Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Billy Wilder directed lots of great movies, probably the most diverse set of great movies of any director. He did excellent film noir, drama, courtroom, war, and comedy. Although he was not as prolific as some other directors, Wilder had almost all successes and won several Oscars.

Witness for the Prosecution is an example of how Wilder can take a courtroom drama/mystery and turn it on its head.

Charles Laughton plays Sir Wilfrid Robarts, an elderly English barrister whose poor health brings him under 24-hour supervision from his live-in nurse (real life wife Elsa Lanchester). Much is made of Laughton's smuggling cigars and booze past his watchdog with its attendant humor. With a headliner like Charles Laughton, you can't lose - he's worth watching all by himself; but there's more -

The story is as surprising as anything Dame Agatha Christie ever penned and Wilder has populated it with a cavalcade of stars to strike awe into any movie aficionado's heart. Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power back up Laughton, two of the best actors ever to trod the boards. This power trio is in turn backed up by a sterling cast of the British stiff upper lip variety, therefore, with the stuffiness well provided for, consummate actor Charles Laughton is freed to go for the laughs, which he does in spades.

The story concerns Leonard Vole (Power), an unemployed man who is accused of murdering an older woman for her money. Power plays about as likeable a guy as can be and it's hard to picture him as the cruel character the evidence paints. Laughton agrees to defend Power in court and begins investigating. We are soon introduced to Vole's wife, a war bride from Germany (Marlene Dietrich). But even Mrs. Vole has some skeletons in her closet, as you will see. Add to that the fact that a wife cannot testify on her husband's behalf and she is his only alibi... and the evidence continues to mount against Leonard Vole. Both the viewer and Laughton are in a quandary as to how he's going to win his case.

Witness for the Prosecution is not quite as well known as Billy Wilder's other works, but it should be. It is satisfying for all viewers, whether drama, comedy, mystery, or courtroom fan, you will get a kick out of this. Agatha Christie's story has many twists and turns and is almost certain to surprise you in the end. In fact, probably twice. The acting is brilliant, with each player contributing perfectly to the play. This was Tyrone Power's last film, the actor succumbing to a heart attack a year hence. Sets and cinematography convey the stuffy atmosphere of a bewigged British courtroom with aplomb.

The MGM DVD is presented in 1.66:1 theatrical format and is black and white. The well preserved video runs 116 minutes. As usual with MGM, there are no extras except for subtitle and audio language choices.

Also by Billy Wilder -

Sunset Boulevard

Lost Weekend

Double Indemnity

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening