Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Billy Wilder (Some Like It Hot, The Apartment) directs from a script by Agatha Christie, the famed mystery novelist. But it's the renowned Charles Laughton who steals the show as a pretentious barrister who, despite being meant to be retired after recuperating from an illness, can't resist taking on a bizarre murder case.

Wife in real life His sharp-tongued nurse is Elsa Lanchester, and the two sparkle as they spar verbally. Tyrone Power is the playboy defendant, and Marlene Dietrich is his wife and, somewhat unexpectedly, the key witness. As befitting a Dame Agatha narrative, it's not the only one. Keep an eye out for yourself.

Trivia: Nominated for six Oscars. Dietrich was crushed not to be among those nominated.

Director: Billy Wilder | Stars: Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester