Review of Witness for the Prosecution (1957) by Nicholas L — 01 Sep 2010

Spectacular. As the second Billy Wilder film I've seen to date (the first one being the magnificent Double Indemnity), I am once again mind-blown. Based on the popular play by the masterful Agatha Christie-- my favorite author, by the way-- this courtroom drama is a terrific crowd-pleaser that delivers a great amount of suspense and shock as the story unfolds. The acting is superb, especially from the magnificent Marlene Dietrich, who delivers the performance of her lifetime, despite not even receiving an Academy Award nomination for it. Equally, Tyrone Power, Charles Laughton, and Elsa Lanchester are also brilliant in this masterpiece. Ultimately, the unpredictable ending of Witness for the Prosecution is the element that perfectly puts an end to the sense of mystery and suspense felt all throughout the movie. Unfortunately, I am unable to reveal the shocking, jaw-dropping ending to you, because I would like to respect Billy Wilder's wishes of not "divulging the secret of the ending to friends" (this is said as the end titles show up). Of course, this is for your own good, for I am sure that you would want to enjoy this movie as much as I did.

It's one of the greatest mystery/thriller films that Hitchcock didn't direct.

Overall rating:

9.5/10.

P.S. - After having seen two Billy Wilder masterpieces, I am now hooked on his work and MUST see more. Next up: Sabrina, Some Like It Hot, and (if I can finally get my hands on it) Sunset Blvd..