Film Review: Town Without Pity (1961)
It is not uncommon for certain films to be better remembered for their theme songs than for their content. One film that holds this dubious honour is Town Without Pity, a 1961 drama directed by Gottfried Reinhardt.
Town Without Pity was produced as an international co-production involving the United States, West Germany, and Switzerland. It is based on the novel The Judgment (1960) by German author Gregor Dorfmeister, who published under the pen name “Manfred Gregor.”
The plot begins in September 1960 in a small town in West Germany, adjacent to a US Army base. It deals with Karin Steinhoff, portrayed by Christine Kaufmann, a 16-year-old girl who goes swimming with her 19-year-old boyfriend, Frank Borgmann (played by Gerhart Lipert). Their outing takes a dark turn when a quarrel ensues over the physicality of their relationship. In a misguided attempt to entice Frank, Karin disrobes, only to be horrified as four intoxicated American soldiers witness the act. This leads to a brutal rape that sets off a chain of events involving court martial proceedings against the perpetrators. Karin's father, Karl Steinhof (played by Hans Nilsen), demands the death penalty for the soldiers, despite West Germany's lack of capital punishment laws at that time. Lieutenant Colonel Pakenham (played by E.G. Marshall), acting as the prosecuting attorney, supports this demand, while Major Garrett (played by Kirk Douglas), the defence attorney, faces moral dilemmas as he seeks to save his clients from execution. His strategy involves discrediting Karin's character during cross-examination, knowing that this will irreparably damage her reputation in their small community.
Beyond Kirk Douglas’s notable performance—he was enthusiastic about the project and even had Dalton Trumbo, a blacklisted screenwriter, contribute uncredited work on the screenplay—the film features composer Dimitri Tiomkin. Tiomkin's theme song not only became a major hit but also won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song and received an Academy Award nomination. This musical success stands in stark contrast to the film’s reception.
Despite its ambitious themes and notable performances, Town Without Pity was met with mixed reviews upon release. The grim subject matter—addressing rape, teenage sexuality, and the societal hypocrisy prevalent in small towns—may have contributed to its lukewarm reception. Unlike Otto Preminger’s Anatomy of a Murder, which tackled similar themes with ironic undertones and touches of humour just two years prior, Reinhardt maintains a serious tone throughout Town Without Pity. This earnestness can sometimes make the film feel more like a sermon than engaging story.
This solemnity is further emphasised through the character of Inge Koerner (played by Barbara Rütting), a magazine reporter who not only covers the trial but also serves as the film’s narrator. Her presence adds an additional layer of commentary on the events unfolding in the courtroom and reflects societal attitudes towards both victims and perpetrators.
Nevertheless, Town Without Pity possesses numerous strengths. The cast is led by Kirk Douglas, who adeptly portrays a morally conflicted defence attorney grappling with his responsibilities. 16-year old Christine Kaufmann delivers a commendable performance in her Hollywood debut; her tragic role ultimately paved the way for an international career. Additionally, Robert Blake makes a notable impression as one of the rapists who struggles with his conscience—a performance that foreshadows his breakout role in 1967’s In Cold Blood.
While Town Without Pity grapples with dark themes and showcases significant unfulfilled potential, it remains a solid courtroom drama that merits viewing even for those less interested in 1960s pop music history. Its exploration of justice and victimhood resonates powerfully today and invites viewers to reflect on societal attitudes towards sexual violence and its aftermath.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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