---
title: "Witness for the Prosecution"
year: 1957
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/witness-for-the-prosecution-1957"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 37257
imdb_id: "tt0051201"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 116
community_rating: 8.2
vote_count: 1727
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Witness for the Prosecution (1957) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/witness-for-the-prosecution-1957

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Witness for the Prosecution is a 1957 film classified under the genres of drama, mystery, and crime. The production has a runtime of one hour and fifty-six minutes and was released in the United States on December 17, 1957. The plot centers on an ailing barrister who returns to the courtroom to represent a client. This legal case involves a man who is being tried for the murder of a socialite. As the proceedings unfold, the barrister finds himself involved in what becomes one of the most unusual and eventful murder cases of his professional career. The film is described in promotional material as the most electrifying entertainment of its time. The project is associated with director Billy Wilder. This production serves as a notable example of courtroom drama, focusing on the complexities of the legal defense provided by the central character. The narrative explores the challenges faced by the lawyer as he navigates the intricacies of the trial while managing his own health concerns.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "An ailing barrister defends a man accused of murdering a socialite in an unusual courtroom trial."

### Why Watch
- Features a gripping courtroom trial
- Follows an ailing barrister's return to the courtroom

### Caveats & Content Note
- Involves a serious murder charge
- Centers on a complex criminal case
- Tone & Suitability: The film deals with a murder trial and court proceedings.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dramatic, mysterious, legal, tense

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | Hoopla | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | MGM Plus Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | MGM Amazon Channel | Hoopla | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | MGM Amazon Channel | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Billy Wilder
- **Networks / Studios**: Edward Small Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Tyrone Power** as *Leonard Vole*
- **Marlene Dietrich** as *Christine*
- **Charles Laughton** as *Sir Wilfrid*
- **Elsa Lanchester** as *Miss Plimsoll*
- **John Williams** as *Brogan-Moore*
- **Henry Daniell** as *Mayhew*
- **Ian Wolfe** as *Carter*
- **Torin Thatcher** as *Mr. Myers*
- **Norma Varden** as *Mrs. French*
- **Una O'Connor** as *Janet*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was the film released?
The film was released in December 1957 in the United States.

### Q: What genres does the film belong to?
The film is categorized as drama, mystery, and crime.

### Q: Who is the main legal figure in the story?
The story follows an ailing barrister who returns to the courtroom.

### Q: What is the central case of the film?
The barrister defends a man being tried for the murder of a socialite.

### Q: How long is the film?
The runtime is one hour and fifty-six minutes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Witness for the Prosecution — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/37257)
- [lindadarnell: WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION 1957 |... : Hope Stren…](https://henricavyll.tumblr.com/post/676828835491282944/witness-for-the-prosecution-1957-billy-wilder)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*