Rent Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Classic Courtroom Drama - Witness for the Prosecution review by GI

Adapted by director Billy Wilder from Agatha Christie's celebrated play this is the quintessential courtroom drama and a film with so much intrigue and twists in the plot they even put a request in the credits not to reveal the story. Full of tour de force performances from stars Tyrone Power (in his last film, he died a year later aged only 44), Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton, who is exceptional here, this is a must see film. A true classic of cinema. Laughton plays Sir Wilfred Roberts, a famous barrister, who despite recovering from a heart attack agrees to defend Leonard Vole (Power), accused of murdering a rich widow. Sir Wilfred is convinced of his client's innocence despite overwhelming circumstantial evidence of his guilt. But the prosecution call a surprising witness which threatens the entire defence and Sir Wilfred suspects something isn't right. The main courtroom of the Old Bailey was faithfully reproduced as the main set where most of the film takes place and there's also small clues to the films puzzle if you are on the ball to spot them. It matters not because this is such a cleverly told tale that it keeps you hooked throughout and in many ways it's a whodunnit. Added into the mix is a good dose of humour especially in Laughton's grumpy barrister and his feud with his domineering nurse played by his real life wife Elsa Lanchester. Brilliantly written, edited and directed this is a fantastic film, remade a few times but this is the one to seek out it's a real joy.

Courtroom Thriller (spoiler). - Witness for the Prosecution review by Steve

Probably the best film adaptation of an Agatha Christie story. Her characteristic plot twists are implausible, but Billy Wilder's cute and acerbic comedy makes the film a delight. Tyrone Power gets top billing as the shifty, shiftless wide-boy who murders for money, but the film is dominated by Charles Laughton as his irascible barrister. 

There's a sort of screwball romance between Laughton and Elsa Lanchester, his carping, exasperated nurse. They certainly walk off arm in arm at the end. Marlene Dietrich gets the title role. She's 20 years too old, but she does allow a nice flashback to cabaret in the ruins of black market Berlin. It's her acting sleight of hand that gives the mystery its final reveal.

It's set in London, but was shot in the MGM studios. The sets feel realistic, particularly of the Old Bailey. There's a fabulous cast of British expats in support, with Una O'Connor scoring in her final screen appearance as the victim's cranky housekeeper. A sickly looking Tyrone Power is also in his last role. His flashy but squalid gigolo isn't his normal territory, but he excels.

This hasn't the psychological complexity of fifties film noir. It's a puzzle. Realism isn't a factor. Like most golden age murder mysteries, its credibility relies on the goodwill of the viewer. But, it delivers some delightful surprises. It's peak Wilder,  a Hollywood comedy-thriller of suspense and compelling entertainment.

Guilty of being completely unbelievable - Witness for the Prosecution review by AS

I'm a big fan of Billy Wilder but found this film to be simply unbelievable. A very unrealistic film which left me annoyed rather than surprised at the double twist ending. The acting was often hammy and the humour didn't work for me. Some scenes made me cringe such as the one where Dietrich is incredibly badly dubbed.

Overall, I found it to be completely over rated.