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Rating:  - should laughton have won the oscar?
a tour-de-force for charles laughton as a barrister defending a wrongfully (?) accused tyrone power on a murder charge. great supporting work by marlene dietrich and elsa lanchester, and a neat (if somewhat predictable) script by the great billy wilder. major fun.
and to answer my own header query: no. it went that year (deservedly) to alec guiness for "bridge on the river kwai": in the role laughton was originally set to play!
Rating:  - Entertaining Trial Movie That Still Holds Up
This is one of the best "trial movies" ever made. It's an outstanding film that is just as good today as it was almost 50 years ago when it was released in the theaters. The shocking ending caused quite a stir back then, too.
The only part of the movie I thought looked dated and unrealistic was Tyrone Power's character being able to interrupt the trial with outbursts and not be reprimanded for it. There is no way that would be tolerated, at least today.
Otherwise, it's a pretty solid film with a good cast that includes two fascinating characters played by actors who know how to entertain: Charles Laughton and Marlene Dietrich.
Laughton, who plays Power's defense attorney, grabs the spotlight in the story but Dietrich almost steals the movie in her role as Power's wife. Laughton's dialog is terrific throughout, bringing a number of laughs to this serious film. He's just a joy to watch. Dietrich is even more riveting but just doesn't have anywhere near the same amount of screen time as Laughton.
Not to be overlooked is Elsa Lanchester, playing Laughton's nurse. She, too, demonstrates her comedic talent and significantly adds to the fun of watching this film.
If you like some fine drama, storyline twists, a little humor thrown in and great acting and dialog, this is a classic film to check out.
Rating: - witness for the prosecution
gorgeous copy of this old film whih has been
fully remasterized and it is a pleasure to look
at again
Rating: - superior courtroom drama
Tyrone Power gives a stellar performance in this true courtroom classic. all the principle actors involved, including a superb performance by Charles Laughton, gave excellent performances. this film captures your attention and engrosses the viewer completely. some of the most powerful performances given are those by a brilliant cast: Power, Laughton, Dietrich and a delightful performance given the enduringly cute Elsa Lanchester. as for the premise/plot, to divulge any real details wouldn't be fair to those who haven't seen this absolutely terrific film. a must for any avid collector of the classics.
as for the DVD, the picture and sound are well above average. no extras though, too bad.
Rating: - "Where is my cocoa?"
Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton), Barrister is returning to work prematurely from hospital for a heart condition. He is accompanied by fussy Miss Plimsoll (Elsa Lanchester) Nurse.
Sir Wilfred promised not to take on any strenuous case. However in exchange for a chance to pilfer a forbidden cigar he soon gets intriguingly involved in a murder case. You can tell that Leonard Stephen Vole is being actively accused of murder based on circumstantial evidence. Sr. Wilfred after giving charismatic Leonard the eye-glass test is sure that he is innocent and knows if he does not take an active part in the trial that Leonard is doomed. To make matters worse Leonard's wife Christine Helm Vole (Marlene Dietrich), his only alibi, is some sort of cool character and looks suspicious her self.
Will Sir Wilfred take on the case? And if so will he die trying?
What is Christine's secret?
How will it turn out in the end?
This film is well played and will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will be like the jury vacillating over his innocence and the outcome of the trial. Do not let Leonard's story distract you from the bantering and budding affair between Sir Wilfred and Nurse Plimsoll.
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