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Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
6 February 1958 (USA)
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Tagline:
Once in 50 years suspense like this! more
Plot:
Agatha Christie tale of a man on trial for murder: a trial featuring surprise after surprise. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 6 Oscars.
Another 2 wins
&
8 nominations
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User Comments:
Another triumph for cinematic genius Billy Wilder!
more (136 total)
Cast
(Complete credited cast) | Tyrone Power | ... | Leonard Vole |
 | Marlene Dietrich | ... | Christine Vole |
 | Charles Laughton | ... | Sir Wilfrid Robarts |
 | Elsa Lanchester | ... | Miss Plimsoll |
 | John Williams | ... | Brogan-Moore |
| Henry Daniell | ... | Mayhew |
| Ian Wolfe | ... | Carter |
| Torin Thatcher | ... | Mr. Myers |
| Norma Varden | ... | Emily Jane French |
| Una O'Connor | ... | Janet McKenzie |
| Francis Compton | ... | Judge |
| Philip Tonge | ... | Inspector Hearne |
 | Ruta Lee | ... | Diana |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
116 min | Australia:111 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)
Certification:
West Germany:12 |
Spain:T |
Argentina:16 |
Australia:G |
Finland:K-16 |
Sweden:15 |
USA:Approved (PCA #18704) |
UK:U
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Charles Laughton appears as himself, talking directly to the audience, in the lengthy 4 minute trailer.
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Goofs:
Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): Both Sir Wilfred and Mr. Myers introduce evidence directly to the court themselves, which is against courtroom procedure. Sir Wilfred, for example, trumps Inspector Hearne's testimony by directly revealing Leonard Vole's blood type, instead of properly calling a witness with personal or professional knowledge of it.
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Quotes:
Christine Vole:
Damn you. Damn you. Damn you! Damn you!
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in Portrait d'un homme 'à 60% parfait': Billy Wilder (1980)
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Soundtrack:
I May Never Go Home Anymore
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FAQ
A Note Regarding SpoilersIs "Witness for the Prosecution" based on a novel?
How does the movie end after the verdict is announced?
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more (136 total)
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| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
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Billy Wilder is a director with an understanding of cinema that is almost unmatched throughout the medium's entire history - that's why his films are always so good. Witness for the Prosecution is yet another highlight in the great director's history, and it proves that courtroom dramas can be both riveting and a great opportunity for some first rate comedy. Wilder's film features one of the most well paced plots I've ever seen in a film, and it's a plot that includes some very finely tuned twists. Towards the end, Wilder bombards us with twist after twist, each one both making sense and topping the one before it. In a time when people are impressed by films such as 'The Sixth Sense', Billy Wilder still shows us how to skilfully attribute a twist into a film's plot. The plot itself follows the story of Sir Wilfrid Robarts; an ace defence lawyer that has been told that his health won't allow him to tackle anything more than mundane cases, but is brought back into the fray when a case involving the murder of an elderly woman comes into his hands. Wilfrid must now juggle the case and his health as he attempts to keep the young man from being sent down.
Like all Wilder films, this one is a very pleasurable viewing. Wilder manages to find a middle ground between substance and entertainment, and so this is a film that will please fans of both aspects. The film is deliriously entertaining throughout, with some truly great lines of dialogue (most of which is very quotable) and every twist adds a new level to the story. The substance comes from a multitude of angles, and themes of love, health, sacrifice and most notably, justice, are all more than prevalent. The acting is certainly of note in Witness for the Prosecution. Charles Laughton is absolutely sublime as the undermining and stubborn Wilfrid Robarts; his performance is very strong, and makes up the backbone of the film. The main supporting performance comes from Marlene Dietrich. I'm not a big fan of hers; despite having a great pair of legs, she just doesn't do anything for me, but in this film she brings sufficient coldness to her character and really makes it her own. The final main performance comes from Tyrone Power; he isn't as great as the other two, but does enough with his character to ensure he's believable. Highly recommended viewing!