The Fatal Witness is a 1945 American mystery film directed by Lesley Selander and written by Jerry Sackheim and Cleve F. Adams. The film stars Evelyn Ankers, Richard Fraser, George Leigh, Barbara Everest, Barry Bernard and Frederick Worlock.[1][2][3] The film was released on September 15, 1945, by Republic Pictures.

The Fatal Witness
Theatrical release poster
Directed byLesley Selander
Screenplay byJerry Sackheim
Cleve F. Adams
Story byRupert Croft-Cooke
Produced byArmand Schaefer
StarringEvelyn Ankers
Richard Fraser
George Leigh
Barbara Everest
Barry Bernard
Frederick Worlock
CinematographyBud Thackery
Edited byRalph Dixon
Production
company
Distributed byRepublic Pictures
Release date
  • September 15, 1945 (1945-09-15)
Running time
65 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot

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The wealthy Lady Elizabeth Ferguson threatens to disinherit nephew John Bedford after accusing him of stealing from her. Bedford goes to a pub, where he becomes inebriated, creates a scene and is taken to jail.

The dead body of Lady Elizabeth is discovered by her ward, Priscilla Ames, who phones Scotland Yard. It doesn't take long for Inspector Trent to consider Bedford a suspect, but having been in a cell, Bedford's alibi is iron-clad.

A jail guard, Scoggins, was bribed to release Bedford for one hour on the night of the murder. When he demands more money, Bedford kills him, first establishing yet another alibi. A suspicious Trent manages to persuade Priscilla to try an elaborate ruse, hiring actress Vera Cavanaugh to pretend to be Lady Elizabeth's ghost. As everyone else in the room pretends to see nothing, a terrified Bedford confesses.

Cast

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References

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  1. ^ "The Fatal Witness (1945) - Overview". TCM.com. Retrieved 2015-12-06.
  2. ^ Sandra Brennan (2016). "The-Fatal-Witness - Trailer - Cast - Showtimes". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Baseline & All Movie Guide. Archived from the original on 2016-03-25. Retrieved 2015-12-06.
  3. ^ "The Fatal Witness". Afi.com. Retrieved 2015-12-06.
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