Review of Witness for the Prosecution (1957) by Epi L — 13 Dec 2009

Ranks next to "12 Angry Men" (a film also released in 1957), as one of the greatest courtroom films ever made...

Billy Wilder's drama boasts exceptional performances from Tyrone Power, as a husband accused of murdering a rich widow; Marlene Dietrich as his wife who's suspected of having ulterior motives behind standing by her husband; the great Charles Laughton (chewing up every moment he's on screen) as the barrister who takes on the task of defending the accused; and Elsa Lanchester (the bride in "The Bride of Frankenstein") as the thoughtful nurse who has the difficult task of caring for her hard-headed boss (Laughton).

Wilder's writing and direction keeps the storyline full of humor and suspense as we follow the trial from beginning until the very last scene where one character finally reveals their true reasons for manipulating the court process. Not to be missed by fans of the courtroom genre.