Sarah Phelps is not. "[10], The effort to keep the ending a secret extended to the cast. [6], In a flashback showing how Leonard and Christine first meet in a German nightclub, she is wearing her trademark trousers, made famous by Dietrich in director Josef von Sternberg’s Morocco (1930). Producers Arthur Hornblow and Edward Small bought the rights to the play for $450,000. Add to Wishlist. In real life, Elsa Lanchester was Charles Laughton's wife. Witness for the Prosecution. Witness for the Prosecution Script Resources: Witness for the Prosecution Script PDF at scribd.com; Witness for the Prosecution Script PDF - 6/10/57 FINAL at Script City ($); Witness for the Prosecution Script PDF at Script Fly ($); Note: Multiple links are listed since (a) different versions exist and (b) many scripts posted become unavailable over time. The American Film Institute included the film in AFI's 10 Top 10 as #6 in the Courtroom Drama category. Witness for the Prosecution is a Billy Wilder-directed adaptation of an Agatha Christie play. Witness for the Prosecution may be one of Agatha Christie's lesser known short stories, but Sarah Phelps admirably puts meat on the bone with this dark, meticulous production. The two must-have sets for Witness for the Prosecution are Sir Wilfred’s office and the courtroom. Though his attorney In 1982, Witness for the Prosecution was remade as a television film, starring Ralph Richardson, Deborah Kerr, Beau Bridges, Donald Pleasence, Wendy Hiller and Diana Rigg. Mr. Mayherne was a small man, precise in manner, neatly, not to say foppishly In 2016, a miniseries starring Toby Jones, Andrea Riseborough, Kim Cattrall and David Haig was broadcast on BBC One and received widespread acclaim. Witness for the Prosecution The story was initially published as "Traitor's Hands" in Flynn's, a weekly pulp magazine, in the edition of 31 January 1925. Una O'Connor was the only member of the original Broadway play's cast to reprise her role on film. Witness for the Prosecution. So, she had instead given testimony implicating her husband, had then forged the letters to the non-existent Max, and had herself in disguise played the mysterious woman handing over the letters, discrediting her own testimony and leading to the acquittal. Great staging of Witness for the Prosecution Great play, very atmospheric, setting in County Hall is really top notch. 1, Father Thomas Kottoor at the convent during the night of the murder and clinched the case in favour of the prosecution. While traveling by train, a young socialite is befriended by a charming yet enigmatic older woman. Critics' TV Picks 2017: What's Your Favorite? A veteran British barrister must defend his client in a murder trial that has surprise after surprise. Witness for the Prosecution will return to London County Hall from 18 May.Read here for more information. [17], Christie's play was first performed in Nottingham on September 28, 1953, opened in London on 28 October and on Broadway on December 16, 1954.[18]. Witness For The Prosecution was originally published as a short story called Traitor Hands in 1925, before being republished as Witness For The Prosecution in the collection The Hound Of Death, released solely in the United Kingdom. How often, motivation, circumstance, plausibility and realism are sacrificed … In a very short amount of time, the impact left is impressive. After two old friends accidentally meet and resolve to become investigators for hire, they quickly become embroiled in a missing treaty and a Bolshevik conspiracy. The show had just celebrated its 1000th performance when theatres were closed in March last year. Photography by Tristram Kenton. Get the Script. It was also her final film; she retired from acting after its completion. Witness for the Prosecution ( 1957) Witness for the Prosecution. Vole tells how he met Miss French when he helped her to pick up some parcels she dropped in Oxford Street and, by coincidence, he met her again that night at a party in Cricklewood. Witness for the Prosecution [Christie, Agatha] on Amazon.com. The affair the letters outline, and one paragraph in particular detailing Max and Christine's plan to lie and get rid of Leonard, convinces the Jury that Christine had deliberately perjured herself. Witness to a Prosecution was met with positive reviews and quickly became a popular success. He vehemently protests his innocence. Detective Aurelio Zen brings justice to modern-day Italy. Prosecution Witness 3 (PW 3), Raju known as Adakka (Areca Nut) Raju, a thief by profession, turned out be that crucial eye witness whose statement established the presence of accused no. Get the Script. Agatha Christie is a literary goddess. The Witness for the Prosecution is a two-part drama adapted from Agatha Christie's short story of the same title. Celebrate Black History Month with some of the most iconic figures in Hollywood. Prosecution The Witness for the Prosecution, an atmospheric and finely acted little gem, should go down just right. Buys Rose TV Play", Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, "Ben Affleck Directing, Starring in 'Witness for the Prosecution' Remake", The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories, Miss Marple's Final Cases and Two Other Stories, Problem at Pollensa Bay and Other Stories, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Witness_for_the_Prosecution_(1957_film)&oldid=1002791117, Films featuring a Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe-winning performance, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures, Online Film & Television Association Award, Francis Compton as Mr. Justice Wainwright, the judge, This page was last edited on 26 January 2021, at 01:59. Casting for the new run is to be revealed. In 1948, it was finally published in the United States in the collection The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories. Few films can create such a unique and memorable experience as Witness for the Prosecution.&am The film, set in London, centres on Leonard Vole (played by Tyrone Power), who is accused of having murdered a wealthy widow. Written by Sarah Phelps (And Then There Were None, Casual Vacancy), t he adaptation is directed by Julian Jarrold (Kinky Boots, Becoming Jane) and produced by Colin Wratten (The Musketeers, One of Us) for BBC One. official box office. Search for "The Witness for the Prosecution" on Amazon.com, Title: The film focuses on Sir Wilfred Roberts and his defense of Leonard Vole who stands trial for murder. United Artists 100th Anniversary Poll Part II, Best U.S. Movie Crime Dramas of the 1950s, The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre: Witness for the Prosecution. The play, produced by Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions, will now run at the stunning location until September 2020. 1958 116 minutes. For other uses, see Witness for the Prosecution (disambiguation). The case is turned on its head when Vole's loving wife (Marlene Dietrich) announces that they are not really married and agrees to be a witness for the prosecution. Then he looked again at the man opposite him, the man charged with willful murder. Now in its third year, Witness for the Prosecution has today released a first glimpse at production images featuring its killer fifth cast, who had their first performance on 19 November 2019. His belief proves correct when Christine, left alone with him by chance in the courtroom, informs him that he had help in winning the case. Wilder said Dietrich liked "to play a murderess" but was "a little bit embarrassed when playing the love scenes. However, Sir Wilfrid is troubled by the verdict. in the magnificent london county hall, southbank, se1 Crime, Drama, Thriller. He did cal… - but please don't tell the ending! A thrilling courtroom drama of murder and passion in three acts. What a shame the BBC now has the rights to those stories too. 76. There are no approved quotes yet for this movie. Based on the short story by Agatha Christie. After she is taken away by the police, Sir Wilfrid, urged on by Miss Plimsoll, declares that he will take on Christine's defense. Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes, Cole Sprouse. The BBC should be ashamed. Based on the short story by Agatha Christie. I just find it irritating that in order to gain critical respectability, the BBC feels a need to pour a thick layer of dismal over their Christie adaptations. Full Length Play, Drama / 4f, 9m Agatha Christie. The Witness for the Prosecution, an atmospheric and finely acted little gem, should go down just right. no booking fees. Ben Affleck is also doing his own version, though heaven knows why. The Witness for the Prosecution thrusts its star into the spotlight with a systematically crafted script, expertly executed performances, and engaging acerbity. In 1933, retired detective Hercule Poirot is targeted by a taunting killer who sends letters signed "ABC", which Poirot must decode in order to discover the identity of the murderer. Wealthy philanthropist Rachel Argyll is murdered at her family estate Sunny Point. It was finally published internationally in the collection The Witness For The Prosecution And Other Stories in 1948. The scene required 145 extras, 38 stuntmen and $90,000.[8]. Witness for the Prosecution. “Witness for the Prosecution” By Agatha Christie . Approved | 1h 56min | Crime, Drama, Mystery | 6 February 1958 (USA) 3:09 | Trailer. Vole tells how he met Miss French when he helped her to pick up some parcels she dropped in Oxford Street and, by coincidence, he met her again that night at a party in Cricklewood. During the trial in the Old Bailey, Sir Wilfrid is contacted by a mysterious woman who, for a fee, provides him with letters written by Christine herself to a mysterious lover named Max. 49 of 70 people found this review helpful. Leonard has overheard Christine's admission, and cheerfully confirms to Sir Wilfred that he had indeed killed Mrs. French. Agatha Christie's thrilling courtroom drama, Witness for the Prosecution, officially opened in central London on 23rd October 2017 in the spectacular setting of London County Hall. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Was this review helpful to you? His instincts tell him that it was "...too neat, too tidy, and altogether too symmetrical!" View production, box office, & company info, Agatha Christie: Easter Eggs and Symbolism in the BBC Adaptations, Sarah Phelps Interview: Agatha Christie is Always Asking ‘Are You Paying Attention?’, AMC’s British Programming Focused Streamer Acorn TV to Launch in U.K. Witness for the Prosecution was Power's final completed film. The Witness for the Prosecution is a 2016 British mystery drama thriller television serial broadcast on BBC One over Christmas 2016. The play, produced by Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions, will now run at the stunning location until September 2020. Witness for the Prosecution is planning a return to its home at County Hall in London in May. Sir Wilfrid is infuriated but helpless to stop him now, thanks to double jeopardy laws. Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth. The film, which has film noir elements, depicts an English courtroom drama. In Agatha Christie's most twisted tale, a spy-turned-private-detective is lured by his former lover to catch her grandfather's murderer before Scotland Yard exposes dark family secrets. Also in 2016, despite Deadline Hollywood announcing that Ben Affleck will direct, produce and act in a remake of Witness for the Prosecution for 20th Century Fox,[19] production has yet to start as of 2020. Coming right before his two year back to back classics, "Some Like it Hot"(1959) and "The Apartment"(1960), "Witness for the Prosecution" has Wilder working at the top of his craft. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Leonard Vole is accused of murdering a widow to inherit her wealth. The first adaptation of the Agatha Christie story was a BBC television production made in 1949, with a running time of 75 minutes. $14.99 Buy HD. A witness for the prosecution is a witness who is brought into the court in order to provide testimony which supports the prosecution’s overall case. Could one of them be the killer? [9], This was in keeping with the advertising campaign for the film: one of the posters for the film said: "You'll talk about it! In a message the production reiterated that the return "will depend on the government allowing a return to fuller, near capacity audiences, and our ability to generate the necessary advance sales prior to opening." Now in its third year, Witness for the Prosecution has today released a first glimpse at production images featuring its killer fifth cast, who had their first performance on 19 November 2019. 1h 37min | Drama | TV Movie 4 December 1982. Witness for the Prosecution subtitles. Add the first question. Witness for the Prosecution. A grieving widow discovers that her seemingly ideal husband lived many secret lives. [11], The film received extremely positive reviews. She republished it in 1933 under the present title as part of a collection called 'The Hound of Death and other stories'. The Witness for the Prosecution, an atmospheric and finely acted little gem, should go down just right. [3], Vivien Leigh, as well as Marlene Dietrich were leading candidates to play Christine Vole. First published in 1925 under the title “Traitor’s Hands,” the story was later included under its current name in Christie’s 1933 collection The Hound of Death . List all seasons: You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. He died of a heart attack after a lengthy dueling sequence two-thirds of the way through the filming of director King Vidor's Solomon and Sheba (1959) and was replaced by Yul Brynner.[2]. Get an estimate Concord Theatricals. The play was adjusted to build up the character of the defence barrister. One of it's first releases is "Witness for the Prosecution"(1957) which is not only one of the best courtroom dramas ever made but one of the best films Wilder directed during his long career. For this show – no minimalistic approaches. Her adopted son Jack Argyll is arrested for her murder. 1 VIDEO | 327 IMAGES. 3 talking about this. A thrilling courtroom drama of murder and passion in three acts. At the end of the film, as the credits roll, a voice-over announces: 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. [7] A rowdy customer conveniently rips them down one side, revealing one of Dietrich's renowned legs, and starting a brawl. "The Witness for the Prosecution" is a short story and play by British author Agatha Christie. A veteran lawyer must defend a man in what promises to be the most dramatic trial of his career. [4] According to Wilder, when the producers approached Dietrich about the part she accepted on the condition that Wilder direct. The Witness for the Prosecution is a two-part drama adapted from Agatha Christie's short story of the same title. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. Metacritic TV Episode Reviews, Witness for the Prosecution, When the key witness in a mob murder trial is shot, Toby and Michelle are joined in the investigation by … Witness for the Prosecution is a 1957 American film co-adapted and directed by Billy Wilder and starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, and Elsa Lanchester. Great staging of Witness for the Prosecution Great play, very atmospheric, setting in County Hall is really top notch. The stakes are high - will Leonard survive the shocking witness testimony, will he be able to convince the jury, and you of his innocence and escape the hangman’s noose? Charles Laughton completely owns the courtroom, starring as a famously brilliant barrister who's supposed to be taking a break for his health-but he gets drawn in by a truly compelling murder trial. Leonard however, is adamant that his partner, the enigmatic chorus girl Romaine, can prove his innocence. First published in 1925 under the title “Traitor’s Hands,” the story was later included under its current name in Christie’s 1933 collection The Hound of Death. At least, this is the story that Emily's dedicated housekeeper Janet McIntyre stands by in court. Full Length Play, Drama / 4f, 9m Agatha Christie. The Witness for the Prosecution - Agatha Christie Witness for the Prosecution is a 1957 American film co-adapted and directed by Billy Wilder and starring Tyrone Witness for the Prosecution. This FAQ is empty. Witness for the Prosecution was also the last film in which married actors Laughton and Lanchester appeared together and the final film appearance of longtime character actress Una O'Connor (1880-1959) who recreated the role of "Janet" from the Broadway production of the play. Metacritic TV Episode Reviews, Witness for the Prosecution, When the key witness in a mob murder trial is shot, Toby and Michelle are joined in … The Witness for the Prosecution The stakes are high - will Leonard survive the shocking witness testimony, will he be able to convince the jury, and you of his innocence and escape the hangman’s noose? 1957 American film directed by Billy Wilder, Witness for the Prosecution (disambiguation), "NEW MOVIE DEAL FOR BILLY WILDER: Signed to Direct 'Witness for the Prosecution' After Completing 2 Other Films R.K.O. Witness for the Prosecution was released on DVD by MGM Home Entertainment on December 11, 2001 as a Region 1 widescreen DVD, and by Kino Lorber (under licence from MGM) on Blu-ray on July 22, 2014 as a Region 1 widescreen disc. 2016 BBC Mini-Series based on the Agatha Christie novel. Written by Sarah Phelps (And Then There Were None, Casual Vacancy), t he adaptation is directed by Julian Jarrold (Kinky Boots, Becoming Jane) and produced by Colin Wratten (The Musketeers, One of Us) for BBC One. Afters are very good and keep the suspense building, of course its a great script, based on an Agatha Christie story, but the final plots twists are a surprise that I didn't see coming. Veronica digs deep for justice; Betty explores her future and complex past; Stonewall Prep celebrates a literary franchise; Archie finds himself the unexpected target of the local businesses. Sir Wilfrid Robarts, a master barrister in ill health, takes on Leonard Vole as a client, despite the objections of his private nurse, Miss Plimsoll, who says the doctor warns him against taking on any criminal cases. She furthermore admits that she saved Leonard even though she knew he was guilty, because she loves him. [3] Billy Wilder was signed to direct in April 1956. [14] In TV Guide's review of the film, it received four and a half stars out of five, the writer saying that "Witness for the Prosecution is a witty, terse adaptation of the Agatha Christie hit play brought to the screen with ingenuity and vitality by Billy Wilder."[15]. Witness for the Prosecution Drama Following a massive heart attack, infamous British barrister Sir Wilfred Robarts (Charles Laughten) has been ordered by his doctors to forswear drinking, smoking, and his work in the courtroom. The sets ought to be built and dressed according to resemble a formal barrister’s office and … Witness for the Prosecution is a 1982 American made-for-television drama film version of Agatha Christie 's 1925 short story and 1953 play, and also a remake of the Billy Wilder film Witness for the Prosecution (1957). Strong circumstantial evidence points to Leonard as the killer, but Sir Wilfrid believes Vole is innocent. Set in the Old Bailey in London, the picture is based on the 1953 play of the same name by Agatha Christieand deals with the trial of a man accused of murder. This is the first production of "Witness for the Prosecution" that based on Agatha Christie's original short (23 pages) story first published in the January 31, 1925 edition of Flynn's Weekly under the title 'Traitor Hands'. "Witness for the Prosecution" is the latest Billy Wilder film to receive a Blu-ray upgrade this year following Criterion's "Ace in the Hole" and Warner's "Sabrina" and Universal's "Double Indemnity". The film, which has film noir elements, depicts an English courtroom drama. $3.99 Rent HD. Use the HTML below. As excellent an actor as Toby Jones is, I found myself longing for Charles Laughton's bombast and energy.And yes, I must admit, I miss the flashy, cartoony ITV Marple series. Agatha Christie's thrilling courtroom drama, Witness for the Prosecution, officially opened in central London on 23rd October 2017 in the spectacular setting of London County Hall. Witness for the Prosecution is one of the most entertaining courtroom stories of all time, written by the crime mistress herself, Agatha Christie. tickets are now back on sale, assuming that government restrictions will be lifted by tuesday 18th may 2021. all tickets purchased for performances which do not go ahead because of coronavirus related restrictions will be entitled to a full refund or a full credit note. The story usually sets on the courtroom. The Witness for the Prosecution (Jarrold, 2016) This story was most famously adapted in 1957 by Billy Wilder, and headed by the likes of Charles Laughton and Marlene Dietrich, it’s a smashingly good endeavour. Witness for the Prosecution. Set in 1920s London, a brutal and bloodthirsty murder has stained the plush carpets of a handsome London townhouse. Leonard Vole (Beau Bridges) is accused of murdering an elderly rich woman, and the only alibi to him depends on his wife Christine (Dame Diana Rigg). The two-part programme was adapted by Sarah Phelps and directed by Julian Jarrold and is based on Agatha Christie 's short story of the same name. For this show – no minimalistic approaches. The story usually sets on the courtroom. Here are the buzz-worthy titles you're going to want to mark on your calendar. Witness for the Prosecution is one of the greatest courtroom dramas ever written for the stage, but you wouldn't know it from Sarah Phelps' biscuit and tea dunking dribble. All the evidence points to Leonard Vole, a young chancer to whom the heiress left her vast fortune and who ruthlessly took her life. Witness for the Prosecution Quotes. Leonard is acquitted, much to the crowd's delight. Set in the Old Bailey in London, the picture is based on the 1953 play of the same name by Agatha Christie and deals with the trial of a man accused of murder. The Witness for the Prosecution. This major adaptation for BBC One of Agatha Christie’s classic title "The Witness For The Prosecution" is adapted by Sarah Phelps (And Then There Were None, The Casual Vacancy, The Crimson Field, Great Expectations), directed by Julian Jarrold (The Crown, The Girl, Appropriate Adult) and co-produced by Mammoth Screen (Poldark, And Then there Were None, Remember Me, Parade’s End) and Agatha Christie Productions (And Then There Were None, Partners in Crime). Don’t miss this landmark stage production on … In a very short amount of time, the impact left is impressive. Witness for the Prosecution is designed by William Dudley, with lighting by Chris Davey, sound design by Mic Pool and casting by Ellie Collyer-Bristow. Request license. Get an estimate Concord Theatricals. Viewership ratings were consistently high, and the drama was the seventh most-viewed drama in 2000, drawing an average of 33 rating points, peaking at 44 points. Photography by Tristram Kenton. Leonard is accused of murdering Mrs. Emily French, a rich, older widow who had become enamoured of him, going so far as to make him the main beneficiary of her will. When Sir Wilfrid speaks with Leonard's German wife Christine, he finds her rather cold and self-possessed, but she does provide an alibi, although by no means an entirely convincing one. Witness for the Prosecution is a 1957 American film co-adapted and directed by Billy Wilder and starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, and Elsa Lanchester. It was adapted by Lawrence B. Marcus and John Gay from the original screenplay and directed by Alan Gibson. Movie & TV guides. However, when the woman disappears, the other passengers deny she ever existed. ''The Witness For The Prosecution'' (1925) is one of the most mysterical short stories ever written by ''Queen of Crime'' (Agatha Christie) and definetely illustrates the aphorism, ‘’what goes around, comes around’’. Courtroom drama Witness for the Prosecution has set a return date for later this year, once more performing at the County Hall in London.. Based on the Agatha Christie tale of the same name, the show is directed by Lucy Bailey. ‎Watch trailers, read customer and critic reviews and buy Witness for the Prosecution directed by Billy Wilder for $14.99. The first film adaptation of Christie's story, Witness for the Prosecution was adapted for the screen by Larry Marcus, Harry Kurnitz and Wilder. A solicitor, Mr. Mayherne, interviews his latest client in his office: Leonard Vole is a young man who has been arrested on the capital charge of the murder of an old lady, Miss Emily French. The London theatre revival of Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution is directed by Lucy Bailey (Noyes Fludde opera, The Importance of Being Earnest at the Harold Pinter Theatre) and features design by William Dudley (Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be at the Stratford East), lighting design by Chris Davey (Vamos Cuba at Sadler's Wells), sound design by Mic Pool (former resident at the Royal Court … Is a trio of witches responsible for a series of sudden deaths or is there a rational explanation? Agatha Christie's crime-fighting duo, Tommy and Tuppence Beresford, solve mysteries and search for enemy spies in 1950s Britain. The handwriting is genuine, and the woman has legitimate reason for handing them over - her face has been scarred and slashed, supposedly by this "Max". In 1933, the story was published for the first time as "Witness for the Prosecution" in the collection The Hound of Death that appeared only in the United Kingdom. Billy Wilder did not give the actors the final ten pages of the script until it was time to shoot those scenes. She asked him to call at her house and he was ribbed by his friends who joked that he had made a conquest of a rich, lonely old lady. When Leonard Vole is arrested for the sensational murder of a rich, middle-aged widow, the famous Sir Wilfrid Robarts agrees to appear on his behalf. "[5], Laughton based his performance on Florance Guedella, his own lawyer, an Englishman who was well known for twirling his monocle while cross-examining witnesses. “The Witness for the Prosecution” is a short story by British mystery writer Dame Agatha Christie (sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Crime”). A solicitor, Mr. Mayherne, interviews his latest client in his office: Leonard Vole is a young man who has been arrested on the capital charge of the murder of an old lady, Miss Emily French. The victim is the glamorous and rich Emily French. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? 8 people found this helpful. Witness for the Prosecution have partnered with a fantastic range of suppliers to serve a selection of award-winning ice cream, speciality gin, spirits, wine, prosecco and soft drinks. The secrecy reportedly cost Marlene Dietrich an Academy Award, as United Artists didn't want to call attention to the fact that Dietrich was practically unrecognizable as the Cockney woman who hands over the incriminating letters to the defence. Witness for the Prosecution. Tasked with representing Leonard is his solicitor John Mayhew and King's Counsel, Sir Charles Carter KC. Afters are very good and keep the suspense building, of course its a great script, based on an Agatha Christie story, but the final plots twists are a surprise that I didn't see coming. (2016). With K.J. Unmatched ...in a half century of motion picture suspense!. Need some streaming picks for the month? She asked him to call at her house and he was ribbed by his friends who joked that he had made a conquest of a rich, lonely old lady. © 1957 United Artists Corporation This Month, Jumanji Me Into a Classic Film Noir Movie. Drama. Directed by Harry Jierjian. Witness for the Prosecution Marlene Dietrich in Witness for the Prosecution (1957), directed by Billy Wilder. Another early production of Witness for the Prosecution was in the form of a live telecast on CBS's Lux Video Theatre on September 17, 1953, starring Edward G. Robinson, Andrea King and Tom Drake. In 1926, with her personal life in tatters and her writing in crisis, a young Agatha Christie decides to solve a real-life murder. 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. Mr. Mayherne adjusted his pince-nez and cleared his throat with a little dry-as-dust cough that was wholly typical of him. Don’t miss this landmark stage production on … A mysterious Inspector investigates the wealthy Birling family and their dinner guests following the suicide of a young woman. And maybe shows like "Midsomer Murders" cater for the likes of me. “The Witness for the Prosecution” is a short story by British mystery writer Dame Agatha Christie (sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Crime”). Christine also suffers a major shock when she finds Leonard has been having an affair with a younger woman and plans to abandon Christine for her, feeling he and Christine are 'even' now. Sir Wilfrid had told her before the trial that "...no jury would believe an alibi given by a loving wife". Agatha Christie “herself considered it the finest film derived from one of her stories.”[12][13] It currently holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 31 reviews with an average rating of 8.53/10. In a very short amount of time, the impact left is impressive.