WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION

When a wealthy widow is found murdered, the curmudgeonly, brilliant barrister Wilfrid Robards (Charles Laughton), agrees to defend the suspect Leonard Vole. As the trial unfolds, Leonard’s wife, the inscrutable Christine (Marlene Dietrich) takes the stand, and the twists begin in an airy game of guile and deceit. Based on an Agatha Christie play - who called it the best adaptation for the cinema of any of her works - Billy Wilder’s WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION is a gripping courtroom drama, a pitch-perfect comedy, and an acting masterclass - the shocking ending is the cherry on top of a flawless film. As you catch your breath, over the credits, a friendly voice is heard, “The management of this theater suggests that for the greater entertainment of your friends who have not yet seen the picture you will not divulge to anyone the secret of the ending of WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION.” Case closed!