In the stage play Witness for the Prosecution, Leonard Vole is put on trial for the murder of Emily French. Vole appears to be innocent when Sir Wilfred Robarts questions him. He seems naive, saying that Emily French was old (she was in her 50s) and that he only hoped for funding for his inventions, which included things for cars and an egg beater/separator. He had seen Emily French like an aunt. However, after the papers report French's will change, making him her beneficiary, he is arrested
At the trial he claims the blood on his shirt was his own, not hers, as he had cut his arm the same night while slicing ham, as seen with the knife and scar, but the prosecuting lawyers suggest that it could have been done on purpose. When Christine testifies that he is guilty, Vole yells at her, questioning her lies. He is present when Christine reveals the truth to Mr Mayhew and Robarts, and reminds the shocked men that he is now protected by double jeopardy and that he will help Romaine’s release, but as she professes her love, his young girlfriend, the real ("Other Woman") appears. Christine stabs Vole to death. Robarts vows to defend her.
Adaptations[]
1957 film[]
In the 1957 film Leonard Vole is portrayed by Tyrone Powers. There are some changes:
- Robarts tested Vole’s honestly by shining his monocle at his face and he passes.
- There are Flashbacks scenes of Vole and French out on the town and a
- at h'ench’s home.
- A scene of Vole and Christine meeting during WWI in a Hamburg beer hall.
- When he is freed and Christine tells Robarts the truth he offers to pay everyone off now he can afford him.
- When Christine learns about the Other Woman, he tells the former that he helped her to emigrate to England from Germany, and she did her part in return and it was now over.
1982 film[]
In the 1982 film Leonard Vole is portrayed by Beau Bridges.
While based on the 1957 film there are no flashbacks and Vole appears to be innocent until he is acquitted when his true nature is revealed.