Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

A veteran British barrister must defend his client in a murder trial that has surprise after surprise.

Director:

Billy Wilder

Writers:

Agatha Christie (in Agatha Christie's international stage success), Billy Wilder (screen play)

Stars:

Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton

Top Rated Movies #66 | Nominated for 6 Oscars. Another 4 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Tyrone Power	...	Leonard Vole
Marlene Dietrich	...	Christine
Charles Laughton	...	Sir Wilfrid Roberts
Elsa Lanchester	...	Miss Plimsoll
John Williams	...	Brogan-Moore
Henry Daniell	...	Mayhew
Ian Wolfe	...	Carter
Torin Thatcher	...	Mr. Myers
Norma Varden	...	Mrs. Emily Jane French
Una O'Connor	...	Janet MacKenzie
Francis Compton	...	Judge
Philip Tonge	...	Inspector Hearne
Ruta Lee	...	Diana

Storyline

Ailing barrister Sir Wilfrid Robarts is thrust back into the courtroom in what becomes one of the most unusual and eventful murder case of the lawyer's career when he finds himself defending Leonard Vole, a man being tried for the murder of a wealthy woman. With Robarts choosing to represent him, the two find themselves up against Leonard's cold-hearted wife, Christine - who, in a surprising turn of events, chooses to appear in court against her husband.

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Plot Keywords:

lawyer | courtroom drama | defense attorney | courtroom | prosecution | 

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Taglines:

Once in 50 years suspense like this!

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Marlene Dietrich was determined to play Christine Vole, and only if Billy Wilder directed.

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Goofs

Early in the courtroom scenes witnesses are seated in the hallway outside the courtroom door on a bench. This has a backdrop painted to look like a longer hallway. At the end of the trial when the courtroom is emptied the hallway is shown as being narrower with no bench.

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Quotes

Sir Wilfrid: Doctors! They've deprived me of everything: alcohol, tobacco, female companionship!

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Crazy Credits

As the end credits appear on screen, an announcer's voice is heard: "The management of this theater suggests that for the greater entertainment of your friends who have not yet seen the picture you will not divulge to anyone the secret of the ending of Witness for the Prosecution."

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Connections

Referenced in Moonlighting: Witness for the Execution (1986)

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Soundtracks

I May Never Go Home Anymore
Music by Ralph Arthur Roberts
Lyrics by Jack Brooks
Sung by Marlene Dietrich (uncredited)
Reprised a cappella by Tyrone Power (uncredited)

User Reviews

Fun with Charles and Marlene

To see "Witness for the Prosecution" for the first time in 2008 is a jolting surprise. Nobody could do it better than Billy Wilder did in 1957. A man accused of murder, Tyrone Power, the weakest link in this terrific chain. Sir Wilfred is called to defend him, he is played by the extraordinary Charles Laughton, but he's just out of hospital - he wasn't dismissed he was expelled - and due to doctor's orders he's not to take any criminal cases. He finds Power charming and personable enough but he's not going to risk his life to save his until Marlene Dietrich makes her entrance - and what an entrance! How marvelous that what amounts to a bit of Agatha Christie's usual fare becomes such an entertaining and at times right down riveting piece of film-making.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English German

Release Date:

6 February 1958 (USA)

Also Known As:

Witness for the Prosecution

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$7,693

Company Credits

Production Co:

Edward Small Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1