Director Jonathan Lynn Observed a Murder Trial Firsthand
Director Jonathan Lynn, who holds a law degree, went the extra mile to ensure legal accuracy in *My Cousin Vinny*. He attended a murder trial in Monticello, Georgia, which significantly influenced the courtroom scenes and introduced him to phrases that made their way into the film. “Some of the lines in the [Vinny trial] came directly from that trial,” Lynn revealed. This included the unique pronunciation of “heinous” as “high-a-nus” by Lane Smith, who played the district attorney, and the reference to “our little old ancestors” in the opening statement.
Car in Question Appears During Trial Recess
You might need to watch the film a few times to catch this subtle detail that supports the innocence of Stan and Bill. Blink, and you’ll miss it! While Vinny and Mona Lisa are discussing her photos in a restaurant during a trial recess, a mint green convertible with a white roof can be seen driving by in the background. Recall that during Mona Lisa’s testimony, she identifies a car with similar features to the defendants’ 1964 Buick Skylark convertible as a mint-green 1964 Pontiac Tempest. Later in the film, it’s revealed that two men matching the defendants’ descriptions were arrested in a stolen green Pontiac Tempest. Could this be a hint at the getaway car?