Witness For The Prosecution (1957)

8/10. One of the best courtroom dramas (not to mention one of the earliest and most memorable), with a great twist ending.

Charles Laughton, recovering from a heart attack, defends Tyrone Power when he is accused of murdering a wealthy widow. His wife, Marlene Dietrich, is the titular witness for the prosecution.

Pretty straightforward courtroom drama co-written by Billy Wilder from an Agatha Christie play. Billy Wilder directing.

Other than the surprise twist ending (which the audience is requested not to reveal during the end credits), the main offering of this film are the performances by all those involved, all excellent. Unfortunately Marlene Dietrich was not nominated for an Oscar, though she herself was convinced she would be, but all of the performances are pretty near Oscar worthy, especially for the time period.

Billy Wilder's script is excellent, not quite Sunset Boulevard level, but good just the same. And his direction is unintrusive and pretty straightforward. Of course his pace is excellent, even during the slow parts of which there are few.

All around good suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat.