Witness for the Prosecution

1957
Approved
1h 56m

IMDb RATING

8.4/10

142K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

3,338

Play trailer3:09

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Legal Drama Legal Thriller Whodunnit Crime Drama Mystery Thriller

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.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.4/10

142K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

3,338

See production info at IMDbPro

Top rated movie #66

Nominated for 6 Oscars
- 3 wins & 15 nominations total

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 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."

Goofs
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.

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

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 reviews380

Review

Featured review

9/10

One of the best courtroom movies of all time

Witness for the Prosecution is one of the most entertaining courtroom stories of all time, written by the crime mistress herself, Agatha Christie. Charles Laughton completely owns the courtroom, starring as a famously brilliant barrister who's supposed to be taking a break for his health-but he gets drawn in by a truly compelling murder trial. Tyrone Power, in his last movie, has been accused of murdering a wealthy older woman. While all the evidence racks up against him, Charles doesn't give up hope and tries to win the case, all the while trying to crack the very hard nut Marlene Dietrich. Marlene is Tyrone's wife, and it's impossible to tell what she's really thinking or feeling.

I love this story, and I love both versions of the film, from 1957 and 1982. It's incredibly suspenseful and interesting-and also quite impossible to talk about without giving spoilers. If you've never seen Witness for the Prosecution, add this one to your list of classics to rent. The acting is fantastic, and the timing makes it a very entertaining old movie to watch. There are no boring bits in this drama; and I guarantee you'll still sit on the edge of your seat the second time you watch it.