Witness for the Prosecution — Movie Quotes

Sir Wilfrid has just instructed his colleague to be gentle with Mrs. Vole, expecting her to be fragile and prone to fainting upon hearing of her husband's arrest. Christine, having overheard him from the doorway, steps in and delivers this line coolly, shattering their preconceived notions.

This line, delivered upon her first entrance, immediately establishes Christine's character. It shows she is controlled, pragmatic, and completely unflappable, subverting the expectation of a hysterical, emotional wife. It's a declaration of her strength and self-possession, hinting at the calculated mind that will drive the film's plot.

During the trial, after Christine has given damning evidence against her husband, Sir Wilfrid relentlessly attacks her credibility on the stand. He builds his argument to this thundering accusation, which causes Christine to break down in apparent distress.

This is the climactic moment of Sir Wilfrid's cross-examination of Christine. It is deeply ironic, as he is accusing her of being a liar, which she is, but her entire deception is designed to make the jury believe this very accusation, thus discrediting her testimony against Leonard. He thinks he is exposing her, but he is actually playing directly into her hands.

This is one of many sharp remarks Sir Wilfrid directs at Miss Plimsoll as she fusses over his health and attempts to enforce his doctor's orders. It's said in a moment of frustration at her constant chatter and overbearing care.

This quote perfectly encapsulates the witty, acerbic relationship between Sir Wilfrid and his nurse, Miss Plimsoll. It's a prime example of the humor Billy Wilder injected into the script, providing levity amidst the tense courtroom drama and defining their affectionately combative dynamic.

Leonard Vole, upon being accused, expresses his faith in the English justice system, saying, "But this is England, where I thought you never arrest, let alone convict, people for crimes they have not committed." Sir Wilfrid delivers this line as a wry, sobering response.

This is a dry, witty, and quintessentially British understatement that reflects Sir Wilfrid's cynical view of the justice system. While seemingly reassuring Leonard, it carries a world-weary undertone, suggesting that while the system strives for fairness, wrongful convictions are not an impossibility. It subtly hints at the fallibility of justice that the film goes on to explore.