Witness for the Prosecution

film by Wilder [1957]

Written by Lee Pfeiffer

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Last Updated: Nov 16, 2024 • Article History

Witness for the Prosecution, American courtroom-drama film, released in 1957, that was based on a short story and play by English writer Agatha Christie.

The film, set in London, centres on Leonard Vole (played by Tyrone Power), who is accused of having murdered a wealthy widow. Though his attorney (Charles Laughton) believes he is innocent, his legal prospects are clouded by the fact that his only alibi is his wife, Christine (Marlene Dietrich). Furthermore, during the trial, Christine shocks the court when she testifies on behalf of the prosecution, claiming that Leonard privately confessed to the crime. Her testimony is eventually discredited when it is revealed that she is having an affair, and Leonard is consequently acquitted. In a surprise twist, however, she confides to his attorney that she purposely concocted the affair to elicit sympathy for and thus protect Leonard, who was guilty all along.

Director Billy Wilder adapted one of Agatha Christie’s most engrossing mysteries for the film and won wide critical acclaim for his achievement. Witness for the Prosecution boasts a larger-than-life performance by Laughton and an equally memorable tour de force by his real-life wife, Elsa Lanchester, playing his much-abused nurse. A disclaimer before the closing credits beseeching audiences not to divulge the final twist added to the film’s allure.