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Witness for the Prosecution
A highly skilled and professional movie, with four highly skilled and amusing performances
From the Old School!
Guilty, Your Honor - I Love This Movie
Charles Laughton Steals the Show

Witness For the Prosecution
Starring: Tyrone Power , Marlene Dietrich , Charles Laughton , Elsa Lanchester , and John Williams (II)
Director: Billy Wilder
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005PJ6Z
Release Date: 2001-12-11

Amazon.com essential video

Billy Wilder cowrote and directed this brilliant 1957 mystery based on Agatha Christie's celebrated play about an aging London barrister (Charles Laughton) who's preparing to retire when he takes the defense in the most vexing murder case of his distinguished career. In his final completed film (he died of a heart attack less than a year later), Tyrone Power plays the prime suspect in the murder of a wealthy widow, and Marlene Dietrich plays the wife of the accused, whose testimony--and true identity--holds the key to solving the case. A classic of courtroom suspense, Witness for the Prosecution is one of those movies with enough double-crossing twists to keep the viewer guessing right up to the very end, when yet another surprise is deftly revealed. This being a Billy Wilder film, the dialogue is first-rate and the acting superb, with both Laughton and his offscreen wife Elsa Lanchester (playing the barrister's pesty nurse) winning Academy Awards for their performances. Although later films would concoct even more complicated courtroom scenarios, this remains one of the best films of its kind and a model for all those films that followed its lead. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton star in this brilliantly made courtroom drama (The Film Daily) that left audiences reeling from its surprise twists and shocking climax. Directed by Billy Wilder, scripted by Wilder and Harry Kurnitz and based on Agatha Christie's hit London play, this splendid, six-time Oscar-nominated* classic crackles with emotional electricity (The New York Times) and continues to keep movie lovers riveted until the final, mesmerizing frame. When a wealthy widow is found murdered, her married suitor, Leonard Vole (Power), is accused of the crime. Vole's only hope for acquittal is the testimony of his wife (Dietrich) but his airtightalibi shatters when she reveals some shocking secrets of her own! *1957: Best Picture, Actor (Laughton), Supporting Actress (Elsa Lanchester), Director, Sound, Film Editing

Customer Reviews:

Witness for the Prosecution.......2007-06-27

Adapted from Agatha Christie's celebrated stage play, Billy Wilder's quintessential 1957 courtroom drama steadily builds narrative tension with its crisp, cynical dialogue. Surprises of identity, double and triple crosses, and a succession of plot twists keep this "Witness" from becoming predictable. Laughton and real-life wife Elsa Lanchester, playing Robards's meddlesome nurse, both won Oscars for their roles, but it's Wilder's razor-sharp script and direction that make this mystery tick. Sadly, this was Power's last completed role.

A highly skilled and professional movie, with four highly skilled and amusing performances.......2007-06-13

"I'll snatch her thermometer," snarls the aging, portly, brilliant, irascible London barrister Sir Wilfred Robarts, just back in his office after spending time in a hospital recovering from a heart attack, "and plunge it between her shoulder blades!"

In Witness for the Prosecution, based on an Agatha Christie story and popular stage play, Sir Wilfred (Charles Laughton) is referring to his personal nurse and attendant, the chirpy and determined Miss Plimsoll (Elsa Lanchester). Sir Wilfred has strict instructions to give up everything he holds dearest, namely brandy, cigars and the excitement of criminal defense cases. Nurse Plimsoll is there to see that he does, as well as to give him his injections, make sure he swallows his pills and tuck him in for his afternoon naps. In an effort to sneak a cigar that first day back in his office, Sir Wilfred finds himself intrigued by the case of Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power). Vole is a charming, too charming, man whom we don't quite trust. He has been charged with murdering a rich, silly woman...who coincidentally changed her will in Vole's favor a week before her death. Vole stands to become a very wealthy man. There is means, motive and opportunity, and for Sir Wilfred, there is a challenge. Vole swears he's innocent, but his story is not altogether plausible. His only hope, and a shaky one it is, is the testimony of his German wife, Christine (Marlene Dietrich). She has supplied an alibi, which cannot be verified, but at least she cannot be forced to testify against her husband. Then, when the marriage is found to be invalid, who should decide to become a witness for he prosecution? Sir Wilfred is mortified but even more determined to save his client.

The case, full of startling twists, legal shenanigans, first-rate performances and vivid characters, ends with a typically Agatha Christie surprise. Some argue that Christie perhaps was weak as a writer, but peerless as a storyteller, able to construct mystery plot puzzles that consistently stumped her readers until the last chapter. With Billy Wilder directing and Wilder and Harry Kurnitz, an old pro, providing the screenplay, Christie once again gives a surprise twist that leaves us open-mouthed, yet smiling at her cleverness. Thanks to Wilder and Kurnitz, we also have a conclusion that involves Sir Wilfred and Nurse Plimsoll that is immensely satisfying. If only there had been a sequel.

The four leads do marvelous jobs. In a way, the movie is about two relationships, not just one. There is the relationship between Vole and his wife. They met when Vole was a sergeant stationed in Germany right after WWII. He met Christine when she was earning money entertaining in a dive for soldiers. We see some of this in flashback. With Vole's opportunistic charm and Christine's cool manner, it's difficult to determine who, if either of them, is using whom, or to what degree love enters the picture. Christine's first entrance is memorable. Says Sir Wilfred to a group of fellows awaiting Mrs. Vole, "Be prepared for hysterics and even a fainting spell. Better have smelling salts handy and a nip of brandy." Then in walks Marlene Dietrich as Christine Vole, with perfect assurance. "I do not think that will be necessary," she says to Sir Wilfred. "I never faint because I am not sure that I will fall gracefully and I never use smelling salts because they puff up the eyes. I am Christine Vole."

In the second relationship, Sir Wilfred and Nurse Plimsoll provide the acerbic and mutually bullying comic relief for the movie. The two actors, however, married in real life, manage to develop a touching inter-dependence. It's not just a smile they give as at the end, but also a modest lump in the throat.

And personally, I was delighted to see Henry Daniell in a substantial secondary role. He plays Mayhew, the solicitor who brings Vole to Sir Wilfred. Daniell could look like he was sneering with disdain even if he was just admiring the view. He played some wonderfully upper-class cads and villains in a lot of so-so movies. He also was a first-rate actor, who, given the chance, could also play serious, concerned men, the kind you wouldn't mind having for a friend. He does a fine job here.

The movie, filmed in black and white, looks very good in the DVD transfer. There are no extras to speak of.

From the Old School!.......2007-04-25

"Witness for the Prosecution" is a first rate courtroom drama with razor sharp direction by Billy Wilder and a cast to die for. As the plot opens, "nice guy" Tyrone Power stands accused of murdering a wealthy widow. Unemployed and shiftless, he reminded this reviewer of Ray Milland in "Dial M for Murder". TP was the last known person to see the demised alive, has a shaky alibi-and is in the lady's will for big bucks! TP turns in desperation to big shot London lawyer Charles Laughton. In fact, Scotland Yard busts him in CL's office! Most have already commented on the lively courtroom drama but this reviewer admired the out of court sparring too as Laughton and his colleagues prepare for trial. Just out of the hospital, CL is perfect as the curmudgeonly and crafty barrister, even if he does tear up most of his scenes. His tart banter with his nurse (Elsa Lanchester) is softened by the knowledge that she was his real life wife. There are at least 3 huge plot twists to WFP, leading this observer to write a concise review in the interests of not divulging the ending. That leads us to female lead Marlene Dietrich: She is central to those twists- watch her closely! MD played 30 movies from 1930-1965; was she ever better than here? Hollywood took notice of WFP: It was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Laughton) and Best Supporting Actress (Lanchester), though winning none. Dietrich was ignored by the Academy but nominated for Best Actress by the Golden Globes. How many times were husband and wife nominated together? WFP is filmed is beautiful black and white-a lost art-and features true economy of sets, perhaps reflecting its' stage origins. This review tried to maintain an aura of mystery about the ending; there is a good deal more suspense than implied here. Like the header states, WFP is a winner from the old school -one that has long since been out of session.

Guilty, Your Honor - I Love This Movie.......2007-04-19

The film is based on Agatha Christie's story with the enormous twist not on the last page but on the last line. Billy Wilder's direction is perfect and all actors get it right. Charles Laughton is absolutely superb; he has the best lines and scenes and he brings the wit, intelligence, and the heart to the film. Marlene Dietrich is perfect playing not one but three roles, convincingly transforming from one character to another, from the present to the past. This is not just a good mystery but a classic of the courtroom genre and a very enjoyable film even after you know the ending. "Witness for the Prosecutionis" is one of my favorite Agatha Christie's screen adaptations.

Charles Laughton Steals the Show.......2007-04-04

Witness for the Prosecution is an outstanding film with a number of great performances. I've seen some criticism of Tyrone Power but I can't agree. Far from wooden, he alternates between suave man-about-town and frantic defendant depending on the scene. Marlene Dietrich is also very compelling as his wife although I'm not sure I see her appeal as a sex-symbol which she used to enjoy. By far the best role, however, belongs to Charles Laughton as the defense attorney (or barrister) and he nails it beyond belief. His character is a classic curmudgeon but he plays it with such charm and humor that he is one of my favorite characters of all time from any movie.

The story moves along briskly and there are plenty of mood shifts as some scenes are very light and funny while others are quite tense. It's a bit of a roller coaster but one that is pure pleasure to ride. All in all, I highly recommend this film for virtually any movie fan.

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Power of Attorney
Starring: Danny Aiello , Rick Aiello , Andrew Airlie , Hagan Beggs , and Giuseppe Bianchi
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002DRDKU
Release Date: 2004-08-17

Product Description

Power of Attorney is a compelling and suspenseful crime story where powerful cultures clash the Mafia, the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department. Facing a federal indictment on extortion and murder, mafia chieftain, Joseph Scassi, uses his vast resources to get the best defense money can buy. He seduces the brilliant U.S. Attorney, Paul Dell, through a web of money, sex, and intimidation and then betrays him. Paul takes matters into his own hands by confronting Scassi and baits him intoia trap and a full confession just as he is about to kill again.

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Running Time 97 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

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Power of Attorney
Starring: Danny Aiello , Rick Aiello , Andrew Airlie , Hagan Beggs , and Giuseppe Bianchi
Manufacturer: Turner Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: Video
Binding: VHS Tape

Aiello, Danny | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

Aiello, Rick | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

Airlie, Andrew | ( A ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

Chong, Rae Dawn | ( C ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

Koteas, Elias | ( K ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

Runyan, Tygh | ( R ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

Siemaszko, Nina | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

Wilson, Roger | ( W ) | Actors & Actresses | VHS | Video

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ASIN: 6303511546
Release Date: 1995-08-01

Waiting for God: Cheering Tom Up, Fraulein Miller, Power of Attorney

Average customer rating:

Can the laugh track
MORE!!!
Best-Kept Britcom Secret = AGING WITH ATTITUDE
Why hasn't the BBC released more of these?
Great for anyone who loves Bayviews two most funny couple

Waiting for God: Cheering Tom Up, Fraulein Miller, Power of Attorney
Starring: Lucy Aston , and Tim Preece
Director: Gareth Gwenlan , and Sue Bysh
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: Video
Binding: VHS Tape

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Waiting for God: The Funeral, The Hip Operation, The Boring Son
Waiting for God - Season 1
Waiting for God - Season 2
The Vicar of Dibley - The Divine Collection

ASIN: B00004WG9Y
Release Date: 2000-07-19

Description

Episodes: Cheering Tom Up, Fraulein Mueller, Power of Attorney.

Customer Reviews:

Can the laugh track.......2006-07-14

What would have been a delight is totally ruined for me by the laugh track. It's so redunant. Are we stupid? Cannot we get the humor without being tweaked by fake laughter? What might have been very worthwhile is trashed by the interference of twits who don't trust an audience.

MORE!!!.......2005-09-06

There aren't enough episodes here to give the full effect that this show [Waiting for God] carries. It is worth a look, but having seen it you'll wish for more...

Best-Kept Britcom Secret = AGING WITH ATTITUDE.......2004-06-28

PLEASE don't be put off by the title - this is one of the best Britcoms to hit the US Shores.

This show is totally unique - set in the British retirement community of Bayview, and its inmates...er, residents, are taking steps to NOT gracefully fade away! It also has the advantage of being less silly than "Keeping Up Appearances."

I have never laughed aloud so much at a series as I have at the adventures of Stephanie Cole's Diana Trent (spinster & proud of it) and Graham Crowden's Tom (part-time bullfighter on the moon, when he wasn't digging out of Colditz with "Dickie and Johnny"), and their battles against Daniel Hill's "The Idiot Baines" and Janine Duvitski's love-starved Jane. Together with sex-fiend Basil and other inmates, and constantly thwarting the efforts of Tom's revolting family to control them (not to mention Harvey's plots to toss Diana out of the community), the antics are priceless.

I have been hunting for all 47 episodes of the show, which form a total story, with a beginning (Tom's arrival), a middle (the Scandal!), and an end (call it two weddings and a funeral - not the one released).

FINALLY six episodes (and slightly edited at that!) from the first series (season) were released on video; alas, the premiere was not among them. The two tapes of three episodes each are IT so far, at least commercially. Grab 'em while you can - and let's see if we can get BBC Video to release the whole thing (including a second Christmas special episode never shown in the US) on DVD!

Once you visit Bayview, you'll want to go back, and six times won't be enough!

Why hasn't the BBC released more of these?.......2003-08-26

This sitcom is one of the most excellent I've ever seen, and I cannot comprehend why the BBC hasn't released more episodes, and why they are still available only in VHS format. I began watching this show as a teenager when I could wrench the television away from my major network-watching family and fix the channel firmly on PBS. It still gives me more rewards than I can count.

What makes "Waiting for God" so worth watching over and over again is that the humor is not without very real, human, compassionate depth; the characters are old, and they know it. Though sometimes their humor is what we might call slapstick, and it is certainly quite frequently on the randy side, Tom and Diana have real affection for one another, and they are allowed by the writers to show that affection. We Americans have few images of older people who we permit to have genuine emotional experiences, especially in the world of comedy (we like our grandparents to be nasty and negative and fatallistic, like Ray Romano's parents). But this sitcom emphasizes equally the comedy and the situation the characters find themselves in.

Buy this video, and prepare to be entertained and moved at the same time. If you like "Are You Being Served?" and "Keeping Up Appearances" and "As Time Goes By," you won't be disappointed. But I think you will be refreshed and surprised at a few tricks the Brits still have up their endlessly comedic sleeves.

Great for anyone who loves Bayviews two most funny couple.......2000-11-18

This movie was a treat for anyone who enjoys the wild and crazy antics of Diana Trent(Stephanie cole)and Tom Ballard(Graham Crowden).When Diana was assigned the task of cheering up Tom and convincing him he wasn't going to die I knew it was going to be laugh-out-loud halarious,and it was.When Diana inadvertantly talked Tom into killing himself I lost it.Later when Diana let loose her "If you can do it so can i"spirit and starts to think of ways to kill themselves my mom was practically on the floor laughing.I think the best part was after Diana finally talked Tom out of suicide and Tom criticises her painting saying that the tree really looked like a naked man. This is deffinately a must see video for all wfg fans and anyone who enjoys a really good laugh.

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Power of Attorney

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005RZSF

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Advance Medical Directives

Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BGS41U
Release Date: 2006-07-13

Product Description

What are your wishes for end-of-life care? Advance Medical Directives are legal documents that allow you to give direction to your future medical care. Just like your right to free speech and religious freedom, it is your right to accept or refuse medical care. Advance Medical Directives help protect this right. Something to think about...long before you need it.

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