Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
- kbroer
- Aug 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester
Directed by Billy Wilder
Available to stream on Prime Video
Our "When They Were Older" film for this week is based on another Agatha Christie mystery, originally a short story, then a hit play, and then this Oscar nominated film.
Famous London barrister Sir Wilfrid Robarts is recovering from a serious heart attack, but decides to defy his doctors and take on the case of accused murderer Leonard Vole. Unexpected events then unfold.
Why we love it: The famous foursome of Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, Tyrone Power, and Elsa Lanchester give life to this suspenseful courtroom drama set in post-war London. From the fiendish imagination of Agatha Christie, with a brilliant adaptation by writer-director Billy Wilder, this story with its surprise ending keeps the viewer engrossed from start to finish. Audiences and reviewers at the time were implored not to reveal the secret, including reportedly, the British royal family who were given an advance screening.
Fun Facts:
Tyrone Power (1914 - 1958) was known for his roles as a romantic leading man and swashbuckler in his films from the late 1930's and 1940's. Some of his more famous films were Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938), The Mark of Zorro (1940), and The Black Swan (1942). After the war, he attempted to break into more serious and dramatic roles. Witness for the Prosecution was his last film. He died from a heart attack while shooting his next film less than a year after this one was completed. He was only 44 years old.
Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992), a stage and silent film actress in 1920's Berlin, was "discovered" by director Josef Von Sternberg and in 1930 appeared in the first full-length German sound film Der Blaue Engel or The Blue Angel which launched her to international stardom. (It was shot simultaneously in German and English so it could be released in both languages.) She went on to star in a number of successful Von Sternberg films including Shanghai Express (1932). She continued acting in films and performing in nightclubs in Las Vegas and London until her retirement in the 1970's.
Elsa Lanchester (1902-1986) was a famous character actress remembered especially for her dual role in Bride of Frankenstein (1935). She acted on stage, in films, and on TV throughout her life, also notably appearing in Mary Poppins (1964) as Katie Nana.
Charles Laughton (1899-1962) first appeared on the London stage in the late 1920's. He soon went to Hollywood where he appeared in many successful films including Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939). Laughton's portrayal of Sir Wilfrid Robarts in Witness for the Prosecution is really what makes this film so successful. Apparently, he was so dedicated to this role and this film that he would come in to work even on days when he wasn't appearing in scenes. He enjoyed reading the other actors' lines off-camera for the reaction shots. In his book Billy Wilder in Hollywood, biographer Maurice Zolotow said, "it was an exhibition of craftsmanship such as Wilder had never seen. He believes that Charles Laughton had the greatest technical range and power of any actor, man or woman, whom he has known."
Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester were husband and wife in real life. This was their 11th and final film together. Lanchester's role didn't exist in the play and Laughton's role was much less important. Their roles were enhanced and their comic scenes together were added for the film.
Henry Daniell (1894-1963), another wonderful character actor, appears as Mayhew. Known for playing suave villains he appeared in a variety of films throughout his career including Holiday (1938), The Philadelphia Story (1940), and Sherlock Holmes: The Woman in Green (1945).
Una O'Connor (1880-1959) appears as the housekeeper of the murdered woman, a role which she had played in the original Broadway production of the play. She was the only cast member in the film who had also appeared in the play. Born in Ireland, she first appeared on stage in Dublin and performed in various plays on Broadway from 1911 to 1956. O'Connor had appeared in films throughout the 30's and 40's usually as a comic supporting character. Some of her more famous roles were in The Invisible Man (1933), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938). This was her last film appearance.
The film was nominated for six Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound, Best Editing, Best Actor (Laughton), and Best Supporting Actress (Lanchester).
When this film was released, Agatha Christie said it was the only film adaptation of her work that she liked (until 1974 when Murder on the Orient Express premiered.)
Watch the original trailer below:
Featured Cocktail:
Ward 8
The most famous cocktail associated with Boston, the Ward 8 is said to have been invented the day before an election to celebrate the victory of a political boss.
2 oz (60 ml) rye whiskey (bourbon if you don’t have rye)
1 Tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
1 Tbsp (15 ml) orange juice
½ Tbsp (7.5 ml) grenadine (better with real pomegranate grenadine)
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry.
Cheers to the Classics!
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