Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

How ironic in the following year that Robinson and Foch would play supporting, but yet extremely important roles in "The Ten Commandments.""Illegal" is just a terrific movie all the way. Robinson, the gruff district attorney, sends an innocent man to the chair and turns to drinking and dealing with shady characters after his resignation.Nina Foch's father gave him his start and he has taken care of her, making sure she has landed a position in the D.A.'s office. Go know that her husband, Hugh Marlowe, gives information to corrupt people and Foch kills him when he discovers she is on to him and nearly kills her.Robinson defends Foch despite the fact that Albert Dekker, the chief of the crooks, doesn't want the trial to implicate him.Nice change for a turn for Ellen Corby who plays Robinson's devoted secretary.

Edward G Robinson brings his great acting talents to be a top dog lawyer and his acting is excellent. The supporting cast includes Nina Foch, Ed Platt (later chief of control on Get Smart), and in a brief role DeForest Kelly (later Dr. McCoy on Star Trek). This Warner Brothers film is a remake of an earlier Warner film.Still, the retread works out nicely. Right from the beginning when Robinson railroads Kelly to the electric chair, Robinson is in top form. The cast is good, and the directing is solid to go with the acting. Overall, especially if your a Robinson fan, this is worth while to watch.Robinson seems just as well suited to play the over bearing and shady lawyer as he is to play a mobster.

After sending an innocent man to the electric chair, a district attorney's ambitious career plans are disrupted. The film is entertaining enough but has some silly moments, including a ridiculous finale. Robinson is fine as the tough attorney, a decent fellow who unwittingly becomes involved with the mob. Unfortunately, the supporting cast is not up to par. Foch in particular gives a weak performance as an associate of Robinson's. In only her third film, Mansfield is quite alluring as (what else?) a dumb blonde. There are three actors here who would gain fame on TV: Platt (Maxwell Smart's Chief), Corby (Grandma Walton), and Kelley (Dr. McCoy).

Edward G. Robinson stars in this remake of "The Mouthpiece," with Warren William. Edward is a d.a. who has a way with his juries and is very showy in a courtroom and dramatic in his closing arguments, making him very effective in getting his point across and "getting his man" behind bars. But, he finds out he has sent an innocent man to the death penalty, a minute too late. When he discovers this, he quits, only to use his tactics in being a defense lawyer. He always seems to find a loophole in the system that would allow him to get his man off.Enter Albert Dekker, who needs his help, but Albert is a rich bad guy and Edward tries to convince him he's not for sale. Nina Foch is very good as an assistant in the d.a.'s office who has always loved Edward, but when he tells her it's no soap and tells her to marry good friend Hugh Marlowe, she does.All these plots come together in this tight, well-acted, engrossing crime drama and courtroom drama. Watch this and you'll see why Edward G. Robinson isn't just remembered for "Rico" in "Little Caesar," but as one of Hollywood's versatile actors. If you've never heard of Edward G. Robinson, you're in for a treat, see.