Witness for the Prosecution Review: A Courtroom Thriller with Twists
8.5/10 — Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
Pros
- Laughton's grand performance
- Excellent courtroom drama
- Clever twists
Cons
- Stagey
- Broad comic relief
Veteran barrister Sir Wilfrid Robarts, played by Charles Laughton, takes on the defence of a man accused of murdering a wealthy widow, but his wife is set to testify against him. Marlene Dietrich plays the wife.
What works
Laughton is a joy, grumbling and quick-witted, and Dietrich is mesmerising. The courtroom scenes crackle, and the script keeps you guessing right up to the final reveals.
Where it falters
The comic subplot of Sir Wilfrid’s nurse is a bit broad, and the film is theatrical.
Verdict
A smart, entertaining whodunit with a famous finish.
