Witness for the Prosecution

Charles Laughton, who could be moody and difficult, was apparently a dream to work with, throwing himself into the role with dedication and delight. Billy Wilder later recalled a day that was set aside just for shooting reaction shots of the jury and courtroom crowd (composed of extras hired only for the day). Normally, the assistant director would read the actors' lines, and the extras would react. However, Laughton, who was fascinated with the whole process of filmmaking, begged to help. So he came in on his day off and read all of the off-camera speeches to the jury members. He not only read his part but also the judge's, the prosecutor's, and even Marlene Dietrich's. According to biographer Maurice Zolotow in his book "Billy Wilder in Hollywood", "it was an exhibition of craftsmanship such as Wilder had never seen. He believes that Charles Laughton had the greatest technical range and power of any actor, man or woman, whom he has known."

(at around 9 mins) Inside his chamber, Sir Wilfrid lights his cigar, and Leonard Vole locks the door to make sure that Miss Plimsoll can't enter the room and catch him smoking. Later (at around 15 mins), Wilfrid leaves his chamber without first unlocking the door.

Actually, Vole does not lock the door, but puts the keyhole cover in place to stop Plimsoll spying through the keyhole.

As the end credits appear on screen, an announcer's voice is heard: "The management of this theater suggests that for the greater entertainment of your friends who have not yet seen the picture you will not divulge to anyone the secret of the ending of Witness for the Prosecution."

Featured in Marlene (1984)