Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Director:

Billy Wilder

Writers:

Agatha Christie (play)
Larry Marcus (adaptation)

Release Date:

6 February 1958 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

Once in 50 years suspense like this!

Plot:

Agatha Christie tale of a man on trial for murder: a trial featuring surprise after surprise.

Plot Keywords:

Agatha Christie | Wig | Courtroom | Blood Type | Microphone

Awards:

Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 2 wins & 8 nominations

US Showtimes:

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Cast

Tyrone Power	...	Leonard Steven Vole
Marlene Dietrich	...	Christine Helm / Vole
Charles Laughton	...	Sir Wilfrid Robarts, lawyer
Elsa Lanchester	...	Miss Plimsoll, nurse
John Williams	...	Brogan-Moore
Henry Daniell	...	Mayhew
Ian Wolfe	...	Carter
Torin Thatcher	...	Mr. Myers, prosecutor
Norma Varden	...	Emily Jane French
Una O'Connor	...	Janet McKenzie
Francis Compton	...	Judge
Philip Tonge	...	Inspector Hearne
Ruta Lee	...	Diana

Runtime:

116 min | Australia:111 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

West Germany:12 | Argentina:16 | Australia:G | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | USA:Approved (PCA #18704) | UK:U

Filming Locations:

MGM Studios - 10202 W. Washington Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Edward Small Productions

Trivia:

Charles Laughton modeled his characterization of "Sir Wilfrid Robarts," including the use of a monocle to intimidate Leonard, on Florance Guedella, an Englishman who was both Laughton's and Marlene Dietrich's lawyer and who was famous for twirling his monocle while cross-examining witnesses.

Goofs:

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): On the witness stand, Janet McKenzie refers to October 8 as being one week to the day before October 14 (the night of the murder). It's only six days earlier.

Quotes:

Mr. Myers: I hope we are not to be deprived of the learned and stimulating company of Sir Wilfrid?

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in "Get Smart: Witness for the Execution (#5.19)" (1970)

Soundtrack:

I May Never Go Home Anymore

What a movie!

A film I have not seen for years but will always remember with fondness. A classic thriller with all the right ingredients - Power and Dietrich are spectacular, and, by early standards (and recent ones!), the twist is excellent.

Charles Laughton however, provides us with a glib chuckle as the aging defense attorney ruled by his overlord maid. A distraction that only adds to an excellent plot line.

I can't imagine another film of the genre and the era, that so wickedly entangles the essential thriller with a 'crime of passion' (oops, spot the plot killer...) gem. A classic.

A film for true movie lovers. Take it from me!