Review of Witness for the Prosecution (1957) by Josh M — 14 Jun 2009

I last watched Prosecution back in college for a film class; I remembered little about it except that I loved it. A rewatch reminded me that it's not just good; it's a brilliant, magnificent little film.

Listening to Robert Osborne's introduction really illuminates how great Wilder's work is here; his opening up of the original story is effortless and feels as though it was intended from the beginning.

And the casting - I cannot imagine this movie without Charles Laughton, who more than walks away with it all. The plot is twisty in unexpected ways (I remembered part of the ending, but was surprised by another), the acting is all superb, but most of all, the film is witty and hilarious, keeping the stakes high while entertaining throughout.

It's a must watch film, and even in the great career of Wilder, this is one of my favorite works he's done.