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Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
6 February 1958 (USA)
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Tagline:
Once in 50 years suspense like this! more
Plot:
Agatha Christie tale of a man on trial for murder: a trial featuring surprise after surprise. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 6 Oscars.
Another 2 wins
&
8 nominations
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User Comments:
Fun with Charles and Marlene
more (136 total)
Cast
(Complete credited cast)| Tyrone Power | ... | Leonard Vole | |
| Marlene Dietrich | ... | Christine Vole | |
| Charles Laughton | ... | Sir Wilfrid Robarts | |
| Elsa Lanchester | ... | Miss Plimsoll | |
| John Williams | ... | Brogan-Moore | |
| Henry Daniell | ... | Mayhew | |
| Ian Wolfe | ... | Carter | |
| Torin Thatcher | ... | Mr. Myers | |
| Norma Varden | ... | Emily Jane French | |
| Una O'Connor | ... | Janet McKenzie | |
| Francis Compton | ... | Judge | |
| Philip Tonge | ... | Inspector Hearne | |
| Ruta Lee | ... | Diana |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
116 min | Australia:111 min
Country:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)
Certification:
West Germany:12 |
Spain:T |
Argentina:16 |
Australia:G |
Finland:K-16 |
Sweden:15 |
USA:Approved (PCA #18704) |
UK:U
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The Tyrone Power character's last name is Vole. Aside from what has already been mentioned, the word "voleur" in French translates in English to burglar, embezzler, housebreaker, intruder, peculator, robber, and thief. Many of which could apply to Power's character.
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Goofs:
Incorrectly regarded as goofs: In the first courtroom scene, the clerk twice states that the murder of Emily Jane French occurred in "the county of London". The County of London was known to both Sherlock Holmes and Horace Rumpole. It was run by the London County Council from 1889-1965, was comprised of over two dozen boroughs (Hampstead to Greenwich to Chelsea), and much to Leonard Vole's chagrin, was home to the Central Criminal Courts, the Old Bailey. In 1965, the County of London became the larger, Greater London, which it still is. Administered by the Greater London Council from 1965-86, it has been run since 2000 by the Greater London Authority, headed by a directly-elected mayor and assembly. For reasons of tradition and vested interest, the old City of London, now a square mile of banks, brokerage houses and the Tower, remains a separate entity.
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Quotes:
Sir Wilfrid:
[Leonard Vole has been acquitted] We've disposed of the gallows, but there's still that banana peel somewhere.
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Movie Connections:
Featured in "Zomergasten: (#20.2)" (2007)
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Soundtrack:
I May Never Go Home Anymore
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FAQ
A Note Regarding SpoilersIs "Witness for the Prosecution" based on a novel?
How does the movie end after the verdict is announced?
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To see "Witness for the Prosecution" for the first time in 2008 is a jolting surprise. Nobody could do it better than Billy Wilder did in 1957. A man accused of murder, Tyrone Power, the weakest link in this terrific chain. Sir Wilfred is called to defend him, he is played by the extraordinary Charles Laughton, but he's just out of hospital - he wasn't dismissed he was expelled - and due to doctor's orders he's not to take any criminal cases. He finds Power charming and personable enough but he's not going to risk his life to save his until Marlene Dietrich makes her entrance - and what an entrance! How marvelous that what amounts to a bit of Agatha Christie's usual fare becomes such an entertaining and at times right down riveting piece of film-making.