This might
be too much of a “classic” to be on the list.
Or, it might just be a Classic in the Mitchell / Neppl household.
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| Charles Laughton, John William and Marlene Dietrich |
Witness For
The Prosecution is based on an Agatha Christie novel. It has fantastic acting turns from Charles
Laughton as the lawyer and Marlene Dietrich as the back-stabbing wife. Tyron Power plays a British military veteran
in London who is accused of murdering an older woman. Forget much of that, however, since there is
no blood in the whole movie. Also just
try to ignore Tyrone Power’s attempt at British phrases (thankfully he doesn’t
attempt the accent).
.
This movie
bears up well, even enhanced, with multiple viewings. The twists that are so surprising late in the
movie are set up beautifully earlier in the movie when you rewatch it. Marlene Dietrich, late in her career, is
superb. She even does a little song and
dance number in war torn Germany (via flashback).
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| Elsa Lanchester and Charles Laughton - married in real life at this time. |
The annoyed
banter between lawyer Charles Laughton and nurse Elsa Lanchester is priceless, particular when you realize they
were actually married at the time. It is
also had to remember that Elsa, so matronly here, was once the Bride of
Frankenstein.
.
It is a high
point for director Billy Wilder, and all the actors involved.
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| Tyrone Power and Norma Varden and the hat that started it all.... |