Not too many Agatha Christie-based movies have been duds; certainly not this one with its trailer and end-credits warnings not to tell your friends how this one ends. The film was directed by the great Billy Wilder who stayed with an English cast except for Tyrone Power in his last film. (He then died of a heart attack at 42.) The work started as a strong short story, then was dramatized by Christie before being adapted as a popular, well-done movie.
Charles Laughton is very funny as the veteran barrister who is recovering from a heart attack, hainge been told by his doctors and nurse to “take it easy”. But nothing turns him on more than trying a hopeless case. Enter Leonard Vole (a passionate, likable Tyrone Power) who has been accused of killing an old wealthy woman in order to get an inheritance. His mysterious German wife (Marlene Dietrich, who is very strong here) tries to alternately save and convict him as the plot unpredictably unfolds. I should mention, in passing, there is another mysterious woman who shows up late in the trial who changes the course of the trial and Vole’s fate.
The atmosphere of the British court is effectively portrayed by the set and the supporting performances by Else Manchester (Laughton’s real-life wife, as the comic nurse), John Williams (the co-barrister), Torin Thatcher (as the solicitor) combine to give a satisfactory facsimile of legal proceedings and British justice atmosphere. And there are many comic touches with forbidden cigars and smuggled alcohol to keep the audience enjoying Laughton’s wily, rebellious character.
Shot in classic black and white, A Witness for the Prosecution looks authentic and we are lucky to be able to watch it in widescreen on this MGM DVD. Christie fans will not be disappointed and, if you’re a fan of Power, Dietrich, and Laughton, this one is a thoroughly satisfying must-see.