Witness for the Prosecution

This remake of the Laughton/Power/Dietrich film is quite enjoyable, owing to skillful casting, top production values, and, of course, Dame Christie's cracking good story. Sadly, the only liability is the performance of Sir Ralph Richardson (It's almost unspeakable to say this; I feel like Brutus plunging the knife into his Caesar). This was one of his last performances, and his immense skill simply cannot overcome his advanced age. (Granted, his character is supposed to be aged and ill, but Sir Ralph is unable to act intrigued and energized by his last case the way Laughton was in the original.) Still, his presence alone delivers barrels full of audience goodwill, and the piece is anchored by fine performances from Diana Rigg in the Dietrich role, Deborah Kerr in Elsa Lanchester's part (a fun bit of off-casting!) and by Beau Bridges, who stretches himself beyond his normal nice-guy blandness and convinces in the Ty Power role. A nice movie for a rainy afternoon or a boring holiday!

This is Dame Agatha at her best. I also have the 1957 original, but I gotta tell you this version is far better! Credit Diana Rigg for that, she steals the show and gives a towering performance.

The film starts when Janet is on her way back to the house(Wendy Hiller)She hears two people-she sees one of them-but can't see the other-it's a man. She goes upstairs-then she hears screams and crashing about. She goes down stairs to find a middle aged woman dead.

That's the set up. What follows is a series of plot twists. Leonard Vole(Beau Bridges) Is arrested for the crime and is brought to trial. The Barrister Sir Wilford Robarts(Ralph Richardson)is asked to take the case.

Is Leonard Vole Guilty? Be prepared for one of the most surprising endings in a mystery! It's shot in the arm from Agatha Christie! Oh, Agatha How could you?

Enormously enjoyable courtroom murder mystery. Agatha Christie's simple yet ingenious concept (which has been copied many, many times by other writers, e.g. Joe Eszterhas) is brought to life by a terrific cast, headed by the impeccable Ralph Richardson. Diana Rigg and Donald Pleasence (old James Bond veterans!) are also superb. Only Beau Bridges seems a little out of his league in this company, but he comes through at the end. One of the better made-for-TV Christie movies, and perfect for a night-in with a cup of hot cocoa (or anything else you might prefer). *** out of 4.

Sorry but I find the original a bit slow. The original court case is probably more dramatic. However, I like the cast better in this newer rendition and wish it was available on DVD. Diana Rigg as always is great. Deborah Kerr and Donald Pleasance also turn in good performances.

Everyone who has seen both versions will compare. Well, Charles Laughton and Tyrone Power in my opinion are better than Ralph Richardson and Beau Bridges. Charles Laughton simply is very funny. Tyrone Power performs a more shady character. But Diana Riggs is excellent, while Marlene Dietrich, much to my surprise and disappointment, is quite woody. The story in both versions are very alike. Though I haven't read the book, I assume they remain both quite close to it. So preference depends on the acting. I don't have one. I quite enjoyed both. The strength of the story is proved by the fact, that one can enjoy it even with knowing the real meaning of all the twists and turns.