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Plot Summary
Following a massive heart attack, infamous British barrister Sir Wilfred Robarts (Charles Laughten) has been ordered by his doctors to forswear drinking, smoking, and his work in the courtroom. However, he is intrigued by the case of Leonard Vole (Tyrone Power), a likeable fellow who's accused of murdering a wealthy widow. The case is turned on its head when Vole's loving wife (Marlene Dietrich) announces that they are not really married and agrees to be a witness for the prosecution. Adapted from an Agatha Christie play and directed with his usual finesse by Billy Wilder.
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Rotten Tomatoes Movie Reviews
TOMATOMETER
100%- Reviews Counted: 26
- Fresh: 26
- Rotten: 0
- Average Rating: 8.6/10
Top Critics' Reviews
Fresh: And the air in the courtroom fairly crackles with emotional electricity, until that staggering surprise in the last reel.
Fresh: A courtroom meller played engagingly and building evenly to a surprising and arousing, albeit tricked-up, climax...
Fresh: His theatrical mise-en-scene -- his proscenium framing -- serves the material well, as does Charles Laughton's bombastic portrayal of the defense attorney.
Fresh: Marlene Dietrich tries not to give anything away as usual while Agatha Christie's whodunit plot whirs tidily about her expressionless beauty.
Customer Reviews
Classic and Timeless
One of the best courtroom dramas, behind only To Kill a Mockingbird. The acting was great. I love Marlene Dietrich and Ty Power. It was really funny hearing her sing; she is so bad. HAHA ;) anyhow, this is a notable film of the century and should be bought and MUST be watched.
very suspensful
wow this is a classic. it was in theatres for 50 yrs in england you know.
Dietrich beyond Oscar worthy
It's unbelievable that wilder didn't even aim for Dietrich to get an Oscar so the ending wouldn't be given away.miss Dietrich gives ones of the finest performances ever seen in a film...to myself n tons of others Dietrich dosent need the Oscar she's waaaay above an award to prove she's still one of the best of all time....
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