Once Claus von Bulow and Dershowitzo meet, the film becomes a variation of the Odd Couple, a rich, abrasive, arrogant Euro-trash man and a bright, hardworking, down-to earth Jewish lawyer, who perceived Claus von Bulow's case as challenging beyond issues of guilt or morality.

In 1955, Delbert Mann's “Marty” won Best Picture, Director, and other Oscars. The most nominated film was “The Rose Tattoo,” based on Tennessee Williams play and directed by the other Mann, Daniel. Most of the nominated pictures were screen adaptations of popular stage or TV plays. The other three nominees were the romantic melodrama “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing,” John Ford's “Mister Roberts,” and Joshua Logan's “Picnic.”