WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION (1957)

Director:
Billy Wilder

Writer:

Billy Wilder
Harry Kurnitz

Starring:
Charles Laughton
Tyrone Power
Marlene Dietrich and others

I just can't get enough of Billy Wilder. His direction is stunning, there is no doubt about that, but his writing is at another level all together. His ability to come up with the most ingenious dialogues is what sets him apart from most of the other screenplay writers. This movie revolves around Leonard Vole (played by Tyrone Power) who is being attested for murder. He approaches Sir Wilfrid Robarts to help him stay out of jail.

Now the story has a lot of twists and turns towards the end of the movie and consists of one of my all time favourite male performances in the form of Charles Laughton, who plays Sir Wilfrid Robarts. Tyrone Power is decent but over does it in some parts. Elsa Lanchester also shines in her role of Nurse Plimsoll, a woman hell bent on getting Wilfrid Robarts into prime health as the movie starts with him having just recovered from a minor heart attack. The smart script and execution will keep you interested for the whole 116 minutes running time. Don't miss this one.

Pranit’s Rating: 8/10