Witness for the Prosecution



Following a massive heart attack, infamous British barrister Sir Wilfred Robarts (Charles Laughten) has been ordered by his doctors to forswear drinking, smoking, and his work in the courtroom. However, he is intrigued by the case of Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), a likeable fellow who’s accused of murdering a wealthy widow. The case is turned on its head when Vole’s loving wife (Marlene Dietrich) announces that they are not really married and agrees to be a witness for the prosecution. Adapted from an Agatha Christie play and directed with his usual finesse by Billy Wilder.

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24 Replies to “Witness for the Prosecution”

  1. Thank you, YouTube, for an A-list cast in a most entertaining and suspenseful picture❣ This is at least my 3rd viewing of this extraordinary picture. This film screams for a sequel. This cast of excellent actors can not be found today. Charles Laughton as Sir Wilfred Robards was simply electrifying. And the incomparable Marlene Dietrich as Christine Helm/Vole is unsurpassed. My only criticism is I hated seeing Tyrone Power as a cad. Elsa Lanchester was adorable, charming and effervescent as Nurse Plimpson. Interesting to note, Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester were husband and wife in real life. Again, a superb A-list cast of actors and character actors, too, in a very entertaining picture❤

  2. Unbelievable !!! This has got to be Agatha Christie's masterpiece. Solid plot from the beginning, and the end was one surprise after another. Every one of the actors was at their best. That was the best 2 hours I've spent in a long time.
    And Elsa Lanchester, Laughton's real life wife, was excellent as his annoyingly gabby nurse . You may remember her as the beautiful lady with the lightning streaked hair in Wife of Frankenstein .

  3. Another Billy Wilder gem. His perfectionist bent clashed with both Tyrone Power AND Marlene Dietrich to the point where Power threatened to quit. You can see his aim for the Lubitsch Touch here.

  4. Dear Youtube: Why would this film be considered "inappropriate for some viewers"? Just trying to figure that one out for this 1957 film with no racism and "strong female character" in the film.

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