MovieChat Forums > Witness for the Prosecution (1958) Discussion > Laughton clearly stole the show

Laughton clearly stole the show

posted 9 years ago by fbm72751
8 replies | jump to latest

When I first saw this, it was to see Ty Power in his last completed film but Laughton clearly overshadows him, both in the courtroom and with the bad heart (particularly when he calls Mrs Vole a liar---whoa did he let that point out!)

Like in "The Sun Also Rises" three principals were gone within a little more than a year or less. After Ty died, Philip Tonge died two months later (he appeared in episode 4 of Perry Mason in October 1957) & Una O'Connor but she was in her 80s. Charles Laughton died 4 years later and Henry Daniell the following year. As my late parents would say, time is precious so make the best of it.

[–] generalusgrant 9 years ago

Laughton stole every scene in this film, but he steals every scene he EVER was in. Laughton was absolutely one of the top 5 actors ever.

[–] mwlindsey2000 9 years ago

Yes, he was brilliant. His wife, Elsa Lanchester, is also quite the scene-stealer.

[–] generalusgrant 9 years ago

Yes, their scenes together are a joy to watch. Their marriage was not especially happy, but they shared a tremendous on-screen chemistry. Laughton was difficult to live with and of course, was gay, so that added another issue to their relationship.

[–] PatFilm 8 years ago

I completely agree that Laughton dominated every scene he was in?

[–] parknourie 8 years ago

I felt like it was his show all along.
Terrific presence, a leading man like none other in that period.

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down and a Wagging Finger of Shame

[–] fbm72751 8 years ago

Ty was also aging & looked tired, yet he was just 43 when this was filmed. He still gave a great performance but Laughton carried the weight of it all.

[–] svalinanikola 8 years ago

I thought every character was good, it was hard to pick a favorite.

[–] Speeed (171) 3 years ago

I would've rated this move a 7 but with Laughton's brilliant performance bumped it up to an 8. I enjoyed every moment he was on the screen. I didn't care much about Powell and was a little disappointed in Dietrich's performance. She came across a bit campy like the acting you see from the 30s.

P.S. My English teacher was the female version of Laughton and him in this movie reminded me so much of her.