Charles Laughton
September 7, 2010
Here’s a break from theology.
Hulu is streaming the classic courtroom drama Witness for the Prosecution (1957), starring Charles Laughton with lots of wit and humor. He was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe for this performance. Unfortunately for Laughton, Witness was released the same year as Bridge on the River Kwai, starring Alec Guinness, who would win both the Oscar and the Globe for best actor. Bridge also beat Witness for best picture at both events. Laughton, though, already had an Oscar for his performance several years earlier as Henry VIII.
Two more reasons why Witness is so good: it was based on a short story by Agatha Christie and was directed by Billy Wilder.
Yes, it’s a classic performance.
Have you seen Laughton’s portrayal of Rembrandt in the biopic c.1936? What a brilliant actor.
Nope, I haven’t seen it, but I’m definitely intrigued to see Laughton as Rembrandt.
I don’t know if it’s available on DVD or on-line; I guess that could be checked easily enough. I saw it on TV in the 1980s – obviously made quite an impression as I still remember it. It’s a very poignant performance. Directed by Korda, if memory serves. Well worth the effort to track down, Kevin. In fact I’d like to see it again myself.