HOSTILE WITNESS
UK, 1967, 101 minutes, Colour.
Ray Milland, Sylvia Sims, Raymond Huntley, Felix Aylmer.
Directed by Ray Milland.
Hostile Witness is a murder mystery and a courtroom drama. It is based on a popular play. This gives an emphasis to the characters as well as the dialogue. Ray Milland, who also directed the film (and directed A Man Alone, Lisbon, The Safe Cracker, Panic in Year Zero as well as some television series) portrays a barrister whose daughter is killed in a hit-run accident. He is suspicious, is blamed for the death of his neighbour, a High Court judge, following the accident. A letter is found implicating him. Sylvia Sims is his junior, defending him – although he finally defends himself. Needless to say, there is a revelation at the end.
This is always very popular material, the drama of the courtroom as well as the twist.
1. Was this an interesting and exciting murder mystery? The quality of the film as a murder mystery?
2. The focus of the title? Audience interest in courtroom drama? The mystery presented in terms of the trial?
3. Was the screenplay fair in presenting clues, the nature of the twists of plot? Why do audiences get involved with clues and puzzles?
4. The presentation of the killing itself? The hit run accident, audience sympathy? Audience antipathy towards the anonymous hit run killer?
5. Simon’s pursuit of the murderer? the identity of the murderer and the revelations?
6. How well presented was the character of Simon Crawford? How important was his characterisation for the screenplay? The credibility of his breakdown, of his range? His skill at work, his pushing and belittling? His exploration of the truth? Revealing the murderer?
7. How well presented was the character of Sheila Larkin? How important as a contrast to Simon? Feminine interest? Her skill in the courtroom? Audience sharing sympathy for her treatment by Simon?
8. How well did the, minor characters fill out the plot and create atmosphere? Add to the suspects? The verbal quality and interest in the courtroom scenes?
10. How does this film stand as an addition to of the murder mystery genre? the courtroom drama?
