The Winston Affair

source: The Winston Affair

Man in the Middle

Robert Mitcham was in his prime when he afe this film.However like all stars he didnt always chose roles that fit his persona.He is a rather unlikely defence lawyer called upon to defend a somewhat disturbed Keenan Wynne at a courts martial. Trevor Howand gives an effective performance in a supporting role.Lionel Bart composed the music.

An intelligently written (by Keith Waterhouse & Willis Hall fresh from 'The Long and the Short and the Tall') and well-acted court martial drama depicting the murder trial of a racist reactionary played by Keenan Wynn who Bob Mitchum has the same thankless job of defending as Jimmy Stewart did of defending the even more rebarbative Ben Gazzara in 'Anatomy of a Murder'. With the activities of jihadis in Europe currently constantly making headlines and the murder only three years ago of Labour MP Jo Cox by a far right extremist, the line "I've never met a murderer yet that somebody didn't say he was crazy..." continues to resonate.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE is an interesting more than entertaining legal drama that offers a leading role for permanently weary-looking Robert Mitchum. He plays an army officer who's called in to defend an American soldier in Burma who cold-bloodedly executed a British ally. The reasons behind this surprising behaviour come apparent in one shocking interrogation sequence. Otherwise, this is a rather sedately-paced character drama, looking at relationships and politics rather than the usual wartime exploits. A decent cast work hard to bring the material to life.

This movie shows what a fine and underrated actor Keenan Wynn was. His performance is sublime. The story itself is very believable and convincing; adapted from the fine novel The Winston Affair by Howard Fast. Robert Mitchem gives an excellent performance as does Leslie Howard. This film addresses many issues of race and responsibility in a much better fashion than most newer films. Unfortunately the film is not available on video. If you get a chance to see it take the chance! You will not regret it.

I saw Man in the Middle with my dad at the old Rio Theater in Downtown Miami City in 1964. I was just a child, but I still remember the shocking scene in the beginning of the film where Keenan Wynn's character walks into a packed army tent and shoots a young soldier to death. Filmed in black and white, the film was extremely well-acted and filmed. Robert Mitchem was outstanding as the officer in charge of defending Wynne and trying to determine just why he murdered this young soldier. However, the show is stolen by Keenan Wynn and he gives his greatest screen performance. Man in the Middle rates a 10 out of 10.

This is the film Guy Hamilton made just before the blockbuster of his career "Goldfinger" -which,although very different from "Man in the middle" ,remains one of the best (who says best?) Bond ever made-. The problem with "man in the middle " is that there's not enough scenes with Keenan Wynn.We would like to know more about him,about his childhood,his relationship with his colleagues,women ,etc.Only Trevor Howard's final plea -which an ominous music makes disturbing- really tells us about his psyche.Also handicapped by a decorative female character who brings almost nothing to the plot whereas we 're waiting to know more about Winton's motives.Average.