Witness for the Prosecution (2016)
The British mystery drama thriller television movie, The Witness for the Prosecution (2016), aired on BBC One during Christmas of 2016. Adapted by Sarah Phelps and directed by Julian Jarrold, this two-part program is based on Agatha Christie’s short story of the same name. While following Christie’s original plot and ending, it differs from previous adaptations, including Billy Wilder’s 1957 film version. Set in London in 1923, the story centers around Emily French, a wealthy older widow who takes on young waiter Leonard Vole as her lover much to the dismay of her housekeeper Janet McIntyre. When Emily is found murdered, Leonard becomes the primary suspect due to being named as the main beneficiary in her will. However, he claims that his common law wife and actress Romaine can provide him with an alibi according to his solicitor John Mayhew.
John sympathizes with the youth, who, like his deceased son, served in the trenches. In a move to aid him, he enlists the help of cynical lawyer Sir Charles Carter. However, John is taken aback when Romaine, whom he is smitten with, refuses to support the young man and instead testifies against him. As the trial progresses, Romaine’s testimony leads to mounting evidence against Leonard. But then an unidentified woman provides John with crucial information that discredits Romaine as a dishonest bigamist, resulting in Leonard’s exoneration. Several years later, John reunites with Leonard and receives a startling revelation.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Billy HowleLeonard Vole  Andrea RiseboroughRomaine Heilger  Monica DolanJanet McIntyre  Kim CattrallEmily French  Toby JonesJohn Mayhew  David HaigSir Charles Carter  Tim McMullanSir Hugo Meredith  Paul ReadyTripp |
The British mystery drama thriller television movie, The Witness for the Prosecution (2016), aired on BBC One during Christmas of 2016. Adapted by Sarah Phelps and directed by Julian Jarrold, this two-part program is based on Agatha Christie’s short story of the same name. While following Christie’s original plot and ending, it differs from previous adaptations, including Billy Wilder’s 1957 film version. Set in London in 1923, the story centers around Emily French, a wealthy older widow who takes on young waiter Leonard Vole as her lover much to the dismay of her housekeeper Janet McIntyre. When Emily is found murdered, Leonard becomes the primary suspect due to being named as the main beneficiary in her will. However, he claims that his common law wife and actress Romaine can provide him with an alibi according to his solicitor John Mayhew.
John sympathizes with the youth, who, like his deceased son, served in the trenches. In a move to aid him, he enlists the help of cynical lawyer Sir Charles Carter. However, John is taken aback when Romaine, whom he is smitten with, refuses to support the young man and instead testifies against him. As the trial progresses, Romaine’s testimony leads to mounting evidence against Leonard. But then an unidentified woman provides John with crucial information that discredits Romaine as a dishonest bigamist, resulting in Leonard’s exoneration. Several years later, John reunites with Leonard and receives a startling revelation.
