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MARQUETTE - The voice of actor Jimmy Stewart rang out through the Marquette County Circuit Courtroom Friday evening, just as it did 50 years ago during the filming of "Anatomy of a Murder."
As part of the 50th anniversary of the filming of the movie and its release, the Anatomy of a Murder Celebration Committee provided for a showing of the film in the courthouse.
Faces turned up to the screen, some chuckling at the dialogue and turning to take in their surroundings as well as the movie.
For some in the crowd of about 120, it was the first time seeing "Anatomy of a Murder," others knew exactly what was coming next.
"My only impression (I had of the area) was from the film, and I must say Mr. Preminger really caught the flavor of the area," said Foster Hirsch, biographer of the film's director, Otto Preminger, and keynote speaker at several events celebrating the film over the next few days. "The atmosphere could not be reproduced."
Hirsch gave an introduction to to the film, explaining Preminger's motives in shooting on location, particularly shooting in the Upper Peninsula's spring weather.
"He wanted something very harsh and stark, but beautiful," Hirsch said.
Getting to see the film in the courthouse was a rare treat for Hirsch and the audience, he said.
"It is in the place where it happened, both in reality and in the film," he said, referring to the original trial that author John Voelker based the book on. "This is entirely local.
"I think it is by far the greatest film about a trial in history."
During the intermission audience members were invited to take a tour of the courthouse, including the courtroom and other rooms that were used by the actors.
Tours were conducted by Pat Manley, Marquette County's Register of Deeds.
"They asked me if I was interested and I said absolutely," she said. "I enjoy history, I really do. It's an important part of our heritage."
This was not the first time the film has been shown in the Courthouse. Pam Christensen, director of the Peter White Public Library and chairwoman of the celebration committee, said the film was shown during the centennial celebration of the library and again last year during the 50th anniversary of the book.
"You find yourself watching the movie and then turning to see what is the same and what has changed (in the courtroom)," she said. "People love it."
For some in the audience, seeing the film was a chance to relive memories of when the film was shot in town.
"Of course the town was so happy to see (the actors)," said Marquette resident Josephine Kilink, who worked at the J.C. Penny store when it was located on Washington Street.
She said she would park her car near the courthouse and walk to work with friends. Once they were even asked to not talk so loud when going past, due to the filming.
Kilink also said the stars, particularly Lee Remick with her young child, would stop by the store.
"She'd stop in and we all saw the baby," she said, adding that all the stars were "very friendly."
A variety of events celebrating the film are being held throughout the county in the week ahead, including the debut of Mining Journal report John Pepin's documentary, "Anatomy '59 - The Making of a Classic Motion Picture."
The documentary is airing on PBS stations across the state, including WNMU TV-13, at 9 p.m. Monday, which is the 50th anniversary of the release of "Anatomy of a Murder."
