make actors like Tracy and Bogart any more. It was nice to see an old favorite, James Arness at such a young age of 29. For a huge man of 6'7" he does a commendable job of not appearing out of place and acting the necessary age of his character. Throw in all time favorite, Charles Buchinski, better known as the Pennsylvania coal mine, better known as Charles Bronson, and one has a decent film devoid of modern-day vulgar language. If you have a chance to see this movie you should do so. sit back and enjoy acting as it should be done.

This is a tidy crime drama about a "retired" attorney(Spenser Tracy)dealing with his own unethical behavior. Well written and photographed. An apt group of players support the flawless Tracy: Pat O'Brien, John Hodiak, Regis Toomey, Diana Lynn and James Arness. Worth your attention.