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Summary in 1 sentence
An experienced lawyer defends a man accused of murder, only to find the case complicated by the accused's secretive wife and his own health problems.
Summary in a Twitter post
In Billy Wilder's "Witness for the Prosecution", a masterful courtroom drama unfolds as a seasoned lawyer defends a man accused of murder, only to be blindsided by the suspect's wife's shocking testimony. Twists and turns till the end! #ClassicCinema #FilmNoir
Summary in an SMS/text message
Lawyer defends man accused of murder, twists & turns reveal shocking truths. Unexpected ending with wife's double-crossing. Great courtroom drama!
Summary in a Facebook post
Just watched Billy Wilder's 'Witness for the Prosecution' - a gripping courtroom drama filled with unexpected twists! Sir Wilfrid, a masterful lawyer, defends Leonard Vole, accused of murdering a wealthy widow. As the case unfolds, nothing is as it seems, especially when Vole's enigmatic wife takes the stand. A must-watch for fans of suspense and classic cinema! #ClassicMovieNight #WitnessForTheProsecution
Summary in a 1 minute read
Witness for the Prosecution is a 1957 courtroom drama directed by Billy Wilder. The film follows the trial of Leonard Vole, a charming young man accused of murdering a wealthy widow. Vole's defense lawyer, Sir Wilfrid Robarts, believes in his innocence and is determined to prove it. However, things take a dramatic turn when Vole's wife, Christine, is called as a witness for the prosecution. As the trial unfolds, shocking revelations and unexpected twists emerge, leaving the audience guessing until the very end. With brilliant performances from the cast, including Charles Laughton as Sir Wilfrid and Marlene Dietrich as Christine, Witness for the Prosecution is a gripping and suspenseful film that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film is a masterful exploration of justice, betrayal, and the power of manipulation.
Summary in 1 page
- Sir Wilfrid Robarts is a highly respected and successful barrister in London, known for his brilliant defense strategies and sharp wit. Despite his age and failing health, he takes on the case of Leonard Vole, a charming and seemingly innocent man accused of murdering a wealthy widow, Emily French.
- Leonard Vole is a young and handsome man who befriends Emily French, a wealthy woman he meets on a train. He becomes her companion and is named the sole beneficiary of her will, making him the prime suspect in her murder.
- Christine Vole is Leonard’s devoted and loving wife who stands by him throughout the trial, despite the mounting evidence against him. She is determined to prove his innocence and will do anything to protect him.
- Miss Plimsoll is the housekeeper of Emily French and a key witness in the trial. She testifies that she saw Leonard leaving the scene of the crime on the night of the murder.
- Janet McKenzie is a mysterious woman who claims to be Leonard’s alibi, stating that she was with him on the night of the murder. However, her true identity and motives are called into question during the trial.
- Mr. Mayhew is the prosecutor in the case, determined to prove Leonard’s guilt and secure a conviction. He presents a strong case against Leonard, using witness testimonies and evidence to paint him as a cold-blooded killer.
- Inspector Hearne is the lead investigator in the case, who initially believes in Leonard’s innocence but is swayed by the mounting evidence against him. He becomes a key witness for the prosecution, testifying that Leonard confessed to the murder.
- Sir Wilfrid’s Nurse is a no-nonsense woman who takes care of him and tries to keep him from overexerting himself during the trial. She also serves as a sounding board for Sir Wilfrid’s theories and ideas about the case.
- Mr. Brogan-Moore is Sir Wilfrid’s longtime colleague and friend, who assists him in the trial. He is also the one who brings Janet McKenzie to Sir Wilfrid’s attention, believing that she could be a crucial witness for the defense.
- Leonard’s Barrister is a young and inexperienced lawyer who initially represents Leonard but is replaced by Sir Wilfrid after he falls ill. He is in over his head and struggles to keep up with Sir Wilfrid’s unconventional defense strategies.
The movie begins with Leonard Vole being arrested for the murder of Emily French, a wealthy widow he had befriended. Sir Wilfrid is approached by Leonard’s wife, Christine, who begs him to take on her husband’s case. Despite his doctor’s warnings, Sir Wilfrid agrees to defend Leonard in court.
As the trial begins, the prosecution presents a strong case against Leonard, with Miss Plimsoll’s testimony and other evidence pointing to his guilt. However, Sir Wilfrid starts to uncover inconsistencies in the witnesses’ testimonies and begins to suspect that there is more to the case than meets the eye.
He also becomes intrigued by Janet McKenzie, who claims to be Leonard’s alibi. Sir Wilfrid investigates her background and discovers that she is a professional liar, hired by Leonard to provide him with an alibi. However, he also learns that she has a personal vendetta against Emily French, making her a potential suspect in the murder.
As the trial continues, Sir Wilfrid’s health deteriorates, and he suffers a heart attack. He is replaced by Mr. Brogan-Moore, who continues to present evidence and witnesses in Leonard’s defense. However, the prosecution’s case seems to be getting stronger, with Inspector Hearne testifying that Leonard confessed to the murder.
In a shocking twist, Janet McKenzie takes the stand and reveals that she is actually Christine Vole’s sister, seeking revenge for her sister’s unhappy marriage to Leonard. She confesses to the murder, and Leonard is acquitted.
However, Sir Wilfrid is not convinced and continues to investigate the case. He discovers that Christine had manipulated Janet into confessing to the murder, and that Leonard was actually innocent all along. In a dramatic courtroom scene, Sir Wilfrid exposes the truth and clears Leonard’s name.
The movie ends with Sir Wilfrid retiring from his career, satisfied with his final victory in the courtroom. Leonard and Christine are reunited, and Janet McKenzie is arrested for perjury. Sir Wilfrid’s nurse reveals that she had been working with him all along, pretending to be a nurse to keep an eye on him during the trial.
In conclusion, Witness for the Prosecution is a gripping courtroom drama that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. With a stellar cast and a cleverly written plot, it is a must-watch for fans of mystery and suspense.
FAQ
- What is the movie Witness for the Prosecution about?
The movie is about a man accused of murder and the trial that follows. - Who directed Witness for the Prosecution?
The movie was directed by Billy Wilder. - When was Witness for the Prosecution released?
The movie was released in 1957. - Who wrote the screenplay for Witness for the Prosecution?
The screenplay was written by Billy Wilder and Harry Kurnitz. - Is Witness for the Prosecution based on a book?
Yes, the movie is based on a play by Agatha Christie. - Who stars in Witness for the Prosecution?
The movie stars Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, and Charles Laughton. - What is the runtime of Witness for the Prosecution?
The movie has a runtime of 116 minutes. - Is Witness for the Prosecution in color or black and white?
The movie is in black and white. - What is the genre of Witness for the Prosecution?
The movie is a courtroom drama. - Is Witness for the Prosecution a true story?
No, the movie is not based on a true story. - What is the rating for Witness for the Prosecution?
The movie has a rating of PG. - Where does Witness for the Prosecution take place?
The movie is set in London, England. - Is Witness for the Prosecution a suspenseful movie?
Yes, the movie is known for its suspenseful plot twists. - What awards did Witness for the Prosecution win?
The movie won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and was nominated for six other Oscars. - Is Witness for the Prosecution available to stream?
Yes, the movie is available to stream on various platforms. - What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for Witness for the Prosecution?
The movie has a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. - Is Witness for the Prosecution a remake?
Yes, the movie was remade in 1982 as a TV movie. - What is the twist in Witness for the Prosecution?
The twist is that the defendant’s wife is actually the murderer. - Is Witness for the Prosecution a fast-paced movie?
Yes, the movie moves quickly and keeps the audience engaged. - What is the significance of the title Witness for the Prosecution?
The title refers to a key witness in the trial who testifies against the defendant. - Is Witness for the Prosecution a popular movie?
Yes, the movie is considered a classic and has a large fan base. - What is the main theme of Witness for the Prosecution?
The main theme is the pursuit of justice and the manipulation of truth. - Does Witness for the Prosecution have a happy ending?
No, the ending is bittersweet and unexpected. - What is the role of Marlene Dietrich in Witness for the Prosecution?
Marlene Dietrich plays the defendant’s wife and key witness in the trial. - Is Witness for the Prosecution a good movie for fans of Agatha Christie?
Yes, the movie stays true to Christie’s style and is a must-watch for fans. - What is the overall critical reception of Witness for the Prosecution?
The movie has received widespread critical acclaim and is considered one of Billy Wilder’s best films.
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