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Witness For The Prosecution Essay

Decent Essays

This 1957 courtroom production Witness for the Prosecution based on a short story and later a play by Agatha Christie involves the seasoned barrister and curmudgeon Sir Wilfred Robarte, played by Charles Laughton. He takes on the murder defense of Leonard Vole played by Tyrone Power. Robarts’ private nurse played by Elsa Lancaster objects constantly, reminding him of his doctor’s advice to stay away from criminal cases due to his ill health. Vole is accused of the murder of a wealthy older woman Mrs. French played by Norma Varden who appeared to have fallen in love with Vole and changed her will to give him the bulk of her estate. The evidence strongly points to Vole’s involvement. Vole claims his defense is based on the fact that his wife, Christine played by Marlene Dietrich, will testify that Vole arrived home the evening of the murder long before it transpired. Robarts counsels Vole that the testimony of his wife …show more content…

In one instance he objections to the prosecution’s evidence by stating if his colleague is going to both ask and answer the same question. The presence of the witness “was superfluous.” The prosecution last witness who was Christine Vole, the wife of Vole, brought a shock to both Robarts and the viewing audience. Robarts immediately objects, but Christine then started to testify that her marriage to Vole was fraudulent, since she was already married when she met Vole and her first husband is still alive. Her testimony against Vole was blasphemy, including her claim that Vole arrived home the night of the murder with blood on his clothing and admitted her that he had killed Mrs. French. Robarts’ cross examination on Christine admit that she told a number of lies before appearing in court that day and concludes his statement that he is surprised “the testament did not leap from your hands” when she took the

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