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Sir Wilfrid Robarts, a recovering heart attack victim, played by Charles Laughton in an Academy Award nominated role, is brought out of retirement to represent Leonard Vole, an American played by Tyrone Power who is arrested for murdering an old woman that he had befriended in London not too long after World War II. What complicates Leonard Vole is his German wife, played by Marlene Dietrich in the title role. Is he guilty or not guilty? That is the question. We want to think that he is not guilty because Sir Wilfrid thinks he is innocent, but Mrs. Vole (Dietrich) does a great job of trying to get him convicted. (I guess in English law a wife can testify against her husband.) Is she doing that in reverse psychology of being a hated German in London at that time. OR Does she really think that he is guilty? On the lighter side, we have Sir Wilfrid's maid played by Elsa Lanchester in an Academy Award nominated role, constantly berating Sir Wilfrid for overdoing it, for smoking cigars, or for not taking his medicine on time. She makes him a special hot chocolate that he drinks throughout the trial and appears in the balcony with a character played by Ruta Lee who eventually becomes a key player in the movie. A special, expensive scene was written into the movie to show how Leonard met his wife while serving in WWII Germany. Dietrich is a singing showgirl who gets to show off her million dollar legs in the scene. What man would not be attracted to her at this time? Written by Agatha Christie, this story stands the test of time and is a great watch. I am not going to tell you how it ends. But be prepared for a number of twists and turns. This is a great movie.Read full review
Agatha Christie was the most popular and ingenious mystery writer of her age. Two plays, "The Mousetrap" and "Witness For the Prosecution" ran for decades on the London stage. Billy Wilder's film (yes, THAT Billy Wilder), presents Charles Laughton and Marlene Dietrich in the best, most baffling, most dramatic courtroom drama ever filmed . . . and I include the Caine Mutiny and Few Good Men in my comparison. Absolutely magnificent. As great in its genre as Casablanca or Lawrence of Arabia. The script for the film is even better than the play. For the best of Dietrich or Laughton, this is the film to own and cherish.
adapted Agatha Christie novel by Billy Wilder~ Barrister~Charles Laughton is recovering from a heart attack and bullies just about everyone~ along comes Tyrone Power as VERY dislikable user Leonard Vole who courted a Rich Widow who is found dead~ Power being the obvious killer~ now the fun begins~ Christine is MRS Vole who we find is NOT really married to him~ so she "can" testify against him in court the great part being Christine (Marlene Dietrich) who is still lovely~ has many motives of her own. more fun with Elsa Lanchester the REAL life wife of Laughton as the NURSE Miss Plimsoll who keeps Laughton on guard and removes his cigars ~ THIS IS A CLASSIC GEM~ NOT A WEAK PERFORMANCE IN THE LOT~ Tyrone Powers last movie and he is very good but the real SCENE STEALER HERE IS MARLENE DIETRICH~ AS GOOD AS SHE CAN EVER BE~ always fun is Una Merkel~ CLASSIC MYSTERY GEM~AND GREAT plot twist ~ fun~ I GIVE IT A SOLID 10 OUT OF 10~ if you found this review helpful please remember to vote~Read full review
this is a class, with a likable 'main man'ic courtroom drama, superbly acted . The story line is engaging, with a likeable 'main man' and his initial co-star, the very cheerful lady, whom they begin to share time until she is murdered in her cottage, and all eyes turn to him. In comes our Barrister , coarse & gruff, (Charles Laughton) to defend him in the English courtroom. Also very present is the defendant's loyal but stiff German wife. (Marlena Dietrick, perfectly cast) Lots of courtroom exchanges and banter, and revealing of an under story. Its an engaging story , with twists & turns.. and an ending that is "off the rails" in terms of surprise. Definitely worth watching , and saving to your personal library.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Have this movie on VHS and thought I should buy it on DVD. A classic with a great cast that will hold you're attention throughout. Won't say anything about the ending. Haven't seen the remake but am positive it could never compete with the original.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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