The Dock Brief [Trial and Error] *** (1962, Peter Sellers, Richard Attenborough, Beryl Reid, David Lodge, Frank Pettingell) – Classic Movie Review 8731

John Mortimer’s witty one-act radio, then theatre play about an accused man named Fowle (Richard Attenborough), who is freed of murdering his wife because of his bungling barrister Morgenhall (Peter Sellers), makes a so-so film as James Hill’s 1962 The Dock Brief [Trial and Error].

So-so it may be, but the engaging performances of the two stars, plus a hilarious Beryl Reid as Attenborough’s hysterically giggling wife Doris, keep The Dock Brief sparky throughout.

The brief material (only 88 minutes) just does not seem to have enough going for it to make a really satisfying movie, but it remains entertaining and amusing nonetheless in its minor way. The screenplay is by Pierre Rouve, adapting Mortimer’s play.

Also in the cast are David Lodge, Frank Pettingell, Eric Woodburn, Frank Thornton, Tristram Jellinek, Patrick Newell, Aubrey Nicholson, John Waite, David Drummond, Eric Dodson, Ian Curry and Henry Kay.

The Dock Brief [Trial and Error] is directed by James Hill, runs 88 minutes, is made by Dimitri De Grunwald Production and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer British Studios, is released by MGM, is written by Pierre Rouve, based on John Mortimer’s play, is shot in black and white by Ted Scaife, is produced by Dimitri De Grunwald, is scored by Ron Grainer and is designed by Ray Simm.

It is shot at Shepperton Studios, Shepperton, Surrey, England.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8731

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