Witness for the Prosecution is a 1957 American courtroom drama film available on Blu-ray, set in the Old Bailey in London. The film, based on a short story (and later play) by Agatha Christie, deals with the trial of a man accused of murder.
Considered one of the great murder mysteries of all time, Witness For The Prosecution stars Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton. Nominated for six Academy Awards® and directed by filmmaking legend Billy Wilder (Double Indemnity), it is a classy and thrilling adaptation of Agatha Christie's immensely popular stage play. Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton, Spartacus) is a successful defence lawyer in the twilight of his career. With little but retirement to look forward to he is presented a case involving the murder of an elderly woman. Suspicion points to her married suitor, Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power, The Razor's Edge) who is accused of the crime. But Vole's only true hope for acquittal is the testimony of his wife Christine (Marlene Dietrich, A Foreign Affair). With the trial taking place in the Old Bailey and the clock ticking down to a verdict it is up to Christine to speak up for her husband. But all is not what it seems and Leonard's airtight alibi shatters when she reveals some shocking secrets of her own that will change the outlook of the entire case.
Awards
- Won Golden Globe Best Supporting Actress Elsa Lanchester (Golden Globes, USA 1958)
- Nominated Golden Globe Best Motion Picture – Drama (Golden Globes, USA 1958)
- Nominated Golden Globe Best Motion Picture Actress – Drama Marlene Dietrich (Golden Globes, USA 1958)
- Nominated Golden Globe Best Motion Picture Actor – Drama Charles Laughton (Golden Globes, USA 1958)
- Nominated Oscar Best Actor in a Leading Role Charles Laughton (Academy Awards, USA 1958)
- 2 other wins and 10 other nominations