‘Anatomy of a Murder’

Otto Preminger, who excelled at intellectual thrillers, is at his peak here in this 1959 film. Based on the book by Robert Traver (a pseudonymous Michigan Supreme Court judge), in which a wily old defense attorney argues for a volatile soldier who has killed his wife’s “assailant,” it’s a great trial melodrama. The cast is unimpeachable--Jimmy Stewart (second from left) as the mouthpiece, George C. Scott (right) as his opponent, Ben Gazzara and Lee Remick as killer and wife. With Joseph Welch (left) and Brooks West (third from left) (Showtime Thursday at 11:30 a.m.)

Other selected four-star films airing this week:

A Hard Day’s Night / AMC, Monday, 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, 1 p.m.

The China Syndrome / TNT, Monday, 11:30 p.m.

Touch of Evil / AMC, Wednesday, 2 p.m.

Bonnie and Clyde / KCOP, early Thursday, 3:00 a.m.

Atlantic City / TMC, Thursday, 1:45 p.m.

In Cold Blood / TMC, Thursday, 3:30 p.m.