Director's Series: Billy Wilder's WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION

If the BankofMarquis is ever asked to name a quintessential Court Room Drama from the late ‘40’s/the 1950’s/early ‘60’s, the answer will always be Billy Wilder’s WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION.

Based on a novel - and later a Stage Play - by the Queen of the Murder Mystery, Agatha Christie, WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION tells the tale of a veteran British Barrister (the GREAT Charles Laughton), returning to duty after a health scare. He’s nagged by his nurse (Laughton’s real life wife, Elsa Lanchester in an Oscar nominated turn) and takes on the case of Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power) who is accused of murder.

It’s a well acted, well directed Courtroom drama that has many twists and turns…but not too many…and has an ending that you don’t see coming, but is well earned by the film and the plot machinations.

This material is in the more than capable hands of Wilder, who is nominated for Best Director for this film (one of 6, including Best Picture, that it is deservedly nominated for). He keeps the action going at the correct pace, while focusing (wisely) on the dialogue and the performances.

And…what performances they are!

Laughton (Best Actor Oscar winner in 1934 for playing the title role in THE PRIVATE LIFE OF HENRY VIII) is perfectly cast as Sir Wilfrid (the Barrister) he exudes the perfect blend of sophistication and pomposity while also having a “woe is me” forlorneness for all of the trials and tribulations he is put through.

Lanchester deserves her Oscar nomination as his nagging nurse (the fill-in for a nagging wife) and she makes much use of her minor role. Tyrone Power has never been the best Actor to ever grace the screen, but he gives the accused the requisite look of innocence.

But…the real standout in this film is the legendary Marlene Dietrich as a woman caught up in the middle of the case.

It’s an excellent mix of Cast, Director and Material and is a very entertaining way to spend 1 hour and 56 minutes

Letter Grade: A

9 stars (out of 10

) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)