Rating: Summary: Charles Laughton steals the show Review: This is an excellent film, boasting the best courtroom scene of any movie. Dietrich gives a marvelous and richly-textured performance. This is her finest screen work since "Der Blaue Engel" in 1930. But the film belongs entirely to Charles Laughton, who gives a performance for the ages. Along with Spencer Tracy, Laughton is probably the greatest screen actor and he proves it beyond any doubt here.Laughton brilliantly mixes comedy with drama as Sir Wilfred, aided by his real-life wife, ELsa Lancaster. His interplay with her is hilarious. The ending is one of the greatest surprise finales ever done. The only criticism is Tyrone Power, who is completely outclassed in the acting department by both Dietrich and especially Laughton. Notice his over-acting and screaming as he stands accused in the witness box. Watch Laughton throughout the movie for a tutorial on positively memerizing acting talent. A great film with a stand-out performance.
Rating: Summary: A masterpiece! Review: This is another example of the Dietrich brilliance. Dietrich is peerless as Christine Vole who is her husband's only chance of acquittal. Charles Laughton plays the barrister who defends her husband played by Tyrone Power. Elsa Lanchester is on hand as the barrister's nurse. The film was directed by Billy Wilder and it is based on the play by Agatha Christie. It grips you from the very beginning and it never releases its tenacious grasp. The film is a complicated blend of comedy, romance, courtroom drama, and murder mystery. Most importantly it has Marlene Dietrich.
Rating: Summary: One Great Christie Film. Review: This is one great movie.Charles Laughton is excellent. You will find yourself laughing a lot at Laughtons wise cracks.The Ending is suprising.Dont miss this film. I gurantee you will love it.Agatha Christie never lets you down.
Rating: Summary: One Terrific Movie Review: This is one of the best movies ever made. Not only is the plot and directionof the highest quailty, but the dialogueand acting are magnificent. The performances by Tyrone Power, Charles Laughton, and Marlene Dietrich will beappreciated forever!
Rating: Summary: Gripping until the final credits! Review: This movie is incredible! As a huge fan of Agatha Christie, I had no problem getting it...but when I saw it, I was still blown away! This movie grabs you from beginning to end, and the final plot twists (there are several) make sure you never see the ending coming! If you're a fan of the Hitchcock/Suspense genre, this is one you'll enjoy too!
Rating: Summary: Funny and poignant! Review: Though made in the 1950's, this film retains its humor and still makes me laugh! It's also a serious courtroom drama with plenty of fun and intriguing twists!
Laughton plays a lawyer who is ordered to "bed rest" by his doctor. Upon returning from the hospital, Laughton's character is confronted with an puzzling criminal defense case of an "inventor" who is charged with the murder of a rich elderly lady he has befriended. The courtroom scenes are fantastic and filled with tense moments, high-styled drama, and tremendous twists and turns. This is one of my favorite "black and whites".
Very highly recommended.
Rating: Summary: Funny and poignant! Review: Though made in the 1950's, this film retains its humor and still makes me laugh! It's also a serious courtroom drama with plenty of fun and intriguing twists! Very highly recommended.
Rating: Summary: A fine drama that holds up today. Review: Though Tyrone Power may go over the top in his portrayal of an accused murderer, this movie is a b&w gem that is as funny as it is compelling. A great courtroom drama.
Rating: Summary: PERFECT :-) Review: Well..almost. I just saw this movie a few days ago for the first time, but I've seen it several times since. The beginning of the film may seem a bit longer than it is...Not boring...The movie is really dominated by Charles Laughton and his outstanding performance. He "spices" up every scene he is in, with his funny comments. The leading lady is the one and only Marlene Dietrich. It has been said that this is her finest performance since "The Blue Angel" and I would say that it's not far from the truth. The "action" really starts when they all hit courtroom. A scene where many lies and "truths" come out. Anyway, I would say that Charles Laughton and Marlene Dietrich really holds the film to it's standards. Just see it for yourself...but remember that the truth may not be as simple as it seems.
Rating: Summary: To Cherish Review: What a great movie. First of all, it's somewhat astonishing that this is a Billy Wilder film. The only thing it has in common with his other classics like "The Apartment," "Sunset Boulevard," or "Some Like it Hot" is its intelligence and sophistication. Otherwise, it is an entirely different kind of experience--a courtroom drama, a twisty mystery, an excursion into what is most British, and a vehicle for great performances by Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester and Marlene Dietrich. Laughton is especially wonderful as a barrister with a bad heart, who duels throughout with his scornful, but ultimately devoted, nurse who tries vainly to keep him away from cigars and bad food. Laughton survives this bodily assault, because in the end, he is shown to be essentially a servant of truth. The cynicism of American jurisprudence is absent here--Laughton's character does not give into easy rationalizations about his role(and to say more would be unfair to those who haven't seen it.) Laughton strives for nobility. And yet, despite the wig and the courtliness, he is very alive in this role. I just loved this film.
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