The Film (4.5/5)

After returning home from a sudden heart attack, Sir Wilfrid Robarts (Charles Laughton) is in no condition to practice law. This does come as good news to him, as he is already bored with getting well. He has a reputation for helping loss causes, and even has the nickname “barrister for the hopeless”. But before he can get completely rested, a man (Tyrone Power) accused of murdering his mistress comes for help. Robarts takes the case but soon discovers the man’s mysterious wife (Marlene Dietrich) and her contempt.

WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION (1957) is based on a hit play by Agatha Christie. But was heavily reworked when it came to be adapted to screen by Writer director Billy Wilder and Harry Kurnitz. The finished film became one of Wilder’s best films that usually gets over looked for more of his more mainstream films like SOME LIKE IT HOT. But this movie is A grade Wilder with just as much wit as SLIH and plenty of dark subtext like THE APARTMENT.

Bringing Wilder’s film to life is its game cast. Charles Laughton completely controls the screen whenever he is on. Laughton uses his bigger than life personally brilliantly with the playful role given to him by Wlder. Unlike his similar role in Alfred Hitchcock's PARADISE CASE, here he shines with energy. Tyrone Power gets to play against type in a darker (and sadly his final) role. But the real scene stealers are Marlene Dietrich and Elisa Lanchester as Robarts bubbly nurse.

The movie also has a powerhouse of an ending twist, but I don’t want to spoil it here. If you’re a fan of Christie or Film Noir this is an essential watch.

Audio/Video (5/5)

The 2.0 Uncompressed LPCM Mono track is spotless with no hiss or pops. The audio is clear like it was recorded yesterday. The musical score is full and proud. English subtitles are included.

The 1080p HD transfer is out of this world. The blacks are sharp and well defined. The black and white noir lighting is still as vivid as ever. There is some natural film grain but no print damage.

Extras (5/5)

Eureka! Hits perfection with this slate of extras. First up is an audio commentary by film historian and critic Kat Ellinger that covers every aspect of the film’s production and its translation from Agatha Christie story to a motion picture. Ellinger delivers another excellent commentary that is high on spirit and fun. We even get some fun details about Billy Wilder and the romantic crushes behind the scenes. I had to give this track a few listens.

Monocles and Cigars is a detailed overview of Charles Laughton and his later years by writer Simon Callow. There is a video essay by Neil Sinyard, Archival footage of Wilder discussing the movie with director Volker Schlöndorff, and finally a massive collector’s booklet of liner notes with essays by film scholar Henry K. Miller and critic Philip Kemp.

Overall (5/5)

WITNESS is one of Billy Wilder’s most entertaining films. Eureka! Brings the film to life with a fantastic transfer and a healthy selection of extras. The commentary by Kat Ellinger is one of the year’s best. Highly Recommended.