Witness for the Prosecution

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Lauren M @LaurenPA Dec 1 Among the greatest recommend for everyone See more Stephen M Nov 29 Charles Laughton excels as the estimable SIr Wilfrid, as does Marlene Dietrich, in this 50s classic. Don't miss it. See more Fifty T Nov 19 A Classic That Still Packs a Punch, Even If You See the Twists Coming: Billy Wilder’s Witness for the Prosecution is a masterclass in suspense, wit, and acting. Even after all these years, the film’s tension and craftsmanship hold up remarkably well. Charles Laughton is a force of nature as Sir Wilfrid Robarts, chewing scenery with relish, while Marlene Dietrich’s icy, enigmatic Christine Vole steals every scene she’s in. The non-linear storytelling and Wilder’s razor-sharp direction keep you on the edge of your seat, even if the twists, once groundbreaking, now feel familiar after decades of imitators. The black-and-white cinematography and period details are immaculate, and the courtroom scenes crackle with energy. My only quibble? The twists, while brilliantly executed, have been copied so often that their impact is slightly dulled for first-time viewers today. Still, the acting and direction are top-notch, and the emotional payoff lands beautifully. 7/10: a must-watch for fans of classic cinema, even if it’s not quite the revelation it once was. See more DanTheMan 2 Nov 10 I'm actually seeing this onstage later this evening and wanted to become acquainted with this Agatha Christie story before then. What I didn't expect was a full on alchemic triumph of effortless story execution, pinpoint humour and mystery until the very end, Witness for the Prosecution is all parry and punch from the moment it begins, crackling with emotional electricity. Billy Wilder skilfully skirts the guidelines of the Hayes Code to deliver plenty of biting humour in his dialogue, lightening the mood with amusing consistency, punctuating the accumulating evidence weighing against the defendant. What's incredible is that despite having no British personnel among the film's principal creative team and only one British name in its trio of stars, the film feels remarkably British for a 1950s American adaptation. Backed by an incredible set of performances largely from Charles Laughton who takes what could be a hammy role, the brilliant legal mind, theatrical courtroom performer, and wily curmudgeon, and invests it with a sense of passion for his work and a sense of duty and honour beyond winning. The double act energy he shares with Elsa Lanchester, absolutely makes the film. Absolutely gripping from beginning to end, I can’t wait for tonight. See more Kyle M Sep 30 May seem like your ordinary courtroom drama except it’s not when remains truly one of cinema’s best case of unpredictability as the accumulating impact generally surprises, attributing to performative heft’s captivating showcases in differential degrees of satisfaction, solely by stellar execution and noted exhaustion. With little compelled exposure, this is certainly an adapted testament to Agatha Christie’s engaging literature that distinctively sweeps. (A-) See more Josh W Sep 21 I sat through this film thinking it seemed like a pretty ordinary but fun murder mystery, wondering why it was ranked 64th greatest movie of all time. Don't worry. By the time the ending credits roll, you will know why this film stands out as one of the greatest films of all time. Charles Laughton -I'd heard the name before- now I can put an acting performance to the name- is great. And Marlene Dietrich adds an iconic performance you will never forget. She was the inspiration for Blazing Saddles's Lili Von Shtüpp. See more Read all reviews

Witness for the Prosecution

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