1957 • 116 minutes
Based on a story by Agatha Christie
Directed by Billy Wilder
With Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lancester

Sir Wilfred Robarts, a master barrister in ill health, takes Leonard Vole on as a client. Vole is accused of murdering a rich, older woman who had become enamored of him, going so far as to make him the main beneficiary of her will. Strong circumstantial evidence all points to Vole as the killer.

When Sir Wilfred speaks with Vole's German wife Christine, he finds her rather cold and self-possessed, but she does provide an alibi. Therefore, he is greatly surprised when she is called as a witness for the prosecution. While a wife cannot testify against her husband, it is shown that Christine was in fact still married to another man when she wed Leonard. She testifies that Leonard admitted to her that he had killed Mrs. French, and that her conscience forced her to finally tell the truth.

During the trial, Sir Wilfred is contacted by a mysterious woman, who (for a fee) provides him with letters written by Christine herself to a mysterious lover named Max. This correspondence gives her such a strong motive to lie that the jury finds Leonard not guilty.

However, Sir Wilfred is troubled by the verdict...

Witness for the Prosecution was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Charles Laughton), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Elsa Lanchester), Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Picture, and Best Sound

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"A slew of terrific performances help to elevate Wilder's twist-ridden courtroom drama above your standard fare in the genre.."
Dan Jardine, Apollo Guide

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