Welcome to The Best Movies I’ve Never Seen! This is the part of the blog where I work my way through 100 films I’ve never seen that are generally considered to be great. You’re invited to watch along with me if you can find a copy or find it streaming. So grab some popcorn and let’s get started!

Witness for the Prosecution

1957

Directed by Billy Wilder

Billy Wilder takes the helm in this 1957 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s hit play, crafting a terse yet witty thriller that crackles with energy. The story follows Sir Wilfrid (Charles Laughton), an ailing barrister who takes on the case of Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), a man accused of murdering a wealthy widow named Emily French (Norma Varden) who had become infatuated with him and made him the main beneficiary of her will.

With strong circumstantial evidence against him, Vole surely seems guilty, but Sir Wilfrid believes him to be innocent – that is, until Vole’s wife Christine (Marlene Dietrich) takes the stand and claims Leonard confessed to the crime. But Wilder turns the tables in signature fashion, and nothing is as it seems. The energy in the courtroom scenes is palpable, with Laughton giving a standout performance as Sir Wilfrid who pursues the truth with zeal in spite of his doctor’s warnings against taking on cases.

Dietrich is compelling as the enigmatic Christine Vole – and looks glamorous even in a deliberately understated guise. While the film boasts fine performances across the board, special credit goes to Wilder’s direction and pacing that wring every last drop of suspense from this twisty plot. He ratchets up tension until the explosive final reel – a surprise ending that stunned audiences at the time. So powerful was the film’s hook that theaters begged moviegoers not to reveal the finale to their peers.

Overall, Witness for the Prosecution offers a skillfully balanced ensemble, emotional heft, and dramatic fireworks in a quick-moving storyline that earned six Academy Award nominations including Best Picture. 67 years later, it remains an exceptionally well-crafted mystery thriller that showcases Wilder and veteran Christie’s storytelling talents alike. Fans of high stakes legal dramas will find this brisk adaptation well worth their ninety minutes – just try not to spoil that killer twist for others!

What about you? Have you seen Witness for the Prosecution? Share your thoughts in the comments!