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IMDbPro

Todistaja

Original title: Witness for the Prosecution
  • 19571957
  • K-16K-16
  • 1h 56m
IMDb RATING
8.4/10
125K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,190
1,117
Todistaja (1957)
Watch Trailer [OV]
Play trailer3:09
1 Video
99+ Photos
CrimeDramaMystery

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

IMDb RATING
8.4/10
125K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
3,190
1,117
  • Director
    • Billy Wilder
  • Writers
    • Agatha Christie(in Agatha Christie's international stage success)
    • Billy Wilder(screen play)
    • Harry Kurnitz(screen play)
  • Stars
    • Tyrone Power
    • Marlene Dietrich
    • Charles Laughton
Top credits
  • Director
    • Billy Wilder
  • Writers
    • Agatha Christie(in Agatha Christie's international stage success)
    • Billy Wilder(screen play)
    • Harry Kurnitz(screen play)
  • Stars
    • Tyrone Power
    • Marlene Dietrich
    • Charles Laughton
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 330User reviews
    • 93Critic reviews
    • 76Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #64
    • Nominated for 6 Oscars
      • 4 wins & 16 nominations total

    Videos1

    Trailer [OV]
    Trailer 3:09
    Trailer [OV]

    Photos328

    Todistaja (1957)
    Tyrone Power and Charles Laughton in Todistaja (1957)
    Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester in Todistaja (1957)
    Charles Laughton and John Williams in Todistaja (1957)
    Marlene Dietrich in Todistaja (1957)
    Tyrone Power in Todistaja (1957)
    Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester, and Ian Wolfe in Todistaja (1957)
    Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power in Todistaja (1957)
    Marlene Dietrich in Todistaja (1957)
    Tyrone Power, Charles Laughton, John Williams, Henry Daniell, and Ian Wolfe in Todistaja (1957)
    "Witness For The Prosecution" Marlene Dietrich 1957 United Artists / MPTV
    Marlene Dietrich "Witness For The Prosecution" 1957 United Artists / MPTV

    Top cast

    Edit
    Tyrone Power
    Tyrone Power
    • Leonard Vole
    Marlene Dietrich
    Marlene Dietrich
    • Christine
    Charles Laughton
    Charles Laughton
    • Sir Wilfrid Robarts
    Elsa Lanchester
    Elsa Lanchester
    • Miss Plimsoll
    John Williams
    John Williams
    • Brogan-Moore
    Henry Daniell
    Henry Daniell
    • Mayhew
    Ian Wolfe
    Ian Wolfe
    • Carter
    Torin Thatcher
    Torin Thatcher
    • Mr. Myers
    Norma Varden
    Norma Varden
    • Mrs. Emily Jane French
    Una O'Connor
    Una O'Connor
    • Janet MacKenzie
    Francis Compton
    Francis Compton
    • Judge
    Philip Tonge
    Philip Tonge
    • Inspector Hearne
    Ruta Lee
    Ruta Lee
    • Diana
    Patrick Aherne
    • Court Officer
    • (uncredited)
    Don Ames
    • Bar Patron
    • (uncredited)
    Walter Bacon
    • Bar Patron
    • (uncredited)
    Eddie Baker
    Eddie Baker
    • Courtroom Spectator
    • (uncredited)
    Benjie Bancroft
    • Courtroom Spectator
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Billy Wilder
    • Writers
      • Agatha Christie(in Agatha Christie's international stage success)
      • Billy Wilder(screen play)
      • Harry Kurnitz(screen play)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Charles Laughton, who could be moody and difficult, was apparently a dream to work with, throwing himself into the role with dedication and delight. Billy Wilder later recalled a day that was set aside just for shooting reaction shots of the jury and courtroom crowd (composed of extras hired only for the day). Normally, the assistant director would read the actors' lines, and the extras would react. However, Laughton, who was fascinated with the whole process of filmmaking, begged to help. So he came in on his day off and read all of the off-camera speeches for the jury members. He not only read his part but also the judge's, the prosecutor's, and even Marlene Dietrich's. According to biographer Maurice Zolotow in his book "Billy Wilder in Hollywood", "it was an exhibition of craftsmanship such as Wilder had never seen. He believes that Charles Laughton had the greatest technical range and power of any actor, man or woman, whom he has known."
    • Goofs
      (at around 9 mins) Inside his chamber, Sir Wilfrid lights his cigar, and Leonard Vole locks the door to make sure that Miss Plimsoll can't enter the room and catch him smoking. Later (at around 15 mins), Wilfrid leaves his chamber without first unlocking the door.

      Actually, Vole does not lock the door, but puts the keyhole cover in place to stop Plimsoll spying through the keyhole.
    • Quotes

      Sir Wilfrid: [getting progressively more agitated] The question is, Frau Helm, were you lying then, are you lying now, or are you not in fact a chronic and habitual LIAR!

    • 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."
    • Connections
      Featured in Marlene (1984)
    • 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 reviews330

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    10/10
    A Hitchcockian Billy Wilder
    At the end of the day the films you give top marks are those films that become constant companions. You can see them again at the drop of a hat, you show them to people who have never see them and it's always a triumph. "Witness For The Prosecution" is one of those wonders. Suspend your disbelief for a couple of hours and enjoy this banquet of a romp. Charles Laughton showed here what he was made of better, more clearly and more loudly than in any other film and all of his films, at least the moments with him in it, are unforgettable - Captain Blight or Henry VIII, Quasimodo or that malefic Senator from South Carolina. Here the severity of his lawyer by vocation takes your senses away with his masterful judicial way to see logic and it's such an incredible fun to watch him do it. Tyrone Power is a toy in his hands but not Marlene Dietrich who stands her ground, not merely as a character but as a presence on the screen. Billy Wilder visits early Hitchcock territory with wit and fun. Elsa Lanchester's nurse is the cherry on top of this delightful film.
    helpful•163
    11
    • littlemartinarocena
    • Dec 30, 2007

    FAQ7

    • What is 'Witness for the Prosecution' about?
    • Is "Witness for the Prosecution" based on a book?
    • When and where does the story take place?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 28, 1958 (Finland)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • German
    • Also known as
      • Vittnet
    • Filming locations
      • Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA
    • Production company
      • Edward Small Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $3,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross worldwide
      • $7,693
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 56 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.66 : 1

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