Witness for the Prosecution Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lawyer ignores his doctor’s orders to defend a charming egg-beater salesman who may or may not have murdered a wealthy widow, all while dealing with his sassy nurse and the defendant’s ice-cold wife who throws everyone for a loop.

🍿 Witness for the Prosecution: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Case Begins: Leonard Vole Accused

Leonard Vole, a charming but struggling inventor, finds himself the prime suspect in the murder of Emily French, a wealthy older woman who had become fond of him. French had recently changed her will, leaving Vole a substantial inheritance, immediately making him the chief suspect. Circumstantial evidence mounts against Vole, and he insists on his innocence.

Enter Sir Wilfrid Robarts: The Defense Barrister

Sir Wilfrid Robarts, a highly respected but ailing barrister, is persuaded to take on Vole’s defense despite his doctor’s orders to avoid stressful cases. Intrigued by Vole’s story, and perhaps spurred by the challenge, Sir Wilfrid begins his investigation. He must navigate not only the complexities of the case but also the demands of his overbearing nurse, Miss Plimsoll.

Christine Vole: A Cold Wife?

Leonard Vole’s wife, Christine, a German war bride, presents an enigma. Her demeanor is strikingly cold and detached, making Sir Wilfrid hesitant to rely on her testimony. Christine’s ambiguous behavior raises questions about her true feelings for her husband and her reliability as an alibi witness. Her past in post-war Germany adds another layer of mystery.

The Trial: Twists and Turns in the Courtroom

The trial unfolds with dramatic tension. Unexpectedly, Christine appears as a witness for the prosecution, delivering damning testimony against her husband. This shocking development throws Sir Wilfrid’s defense into disarray, as the prosecution builds a strong case against Vole. Sir Wilfrid must race against time to find evidence that can discredit Christine’s testimony and save his client from a guilty verdict.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton): An ailing but brilliant barrister who defends Leonard Vole, defying doctor’s orders and his nurse’s protests.
• Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power): The accused, on trial for the murder of a wealthy widow, relying on Sir Wilfrid to prove his innocence.
• Christine (Marlene Dietrich): Leonard’s cold and enigmatic wife who appears as a surprise witness for the prosecution.
• Miss Plimsoll (Elsa Lanchester): Sir Wilfrid’s devoted but persistent nurse who tries to manage his health and habits.
• Mr. Mayhew (Henry Daniell): The solicitor who first hires Sir Wilfrid to represent Leonard Vole.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sir Wilfrid: “I am constantly surprised that women’s hats do not provoke more murders.” – Sir Wilfrid quips about the distracting nature of women’s hats upon seeing Miss Plimsoll’s elaborate headwear.
• Sir Wilfrid: “The more people I meet, the more I like my dog.” – Sir Wilfrid expresses his cynicism about human nature after a long day working on Leonard Vole’s case.
• Christine: “Did you think I would let him hang?” – Christine reveals to Sir Wilfrid that she manipulated the court to acquit her husband.
• Sir Wilfrid: “Extraordinary. A man who could inspire such devotion.” – Sir Wilfrid sarcastically marvels at Vole’s ability to inspire love and protection.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $7,903

💥 Witness for the Prosecution Reviews

Personal Review

I was absolutely hooked from start to finish! The courtroom scenes were so intense, and Charles Laughton’s performance was incredible. Marlene Dietrich was such a badass, and I loved trying to figure out what she was up to. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. This movie is a must-watch for any movie fan.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic courtroom dramas”
  • “Agatha Christie enthusiasts”
  • “Those who appreciate twist endings”
  • “Viewers interested in strong character-driven stories”
  • “Admirers of classic Hollywood acting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes of murder and deception”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Some thematic elements reflecting attitudes of the time period”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A masterfully crafted courtroom drama, Wilder elevates Agatha Christie’s story with sharp wit and suspense. Laughton’s performance is a tour de force, and Dietrich’s enigmatic presence keeps you guessing until the very end. A timeless classic!
• Variety: “Wilder delivers a gripping and highly entertaining film. The plot twists keep coming, and the cast is superb. Laughton shines as the cunning barrister, while Dietrich adds layers of mystery. This film is a must-see for any fan of the genre.
• Sight & Sound: “A well-paced and engaging film. With an intricate plot, Laughton’s performance is captivating, Dietrich is memorable, and the film makes a statement about the ambiguities of justice. A true classic.

Audience Reactions

The surprise ending completely blew my mind!: Viewers are consistently impressed by the clever plot twists and the film’s ability to keep them guessing.

Charles Laughton’s performance was simply outstanding.: Audiences are captivated by Charles Laughton’s incredible portrayal of the seasoned barrister.

Marlene Dietrich’s mysterious presence added so much to the film.: Marlene Dietrich’s enigmatic performance is a highlight for many, adding layers of intrigue to the story.

Overall Consensus: Witness for the Prosecution is widely regarded as a classic courtroom drama with a captivating plot, stellar performances, and surprising twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Billy Wilder considered Charles Laughton to be one of the greatest actors he ever worked with, marveling at his technical range and power.”
• “The courtroom set was meticulously designed, costing $75,000 and based on the actual Central Criminal Court in London, known as the Old Bailey.”
• “Marlene Dietrich’s ‘Cockney informant’ makeup was assisted by Orson Welles as a favor to Dietrich.”
• “The end credits feature a request not to reveal the ending, a unique touch to preserve the film’s surprise for future viewers.”

🖥️ How to Watch Witness for the Prosecution?

Witness for the Prosecution is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings as streaming availability can vary by region. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on any subscription-based streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Witness for the Prosecution, you might like these similar films:

• Anatomy of a Murder (1959): A classic courtroom drama with complex characters and a morally ambiguous case.
• The Paradine Case (1947): Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, another suspenseful courtroom drama with a compelling mystery and an unexpected twist.
• Primal Fear (1996): A modern courtroom thriller with shocking twists and turns, featuring a charismatic but potentially deceptive defendant.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a complex plot, a memorable cast of characters, and unexpected twists that keep the audience guessing.

🛒 Witness for the Prosecution Related Products

• Agatha Christie: 12 Books Collection Set: A complete collection of Agatha Christie’s mysteries, including the original short story that inspired the film. Perfect for fans of suspense and classic detective stories.
• Witness for the Prosecution (Blu-ray): The digitally remastered version of the film on Blu-ray. This is a must-own for any collector and provides the best viewing experience.
• Witness for the Prosecution (1957) – Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster to decorate your home theater or office. A perfect way to celebrate the film’s legacy.

🎧 Soundtrack

Witness for the Prosecution features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I May Never Go Home Anymore” – performed by Marlene Dietrich
• “I May Never Go Home Anymore (Reprise)” – performed by Tyrone Power

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

7 deceased “Witness for the Prosecution” actors (part 1)

Did you know that several actors from the classic movie “Witness for the Prosecution” have passed away? This video takes a look back at their lives and careers, and shares some interesting facts about their time on set.

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