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Movie experts: Help me remember the name of this one

17 years ago

On old movie was on PBS a couple months ago and I really enjoyed it. Would like to see if the library has it or rent it or something but I can't remember the name of it. Can't remember anyone who starred in it either, since it's a 40s, probably more like 50s movie and although I think I recognized one of the more minor characters, I can't remember his name either. Here's what I do recall:

A court based drama. Set in England. The defendant is an American. Barrister reminded me of Alfred Hitchcock in size and looks. Sort of a "Perry Mason" - never loses type. Smoked a cigar, secretary nagged him about his health. Doctor said he shouldn't try any major cases. Wasn't supposed to smoke so he had cigars hidden in his office and handed it to the client when secretary walked in.

Anything yet? Didn't think so. OK, what else?

There was a prosecution witness with a heavy accent that essentially clinched the case and the barrister thought he might lose. Gets a mysterious phone call to meet someone at the train station to get info on the case - they wanted to sell it to him. He goes down there and talks to her. I could tell who it was but won't say... :) The barrister and his associate were talking and she disappears. Back into court and they win the case.

Does this ring a bell for anyone? I've been racking my pea-brain trying to remember so I could recommend it to people but I'm blank. Must have been through too many metal detectors and it erased my brain.

Thanks for any help, or for listening!

BTW, the temp has shot up to -10Â°!!! I'm getting out my shorts.

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Comments (10)

sable_ca
17 years ago
Witness For The Prosecution. That is a GREAT movie, a true classic. Tyrone Power, Marlene Deitrich, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester.
cynic
Original Author
17 years ago
THAT'S IT! I knew I should KNOW it too! Fabulous movie. Thanks!
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Granlan_TX
17 years ago
I knew the answer, too; love it when my memory works. But then again, that's one of my all time favorite movies.

I can see why you liked it so much, Cynic. (You knew that the actors, Charles and Elsa were married, right?) Just don't understand why I remember stuff like that when I can't function on a daily basis half the time.
cynic
Original Author
17 years ago
LOL granlan_tx I hear ya! Like the old addage, my memory is good, but short. Don't let it wander, little things shouldn't be allowed to wander too far by themselves, etc.

No I didn't know that. It was funny to see these people so much younger than I remember them from other films.

Now if I could remember where I put Arsenic & Old Lace. I have the tape here and it's another favorite. Want to sit back and movie out one of these days.
Granlan_TX
17 years ago
Cynic, the way you put things can make me giggle.."little things shouldn't be allowed to wander too far by themselves, etc." lolol

Ah, there's another goodie, Arsenic & Old Lace; haven't seen that one in many moons.

I also like to 'movie out'. I'll go for a long time without renting movies, but when I do, it's almost overload.

Hope you get to 'movie out' real soon. :)
JoanMN
17 years ago
I love Arsenic and Old Lace, and Bringing Up Baby. I love the way Cary Grant kind of muttered throw-away lines that were hilarious.
JoanMN/FL
iowagirl2006
17 years ago
Cynic - the TCM website shows it being played January 24th and February 18th.

Here is a link that might be useful: TCM website
liz
17 years ago
WOW!! a Movie I actually know...hope you get to see it when TCM shows it!!
kframe19
17 years ago
Yep, I knew it the second I read your description. One of the better movies from the late black and white age.

Agatha Christie wrote the play.

Another phenomonal movie from the same time frame -- 12 Angry Men with Henry Fonda. Incredible movie.
Granlan_TX
17 years ago
Oh Mike, I was just thinking of the same movie with Fonda. :)

Two more crossed my mind this morning..Rebecca and Enchanted Cottage.

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