by Kathleen Costa

ACORN-TV provides hundreds of the best programming options including news & reviews, mysteries, dramas, comedies, documentaries, foreign language, feature films, and some programs only available on Acorn-TV. Currently there is a free trial, but the regular monthly or annual subscription fees seem reasonable. With hours of commercial-free streaming enjoyment for the true fan of UK productions, you won’t be wondering, “What’s on tonight?”

Premiering next Monday, January 30, Acorn-TV is exclusively featuring the universally acclaimed ACORN-TV and BBC 2016 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Witness for the Prosecution.

Cast of Acorn TV’s production of THE WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION

In 1925, Agatha Christie initially published in Flynn’s Weekly a short story called “Traitor Hands.” She would publish it a few additional times including in 1948 in a US collection called The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories. The original story ended abruptly, and over time she became dissatisfied calling into question her desire for justice to be portrayed. In rewriting the short story as a play, Christie was able to add characters and rework the ending to her and the audience’s satisfaction. In 1958, the play was adapted for the screen by Billy Wilder with Charles Laughton (nominated for an Academy award), Tyrone Power (his final completed film), and Marlene Dietrich. The film was met with many accolades, and the story used as influence for many courtroom dramas.

In 2016, Acorn-TV and BBC’s remake of this classic was presented in a 2-episode mini series on BBC, but it is based more on the original short story than the theatrical or cinematic versions. The backdrop of 1923, post-WWI, adds another layer of complexity to the story and characters. Leonard Vole is a soldier having returned to England disillusioned by the fact that there was no hero’s welcome, rose-covered cottages, and pockets of money for having sacrificed so much in the name of country. Romaine Heilger, herself a survivor of the war, is a chorus girl snubbed by her peers…Austrian, German, is there a difference? Emily French, a very wealthy middle-aged widow, refuses to give in to the conventions of marriage and mediocrity choosing instead to use her money in the pursuit of young men. Janet McIntyre, Emily’s maid, whose devout loyalty appears more sinister and controlling. John Mayhew, Leonard’s solicitor, is himself struggling with the loss of his son in the war and his wife’s indifference. The scene is set. The brutal murder exposes betrayal, fear, and astonishing truths.

David Haig (as Sir Charles Carter KC) in THE WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION for BBC One

Leonard Vole (Billy Howle) is accused of the brutal murder of Emily French (Kim Cattrall) with whom he has had a paid relationship, but he adamantly professes his innocence. The prosecution presents their case that Vole, after learning he had been made the sole beneficiary of Emily’s considerable fortune, premeditates the murder. Further complicating his innocence is the maid (Monica Dolan) testifying she witnessed Vole exiting the house immediately before discovering the body. Vole’s council is then blindsided by the betrayal of Romaine Heilger (Andrea Riseborough) believed to be Vole’s wife. They learn she and Vole were never officially married and her anger over learning about Vole’s relationship with Emily French, prompts her to change her testimony that would have corroborated Vole’s alibi. Is a guilty verdict a foregone conclusion?

Monica Dolan (as Janet McIntyre) in THE WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION for BBC One

Not so fast. Vole’s solicitor John Mayhew (Toby Jones) maintains his belief in his client’s innocence. He has subsequently discovered secrets calling into question Romaine’s credibility and the maid’s motives, if not her own alibi, that could easily support reasonable doubt. The courtroom erupts into gasps of surprise when Vole’s council presents their evidence refuting the prosecution’s case. Vole is released on a not guilty verdict, but the question of who murdered Emily French is still unanswered. Will justice be left to Karma or does Mayhew have evidence to bring the killer forward?

I was absolutely engaged and highly recommend this incarnation of Agatha Christie’s original story. The setting of post WWI added a gritty element, and although Billy Howle was unknown to me as an actor, he and the entire cast were superb. The story expanded through brief flashbacks into Vole’s war experience and how he met Romaine, along with glimpses into the troubling relationship between Meyhew and his wife. But, Monica Dolan is brilliant as the maid often bordering on psychotic addiction as she tries to protect her lady from whom she views as an unscrupulous Leonard Vole. The suspense is often intensified by moments of relative silence where you see the drama but hear the ticking of a clock, music from the gramophone, or the meowing of a cat. The ending was satisfying, but left some elements up to my interpretation and imagination, but still fulfilling.

This production, airing exclusively on Acorn-TV as a movie instead of a mini-series as it aired on BBC, is well worth becoming a subscriber of ACORN-TV and enjoying the rest of their British and Canadian productions.

The Witness For the Prosecution earns 5/5 Agatha Christie Honors!

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases.