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Witness for the Prosecution Photos

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Movie Info

The affable Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power) is being tried for the murder of a wealthy woman, and legendary lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton) has chosen to represent him. Unfortunately, Leonard's alibi depends on the testimony of his callous wife, Christine (Marlene Dietrich) -- who, after the discovery of a legal loophole, makes the shocking decision to appear in court against him. To Sir Wilfrid's surprise, this is only the first in a series of puzzling revelations and reversals.

Cast & Crew

Tyrone Power
Leonard Stephen Vole
Marlene Dietrich
Christine Helm Vole
Charles Laughton
Sir Wilfrid Robarts
Elsa Lanchester
Miss Plimsoll
John Williams
Mr. Brogan-Moore
Henry Daniell
Mr. Mayhew
Ian Wolfe
Mr. Carter
Una O'Connor
Janet McKenzie
Torin Thatcher
Mr. Myers
Francis Compton
Judge
Billy Wilder
Director
Agatha Christie
Writer
Larry Marcus
Writer
Billy Wilder
Writer
Harry Kurnitz
Writer
Edward Small
Executive Producer
Arthur Hornblow Jr.
Producer
Matty Malneck
Original Music
Russell Harlan
Cinematographer
Daniel Mandell
Film Editor
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News & Interviews for Witness for the Prosecution

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Critic Reviews for Witness for the Prosecution

All Critics (32) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (32)

  • Witness For The Prosecution has the pace and patience of live theater, but not the look. Wilder doesn't get overly flashy with camera moves and angles, but he does shift positioning subtly and effectively.

    July 22, 2014 | Rating: 4.5/5 | Full Review…

    Noel Murray

    The Dissolve

  • Marlene Dietrich tries not to give anything away as usual while Agatha Christie's whodunit plot whirs tidily about her expressionless beauty.

    February 8, 2012 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    David Parkinson

    Empire Magazine

  • His theatrical mise-en-scene -- his proscenium framing -- serves the material well, as does Charles Laughton's bombastic portrayal of the defense attorney.

    August 15, 2007 | Full Review…

    Dave Kehr

    Chicago Reader

  • [Marlene Dietrich] was never better than she is here.

    January 30, 2007 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…

    Kevin Maher

    Times (UK)

  • ...the film's origins as an Agatha Christie novel and play, combine to give the movie a heavy -- almost stolid -- theatrical flavour.

    January 26, 2006 | Full Review…
    Time Out

  • Quote not available.

    February 7, 2003 | Rating: 5/5

    Nell Minow

    Movie Mom
View All Critic Reviews (32)

Audience Reviews for Witness for the Prosecution

  • Sep 06, 2016
    Excellent courtroom drama. Another awesome classic.
    Stephen S Super Reviewer
  • May 29, 2014
    Tyrone Power and Marlene Dietrich are thoroughly entertaining in this romp through Agatha Christie's work. A lesson to be learned for more modern court room dramas.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Apr 23, 2014
    The star here is definitely Charles Laughton, who steals the show and makes each one of his lines sound memorable in this delightfully witty and clever plot by Agatha Christie adapted by Billy Wilder into a near perfect piece of thought-provoking entertainment.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Oct 24, 2013
    The reason so many plays have been turned into movies is simple: the work has been pre-tested and approved in front of live audiences, tweaked and re-tweaked. And it's easy to see the payoff for that preliminary process here where each character and their work is full and complete. Billy Wilder directs and co-wrote, adapted from the play. Charles Laughton, Elsa Lancaster, Dietrich, Power, the whole cast does a first rate job in this wonder of entertaining misdirection. Superb.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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