MovieChat Forums > Witness for the Prosecution (1958) Discussion > :::SPOILER:::SPOILER:::SPOILER::: editin...

:::SPOILER:::SPOILER:::SPOILER::: editing at the end

posted 9 years ago by rivkahchaya-372-42432
6 replies | jump to latest

Seriously: DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW THE MOVIE ENDS!!!

OK.

I saw this movie back in the 80s on commercial TV, and at the end, Marlene Dietrich says "Let them try me for murder!" The last word in that sentence was very clear. I've also seen it on DVD, and the word is perfectly clear. Now, when I see the film on TCM, the word "murder" is edited out. Why? It's not on the list of words you can't say on TV, and it ruins the line: Dietrich says "Let them try me for [silence]!"

What's up? anyone know?

[–] snsurone 8 years ago

The word "murder" really wasn't necessary, as Dietrich plunged the knife into Power just at the end of the sentence.
In fact, I never heard the word "murder" at all, and I've seen the movie several times.

[–] fanaticita 8 years ago

I watched this film last night on DVD and it was not edited. Dietrich clearly says "I didn't murder him", and "I executed him."

[–] elena-28 8 years ago

I watched this film last night on DVD and it was not edited. Dietrich clearly says "I didn't murder him", and "I executed him."

That line is actually said by Laughton - in reply to Miss Plimsoll's statement: "She killed him," he comes back with "She executed him. A remarkable woman."

At which point, Miss Plimsoll understands the next step, and when the late, great Ian Wolfe tells them they barely have time to catch the boat train, she says that they aren't going to boat train; and for the first time, Sir Wilfred looks at her with respect and affection as they begin the first steps toward the defense of Mrs. Vole (and Miss Plimsoll gets the last laugh regarding the hot chocolate).

[–] Steadybox 8 years ago

At which point, Miss Plimsoll understands the next step, and when the late, great Ian Wolfe tells them they barely have time to catch the boat train, she says that they aren't going to boat train; and for the first time, Sir Wilfred looks at her with respect and affection as they begin the first steps toward the defense of Mrs. Vole (and Miss Plimsoll gets the last laugh regarding the hot chocolate).

I think that part was what truly perfected an already great ending.

[–] svalinanikola 8 years ago

Indeed.

[–] Balibari 8 years ago

Strange. Hard to imagine why TCM would remove the word, even with their propensity to tinker. Could be that the print or negative they sourced is simply not the same as the one used for other channels and releases. But then why would there be a version without that word? It isn't exactly vital but it is neater with the word included.