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.

Warning: spoilers below!

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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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Deceptive Courtroom Dramas with Shocking Twists like in Witness for the Prosecution

Legal battles where the truth is a labyrinth of lies and surprise revelations.For viewers who enjoyed the intricate lies and dramatic surprises of Witness for the Prosecution. This section features movies like it, focusing on tense legal thrillers and crime stories where the truth is elusive and the final revelation is both shocking and emotionally potent.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread are built around a central legal conflict, often a murder trial, where testimonies and evidence are deliberately misleading. The plot methodically unravels a web of deception, placing the audience in a position of uncertainty, and typically concludes with a major twist that recontextualizes the entire narrative, often with tragic or bittersweet consequences.

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These movies are grouped by their shared focus on the courtroom as a stage for manipulation, their complex narrative structures that withhold key information, and their ability to deliver a powerful, surprising climax that challenges perceptions of guilt and innocence.

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Stories where profound deception leads to inescapable, sorrowful endings.If you were moved by the heavy emotional weight and tragic conclusion of Witness for the Prosecution, explore these similar movies. They share themes of deep betrayal, complex character motives, and endings that are profoundly sad, focusing on the dark consequences of human deception.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows characters navigating a world poisoned by lies, often within intimate relationships. The central conflict arises from a betrayal that unravels a carefully constructed reality, leading to a climax where moral boundaries collapse. The ending is typically sad or bleak, emphasizing the irreversible damage caused by the deception.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their heavy emotional weight, exploration of dark themes like betrayal and manipulation, and their commitment to endings that are tragic rather than triumphant. They share a tense, dramatic tone and a focus on the psychological devastation of their characters.

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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

Witness for the Prosecution Spoiler-Free Summary

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