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Master Rank #122

Witness for the Prosecution

1957

GCML Total9.1240% Greatness · 40% Engagement · 20% Ease

Directed by Billy Wilder

CastTyrone Power · Marlene Dietrich · Charles Laughton

USAEnglishDrama / Mystery116 minNot Rated
IMDb Top 250Narrative FeatureBrisk pace
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Spoiler-free premise

Barrister Sir Wilfrid Robarts defends Leonard Vole against a murder charge complicated by the testimony of Vole's wife, Christine.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Despite fragile health, barrister Sir Wilfrid Robarts accepts the defense of Leonard Vole, accused of murdering a wealthy widow who named him in her will. The case turns on circumstantial evidence and the unpredictable testimony of Vole's German wife, Christine.

Why it belongs

Billy Wilder makes courtroom exposition sparkle through verbal traps, shifting performances, and Charles Laughton's delighted mastery of doubt.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Charles Laughton's wit, Marlene Dietrich's control, and Tyrone Power's charm make credibility itself the central dramatic material. Wilder keeps a talk-heavy trial visually alert through reaction shots, timed objections, props, and changes in allegiance.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Golden Globes1 win1958 · official film record ↗
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture1958 · Elsa Lanchesterofficial film record ↗

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

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Date NightFilm Club
Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

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