
Witness for the Prosecution
Billy Wilder’s trademark sardonicism lends welcome bite and wit to this twisting, turning murder mystery from Agatha Christie. As the man accused of killing a rich widow Tyrone Power is a ball of lethargy. Fortunately Wilder focuses on the terrific Charles Laughton as the barrister hired to defend Power and Elsa Lanchester (Laughton’s real-life wife) as the portly lawyer’s mindful nurse. The movie benefits from a great supporting cast including Marlene Dietrich, John Williams, Henry Daniell and Torin Thatcher. Laughton and Lanchester were both nominated for Academy Awards.
About Larry Cohen
The prolific writer-producer-director Larry Cohen began his career in television creating hit shows like Branded and The Invaders. His feature career took off with the killer baby trio of It’s Alive and two sequels. Among his movie credits are Q – The Winged Serpent, Full Moon High, The Private Life of J. Edgar Hoover, Return to Salem’s Lot, Hell Up in Harlem and the screenplays for Phone Booth and Cellular. He also wrote and directed the Masters of Horror episode, Pick Me Up. Larry passed away on March 23, 2019.