Witness for the Prosecution
Witness for the Prosecution

Witness for the Prosecution

1957Movie116 minEnglish

An ailing barrister is thrust back into the courtroom in what becomes one of the most unusual and eventful murder cases of the lawyer's career when he finds himself defending a man being tried for the murder of a socialite.

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Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users91%
Director: Billy WilderGenres: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A brilliant defense lawyer takes on the case of a man accused of murdering a wealthy widow. The lawyer's young wife, who is secretly a spy for the prosecution, becomes the key witness. As the trial unfolds, unexpected twists and turns reveal hidden motives and loyalties, leading to a shocking conclusion.

Critical Reception

Witness for the Prosecution was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release and remains a highly regarded film. Critics praised its sharp screenplay, masterful direction, and outstanding performances, particularly from its lead actors. The film's clever plot twists and suspenseful courtroom drama have cemented its status as a classic of the genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • A masterclass in courtroom drama with brilliant performances and a tightly plotted script.
  • The film expertly builds suspense and delivers shocking plot twists that keep the audience guessing.
  • Billy Wilder's direction is superb, showcasing the best of his noir and dramatic sensibilities.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise the film's cleverness, suspense, and the strong acting, often highlighting the surprising ending as a major strength. It's frequently cited as a well-crafted and engaging mystery that stands the test of time.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (Charles Laughton). It also received nominations for Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards.

Fun Fact

Marlene Dietrich famously wore a fake mole during filming to add a touch of glamour, a detail that was even commented on by critics at the time.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I might be asking for trouble here, but did Charles Laughton ever actually make a bad film? He leads this one as the brilliant but curmudgeonly barrister "Sir Wildred Robarts" with oodles of charisma and style. Marlene Dietrich portrays the...
John Chard

John Chard

I'm constantly surprised that women's hats don't provoke more murders. Leonard Steven Vole finds himself on trial for the murder of a wealthy widow from whom he has inherited a fortune. Top barrister Sir Wilfrid Robarts takes up the defe...
Shreyance Parakh

Shreyance Parakh

**Why don't they make THESE movies anymore?** Apart from being a **GREAT** courtroom drama_(which some people don't think this movie is)_, this movie is so much **FUN** and **ENTERTAINING** to watch.Especially because of the characters o...
Andres Gomez

Andres Gomez

Great thriller with superb classical interpretations. The plot moves sometimes too lazily.