WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION

That this courtroom drama based on a play by Agatha Christie is directed by Billy Wilder is perhaps more of a surprise than is the denouement itself.

The main pleasures are Charles Laughton’s performance as the self-regarding QC Sir Wilfrid Robarts and that of Elsa Lanchester (Laughton’s wife in real life) as his private nurse Miss Plimsoll (great name) who has the unenviable task of looking after Sir Wilfrid.  

Wilder of course can be relied upon to bring out the comedic elements of their relationship.

Where the director struggles perhaps is to make an effective drama out of a story which is more interested in plot than character. 

The fact that Marlene Dietrich at one point shows up in some unconvincing makeup only serves to emphasise the stagey nature of the material. 

That scene aside Dietrich does a good job of bringing her character to life. 

Her relationship with Leonard Vole (another great name) provides what little emotional depth there is on view. Unfortunately the latter is played by Tyrone Power (an actor I have never warmed to) who does a merely adequate job in a role for which he is well cast.  

So this is a solid piece of entertainment, very much of its time, which never quite reaches the heights but passes the time pleasantly enough.

RATING: ✓ If You've Nothing Better To Do