Witness for the Prosecution is a classic Billy Wilder film. The drama builds up until it finally climaxes in the final courtroom scene between Christine, Robarts and Leonard. Up to that point, viewers are left guessing at the truth but aren't at all surprised by the final outcome.

The use of flashbacks in this film is especially important. These scenes help viewers come to terms with the previous events. We are able to develop sympathy for Miss Emily French while also realizing that she was a very silly woman. We don't get just other people's opinions of her, but we are able to see a little of her for ourselves.

An important point also is that the flashbacks always come from the point of view of the teller of the tale. We may see the characters and see things they actually did, but the...