Witness for the Prosecution

Witness for the Prosecution

Year: 1958

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Billy Wilder

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

Charismatic lawyer Sir Wilfrid Robarts takes on the defense of Leonard Vole, who is accused of murder. As the trial progresses, Vole’s seemingly solid alibi begins to unravel. The situation becomes even more complicated when his estranged wife, Christine, testifies, exposing a tangled history of secrets and lies. Robarts must navigate a complex web of conflicting accounts to uncover the truth and determine whether his client is truly innocent.

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Timeline – Witness for the Prosecution (1958)

Trace every key event in Witness for the Prosecution (1958) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Murder Accusation

Leonard Vole finds himself embroiled in a murder accusation shortly after World War II. The wealthy widow Emily French is found dead, and Leonard is implicated due to his recent inheritance from her will.

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2

The Lawyer's Recovery

Fresh from recovery in the hospital, Sir Wilfred Robarts decides to take on Leonard's case despite his doctor's strict orders. He is motivated by doubt over the accused's innocence expressed by his replacement barrister.

3

Meeting Christine Vole

Sir Wilfred meets Christine Vole, Leonard's wife, and becomes suspicious of her demeanor. After a careful evaluation, he decides against calling her as a witness, fearing she could detract from the defense.

4

Christine's Testimony

In a surprising turn, Christine takes the stand for the prosecution, offering compelling circumstantial evidence against Leonard. Her testimony fails to provide him an alibi and puts him deeper in legal jeopardy.

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5

Desperation at Midnight

As hope dwindles for Leonard, a late-night phone call reveals shocking evidence against Christine. It is discovered that she had written letters to a lover named Max, indicating her intent to undermine her husband's defense.

6

Turning the Jury's Opinion

The revelation of Christine's letters swings the jury's perspective, leading to Leonard's unexpected acquittal. However, Sir Wilfred is left with lingering suspicions about the sudden emergence of this evidence.

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7

Christine's Confession

During the climactic courtroom scene, Christine confesses to having sabotaged her own credibility to exonerate Leonard. This shocking revelation adds another layer to the already complicated case.

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8

Leonard's Betrayal

In the heat of the moment, Leonard reveals his plans to leave Christine for a younger woman, showcasing his true character. This betrayal adds tension to an already electric atmosphere.

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9

Desperate Act

In a dramatic turn of events, Christine seizes a knife, an item submitted as evidence, and stabs Leonard in front of the shocked courtroom. This act seals her fate and turns the narrative upside down.

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10

Aftermath of the Stabbing

Following the tragic stabbing, Miss Plimsoll, Sir Wilfred's nurse, immediately cancels his planned trip to Bermuda. She pledges to assist in defending Christine Vole against the new murder charge, setting the stage for another intense legal battle.

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 23:41

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Witness for the Prosecution Summary

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Witness for the Prosecution Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Witness for the Prosecution

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Witness for the Prosecution

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