Your Witness

A real rarity this, from Network! It was not often that the American giants poured some money into a film made in England in the early Fifties. In this drama film, directed by and starring Robert Montgomery, the idyllic life in a picture-postcard English village is shattered by murder.

After a few pick-up shots in New York, where it is established in a brief courtroom scene that Adam Heyward (R. Montgomery) is one helluva lawyer, he receives a somewhat alarming cable from oversees: his old army friend Sam Baxter (Michael Ripper), who once saved his life at Anzio Beach, has run into trouble with the law and is now facing a murder charge. Heyward, a decent chap, is soon on his way to jolly Old Blighty to do what he can to help his former buddy. In the little village where Sam lives, it would appear that most people are rather nice. There was however one bad egg, namely Sam’s business partner – Laurence, the village lothario, who apparently has had it off with most of the local women at one time or another. “He had it coming” seems to be the attitude towards toward this latter day Casanova. This, however, does not wash well in a Court of Law.

It materialises that there had been an altercation between Sam Baxter and Laurence, during which the latter was accidentally killed in his room above Sam’s stables with a gun. Needless to say, the gun belonged to Sam… and this does not look too good for Heyward’s old pal. There was, however, a female witness and it is Heyward’s job to find her in order to get Sam off the murder rap. After halfway into the film, it isn’t too difficult to work out who this vital witness might be…

Robert Montgomery is ably supported by a cast of British stalwarts: ‘Judge’ Felix Aylmer question “Could you explain to me, Mr. Heyward, what ‘On the spot’ actually means” is a fine example of the juxtaposition between American English and English English. Heyward’s investigation is hampered throughout due to the fact that he is an American lawyer and as such has no jurisdiction in an English court of law.
Leslie Banks (his final appearance) is rather wasted in the dull role of Col. Roger Summerfield. Love interest is supplied by Alex Summerfield (Patricia Wayne), playing Roger’s sister in law. We also get a fleeting appearance from a young Stanley Baker as the village bobby (he gets to speak one line!).

All in all, this is a well-crafted and neat little job (syrupy ending aside), deftly directed by Montgomery and produced by Joan Harrison, who was well known for her association with the great Alfred Hitchcock. It even boasts additional dialogue by top playwright William Douglas-Home, the brother of former Prime Minister Alec.

The special features on this DVD release are Image Gallery and Instant Play Facility.