|
|
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786302413434
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, HiFi Sound, NTSC
ISBN: 6302413435
Label: MGM (Video & DVD)
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: MGM (Video & DVD)
Release Date: June 22, 1994
Running Time: 116 minutes
Sales Rank: 9382
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Theatrical Release Date: February 06, 1958
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video:
Billy Wilder cowrote and directed this brilliant 1957 mystery based on Agatha Christie's celebrated play about an aging London barrister (Charles Laughton) who's preparing to retire when he takes the defense in the most vexing murder case of his distinguished career. In his final completed film (he died of a heart attack less than a year later), Tyrone Power plays the prime suspect in the murder of a wealthy widow, and Marlene Dietrich plays the wife of the accused, whose testimony--and true identity--holds the key to solving the case. A classic of courtroom suspense, Witness for the Prosecution is one of those movies with enough double-crossing twists to keep the viewer guessing right up to the very end, when yet another surprise is deftly revealed. This being a Billy Wilder film, the dialogue is first-rate and the acting superb, with both Laughton and his offscreen wife Elsa Lanchester (playing the barrister's pesty nurse) winning Academy Awards for their performances. Although later films would concoct even more complicated courtroom scenarios, this remains one of the best films of its kind and a model for all those films that followed its lead. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - witness for the prosecution
this is another classics movie it have lies murder love betray tyrone power is great. marlene charles laughton is wonderful actor i would watch is over and over again.
Rating: - A well crafted film.
This is an excellent example of a good play transferred to the screen. It was Tyrone Power's last film. The interplay between Laughton and Elsa Lanchester is a delight to watch. Film buffs, of course, know that they were married. The entire cast turns in stellar performances. The direction, by Billy Wilder, is close to perfect. This film is a two hour cinematic gem.
Rating: - Witness for the Prosecution
This has to be one of my favorite movies of all times. My brother and I were youngsters and luckily we were allowed to stay up late when the movie came on. We were mezmerized throughout. The ending blew us away, and we've talked about it for years. They just don't make movies like that anymore. I recommend it whole-heartedly!!!!
Rating: - Film fan
I have always liked films from courtrooms,(To Kill a Mockingbird")and I like the period around 1950 films. Charles and Marlene is almost missing from my film collection, so the choice was easy.
I've also read about the film in different media, and it got good reweiw.
It's many Oscar nominations helped also, and Billy Wilder speaks for himself.
Rating: - Smartly Played Star Turns and Agatha Christie's Plot Twists Elevate Wilder's Witty Courtroom Drama
A labyrinth of deception is expected in an Agatha Christie mystery, and those unfamiliar with Billy Wilder's 1957 adaptation of the venerable writer's classic courtroom drama are in for a treat. Even if you already know how it all ends, there are still joys to be had from the star-studded cast and the master filmmaker's craftsmanship. Along with fellow screenwriters Larry Marcus and Harry Kurnitz, Wilder has imbued Christie's absorbing story with enough of his trademark humor to make the compelling ... Read More
|
|
