Hostile Witness (1968)
A British courtroom thriller in which a grieving barrister becomes the prime suspect in a murder he may not remember committing.
Hostile Witness - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1968
- Directed by: Ray Milland
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 1, 1968 (United Kingdom - U)
Hostile Witness - Plot
Simon Crawford is a barrister whose daughter is killed in a hit-and-run accident. When his neighbor is also killed, evidence points to the barrister as the murderer.
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Hostile Witness - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ray Milland
Main Cast
- Ray Milland
- Sylvia Syms
- Felix Aylmer
- Raymond Huntley
- Percy Marmont
- Dulcie Bowman
- Ewan Roberts
- Richard Hurndall
- Ronald Leigh-Hunt
- Maggie Rennie
Writers
- Jack Roffey
Hostile Witness - FAQs
What is Hostile Witness about?
Hostile Witness follows Simon Crawford, a sharp London barrister whose world collapses after his daughter is killed in a hit-and-run. When his neighbor is subsequently murdered and the evidence points squarely at him, Crawford finds himself on the wrong side of the courtroom he has spent his career mastering.
Does Simon Crawford defend himself at trial?
Yes — one of the film's most compelling tensions is watching Crawford, a seasoned barrister, attempt to navigate the legal system as the accused rather than the advocate. The role reversal gives the courtroom scenes a sharp psychological edge that drives the drama forward.
Where can you stream Hostile Witness?
You can stream Hostile Witness on MGM Plus, fuboTV, and Philo, all offering it as part of their flat-rate subscriptions. It's also available through the MGM+ Amazon Channel and MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, so there are plenty of ways to watch.
Did Ray Milland direct and star in this film?
He did — Hostile Witness is one of the rare cases where Milland took on both roles simultaneously. Best known for his Oscar-winning performance in The Lost Weekend (1945), he brought considerable authority to the project both in front of and behind the camera.
Who are the main actors in Hostile Witness?
Ray Milland leads the cast as barrister Simon Crawford, with Sylvia Syms playing Sheila Larkin. They're supported by a strong ensemble of British character actors including Felix Aylmer as Justice Osborne, Raymond Huntley as John Naylor, and Percy Marmont as Justice Matthew Gregory.
Is Hostile Witness based on a stage play?
Yes, the film is adapted from Jack Roffey's stage play of the same name, which enjoyed a successful run in the West End. Roffey also wrote the screenplay, keeping the story's theatrical roots intact while opening it up for the screen.
How long is Hostile Witness?
Hostile Witness runs for 101 minutes — just over an hour and forty minutes. It's a focused, tightly paced courtroom thriller that doesn't overstay its welcome, making it an easy watch for fans of classic British legal dramas.
Is Hostile Witness worth watching for courtroom drama fans?
Absolutely. If you enjoy classic British legal thrillers in the tradition of Witness for the Prosecution, Hostile Witness delivers a satisfying blend of procedural tension and personal drama. Milland's dual role as director and lead actor gives the film a distinctive, controlled intensity throughout.
More About Hostile Witness
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