Witness for the Prosecution

1957
PG
1h 56m

ÉVALUATION IMDb

8,4/10

145 k

MA NOTE

POPULARITÉ

3 093

212

Liretrailer3 min 09 s

1 vidéo

99+ photos

Legal Drama Legal Thriller Whodunnit Crime Drama Mystery Thriller

Un avocat britannique chevronné doit défendre son client dans un procès pour meurtre qui ne cesse de surprendre.Un avocat britannique chevronné doit défendre son client dans un procès pour meurtre qui ne cesse de surprendre.Un avocat britannique chevronné doit défendre son client dans un procès pour meurtre qui ne cesse de surprendre.

Voir l’information sur la production à IMDbPro

ÉVALUATION IMDb

8,4/10

145 k

MA NOTE

POPULARITÉ

3 093

212

Voir l’information sur la production à IMDbPro

Film le mieux coté no 66

Nommé pour 6 oscars
- 3 victoires et 15 nominations au total

Vidéos1

Trailer 3:09

Trailer [OV]

Photos288

+ 281

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Histoire

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Le saviez-vous

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Anecdotes
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 to 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."

Gaffes
Whilst the story is set in London, the script contains several Americanisms such as "cot" for bed, "banana peel" for banana skin, "travel bureau" for travel agents, "roll up" for open, "movie" for film and "Scotch" for Scottish. Whilst some may be intentional, it is odd that Sir Wilfrid or Mrs French would use such colloquialisms. Conversely the US-accented Leonard uses the correct UK "quid" with reference to money.

Citations
Sir Wilfrid: I am constantly surprised that women's hats do not provoke more murders.

Générique farfelu
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."

Connexions
Featured in Marlene (1984)

Bandes originales
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)

Commentaires des utilisateurs384

Commentaire

Commentaire en vedette

9/10

This had me to the bitter end!

I love it when a movie captivates me, carries me along, then surprises me at the end. This is a masterpiece of human maneuvering. It has outstanding acting and a plot to die for. This is a fairly pedestrian Agatha Christie short story. I'm not saying it's not a wonderful story, just that it doesn't come to life like it does on the screen. Charles Laughton is the wonder barrister who is taking the case, even though he is in poor health. The murder case seems a relatively simple one until we begin to trip over the many layers left lying on the path. Marlene Dietrich does a masterful job in all her roles (I won't say anymore than that so I don't spoil the ending). Tyrone Power is able to balance his pathos and his potential guilt. The beauty of the movie is that it never takes itself too seriously. There are some modestly funny subplots and a great deal of careful investigation. I guarantee you that once you start watching, you won't be able to turn it off.