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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:
What a movie!
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:
Unsure if he could play a man with a heart condition, Charles Laughton (Sir Wilfrid) staged a heart attack in the pool one day at home. His wife, Elsa Lanchester (Miss Plimsoll), and a houseguest panicked and pulled him from the water, at which point he explained his trick. Elsa's reaction has not been recorded.
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Goofs:
Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): Both Sir Wilfred and Mr. Myers introduce evidence directly to the court themselves, which is against courtroom procedure. Sir Wilfred, for example, trumps Inspector Hearne's testimony by directly revealing Leonard Vole's blood type, instead of properly calling a witness with personal or professional knowledge of it.
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Quotes:
[Miss Plimsoll discovers cigars hidden in Sir Wilfrid's cane]
Sir Wilfrid: You could be jailed for that. You had no search warrant for my cane!
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Sir Wilfrid: You could be jailed for that. You had no search warrant for my cane!
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Movie Connections:
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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more (136 total)
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Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb top 250 movies | IMDb Crime section |
| IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |
A film I have not seen for years but will always remember with fondness. A classic thriller with all the right ingredients - Power and Dietrich are spectacular, and, by early standards (and recent ones!), the twist is excellent.
Charles Laughton however, provides us with a glib chuckle as the aging defense attorney ruled by his overlord maid. A distraction that only adds to an excellent plot line.
I can't imagine another film of the genre and the era, that so wickedly entangles the essential thriller with a 'crime of passion' (oops, spot the plot killer...) gem. A classic.
A film for true movie lovers. Take it from me!