A Fictitious Story Wouldn't Prove Anything(作り話じゃ何も証明できんよ)

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・『合理的疑いを超えて[条理ある疑いの彼方に]』(Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, 1956)

A trick ending wraps up the melodrama in "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" but comes a little too late to revive interest in a tale that relies too often on pat contrivance rather than logical development. Fritz Lang's direction does what it can to inject suspense and interest but the melodrama never really jells. (Variety, 1 January 1956)

They do say that Douglas Morrow, who wrote "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt," the mystery melodrama that came to Loew's State yesterday, is a graduate of a law school and the holder of a couple of law degrees. But you'd never believe it from the manner in which the law is twisted and ignored in this film.

[. . .]

While the purpose may be exemplary, the method the gentlemen employ is highly dubious as a practical exposition. And once it is revealed to prove their point, it should certainly put them in a pickle for conspiring to subvert justice and fool the courts.

[. . .]

However, if you can swallow such arrant disregard for the law, you may find this a fairly intriguing and brain-teasing mystery film. For the story does have its unconventional angle (not many people try to "frame" themselves), the night-club atmosphere is noxiously alluring and Fritz Lang has directed the film well.

[. . .]

This one may get by at Loew's State, but it wouldn't stand up in court. (Bosley Crowther, The New York Times, 14 September 1956)