The People Against O'Hara

"Couldn't beat it, could ya? Just a worn down, old lush."
When has Spencer Tracy not ever been in top form? He's solid yet again and appropriately world-weary in 1951's THE PEOPLE AGAINST O'HARA, and maybe it's because his character in the film bears a similar cross. Like Tracy in real life, James P. Curtayne is an alcoholic. It's what forced him to shift career tracks, from the assistant district attorney's office to the less intense field of civil suits. Curtayne's concerned daughter (Diana Lynn) has put her life on hold to ensure that he doesn't relapse. As the film starts, she thinks her job nearly done. But how can James P. Curtayne reject the pleas of an elderly couple from the old neighborhood whose son had just been arrested on a murder charge? He's known his latest client, John Fordman O'Hara (James Arness of GUNSMOKE), from when Johnny was a pup. He's back to practicing criminal law.

Except that Johnny O'Hara's alibi is flimsy, practically insubstantial. The case against him is strong. Curtayne has his work cut out, and...

THE WHEELS OF JUSTICE GRIND SLOWLY...
Spencer Tracy is a standout in this tale of redemption. Playing the role of James Curtayne, an attorney who was once a formidable and respected prosecutor and is now in his own practice handling civil suits, brought low by his penchant for booze, he is clearly a man battling his own demons. Staying on the straight and narrow with the help of his devoted daughter (Diana Lynn), all is well until he decides to help out a Johnny O'Hara (James Arness), a young man whom he has known for a long time.

It appears that Johnny has gone and found himself charged with Murder in the First Degree for a crime he did not commit. His elderly, impoverished parents implore James Curtayne to help their son. He tries to explain that he does not handle criminal cases but finds himself, in a moment of weakness, caving in and taking the case for peanuts. He is, however, thrilled to be back in the game.

Unfortunately, there are many impediments to his quest to vindication for his...



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