Discuss Witness for the Proscecution Here

[Beth]

Go!

[George P.]

I thought this was a great little story by the creative mind of Agatha Christie. I've read three of her stories in the past and enjoyed them, esp Murder on the Orient Express. They are usually closer to novellas, or if not, short novels. Both Orient Express and this story were made into good movies. Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton were in the "Witness.." movie and were excellent. It was a long time ago that I saw the film and I didn't remember the plot details, so the ending took me by surprise AGAIN, and what an excellent ending. Did it take you by surprise?

[Beth]

I just finished this short story. it was entertaining and well written. I think calling it a legal thriller is a stretch. I am going to read another one off the list since this one was 29 pages. Definitely worth reading but I'm surprised it made BEST OF lists.

[Valerie]

I read it last night. I got the "Witness for the prosecution and other stories' version from the library, and am reading the other stories as well.

I enjoyed it, and was a little disappointed that it was so short. I can see how it would make a good play or movie. I like the way Christie manipulates and confuses the reader - is Vole innocent or guilty???...

The ending did take me by surprise! I agree it was an excellent ending, and the build up was masterful!

Perhaps it makes 'best of' lists because it is tight (in the writing/editing sense) and taut (in the suspense sense) and not predictable.

[Beth]

I agree it was fun and well written and also that it was too short. I wanted more. I hear the movie version with Charles Laughton as the attorney is excellent.

I decided to read The Trial by Franz Kafka. Strange story but I'm loving it so far.

[Valerie]

I've only read The Metamorphosis of Kafka's. I'll have to add him to my A-Z list for next year!

[George P.]

Beth wrote: "I agree it was fun and well written and also that it was too short. I wanted more. I hear the movie version with Charles Laughton as the attorney is excellent.

I decided to read The Trial by Fran..."

I read The Trial last year, my only Kafka. I don't have plans to read any more Kafka at present but want to read Kafka on the Shore some day. You probably should read at least one Kafka novel before that one.
The Trial is in 1001 Books You Must Read... (old and new editions), Metamorphosis was in the older edition. His Amerika and The Castle were in the old list and both retained in the new edition.

[Valerie]

George wrote: "Beth wrote: "I agree it was fun and well written and also that it was too short. I wanted more. I hear the movie version with Charles Laughton as the attorney is excellent.

I decided to read The ..."

Somehow The Trial and Metamorphosis seem more well known (at least to me) - the other 2 look interesting as well.

I also want to read Kafka on the Shore.

[Daniel]

It was a fun little read! I thought the twist at the end was almost scary because I could see something like that really happening (if someone were as cold and calculated as the characters in the story).

[Valerie]

Daniel wrote: "It was a fun little read! I thought the twist at the end was almost scary because I could see something like that really happening (if someone were as cold and calculated as the characters in the s..."

I know - that ending was quite believable! I guess that is why it is a 'classic'.

[Beth]

After rereading the story, I appreciate it more. It really is well thought out! The twist at the end was great!

[Beth]

Rick and I just watched the movie with Charles Laughton, Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power. The story is heavily embellished but it was VERY entertaining and well done!

[Janet]

I also enjoyed the story and the final twist. I am reading the rest of her short stories in the old book where I found this. many are quite delightful.

[George P.]

I just read under a reader's comments on Christie's Murder on the Orient Express that at one time she was the best selling novelist in the world, all-time. Impressive! I suppose Rowling holds that title now? Actually just checked this site https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
and she's still first. Rowling still not in the top five. Shakespeare is approx. tied with her for fiction but he was playwright of course, not novelist.

[Valerie]

George wrote: "I just read under a reader's comments on Christie's Murder on the Orient Express that at one time she was the best selling novelist in the world, all-time. Impressive! I suppose Rowling holds that ..."

I'm a big fan of Christie's, but it's interesting that she is still the first on the list!