'Witness for the Prosecution'

A stagy but entertaining screening of the Agatha Christie short story and play, Witness for the Prosecution is mainly a chance to watch two terrific performers, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton, chew the scenery with an able assist from Elsa Lanchester. Director Billy Wilder demonstrates his unrivaled touch at combining dark themes with deft comic touches and wit.

An American living in London, Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), stands accused of murdering his older benefactress shortly after her will is changed in his favor. Barrister Wilfrid Robarts (Laughton) agrees to take the case, even though he’s recovering from heart trouble and should be avoiding the excitement of a high-profile murder trial.

The evidence seems strong against Vole, but his German wife (Dietrich), a clever, mysterious former cabaret performer, steps forward and provides an alibi. Sir Wilfrid has his doubts, which prove prophetic when the wife turns up as a witness for the prosecution, all but shattering his case.

The canny barrister finds a way to save his client initially, but there are quite a few more satisfying plot twists and great surprises before we reach the end of the tale. (A gimmicky title card at the beginning of the film begs audiences not to reveal the shocking surprise ending. Gracious!)

Dietrich is at her stylish, mega-movie star best here, almost self-mocking. She barely deigns to joust with the perceptive barrister, coolly outwitting him at every step. A delightful flashback shows her first meeting with Voles, as the American serviceman catches her show in a bombed-out cabaret. A rowdy patron is kind enough to tear one side of her trousers during the show, revealing one of those legendary Dietrich legs. She even plays…wait, better not ruin that for the folks who haven’t seen the movie.

Laughton is charming, always trying to sneak his forbidden brandy and cigars under the watchful eye of starchy nurse Plimsoll (Lanchester, his wife in real life). This 1957 film came near the end of his fabled career. He’s a bit corpulent and has more than one extra chin, yet retains his effortlessly dominating screen presence. Lanchester hovers about him in a perfect, overprotective counterpoint -- she’s like one of those birds that ride about on the backs of elephants.

Power is the weakest player in the whole enterprise. Meant to be a irresistible charmer, he comes off as bland, simple and utterly out of his depth in the company of heavyweights like Laughton and Dietrich. Even sturdy character actress Norma Varden acts circles around him as the flighty widow he wraps around his finger.

Laughton was said to have modeled his character on his real-life lawyer, who also worked for Dietrich, and was known for twirling a monocle to distract witnesses and throw them off their game.

Witness for the Prosecution was Tyrone Power’s last completed movie. He died of a heart attack while filming his next project, Solomon and Sheba. (He was replaced by Yul Brynner.)

The Director

European-born Billy Wilder was among Hollywood’s most prolific and versatile directors. A writer turned director, he had a flair for witty dialog and finely drawn characters. His movies were marked with a sense of irony, and sharp, if sometimes bleak, humor. Wilder’s eight nominations for the Best Director Oscar were exceeded only by William Wyler.

A diverting crime story with plenty of twists and surprises. If you love courtroom dramas, Agatha Christie, Billy Wilder, Charles Laughton and or Marlene Dietrich, this one’s for you.

Recommended for You:

If you liked Witness for the Prosecution, you may like Sunset Boulevard, Stalag 17, Some Like it Hot, Anatomy of a Murder or Double Indemnity.

Just the Facts:

Year: 1957, Black and White
Director: Billy Wilder
Running Time: 116 minutes
Studio: United Artists