Review of Witness for the Prosecution (1957) by Brett C — 18 Jul 2014
Brilliant courtroom drama. Directed and adapted for the screen by Billy Wilder from the Agatha Christie play, it is everything a legal drama should be.
Has the interesting set up, sketching the background. The courtroom scenes, which take up most of the movie, are incredibly compelling viewing. You hang on every word, especially as Charles Laughton's performance, as the defense barrister Sir Wilfred Robards, is so superb.
But wait that's not all...(saying anything more would give away too much).
As mentioned, Charles Laughton's performance is brilliant. He captures the spirit of curmudgeonly and sharp-tongued yet humorous Sir Wilfred Robards perfectly. Good support from Marlene Dietrich and Elsa Lanchester.
Only negative aspect to the entire movie is the performance of Tyrone Power. He is badly miscast, especially as he is an American playing a English character. He doesn't even try to disguise his accent. Plus his acting was way over-the-top. Far too theatrical.
This review of Witness for the Prosecution (1957) was written by Brett C on 18 Jul 2014.
Witness for the Prosecution has generally received very positive reviews.
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