Leonard Vole, a man accused of murder, recounts his rather unstable employment history to Sir Wilfrid Robarts, his barrister. Vole attempts to explain his transient nature and introduces his aspirations as an inventor, hoping to gain Sir Wilfrid's trust and support.
VOLE:
Well, my last job was as a mechanic with a motor servicing firm. The foreman kept riding me all the time. I took it as long as I could, then I quit.
I was working in a department store -- in the toys, demonstrating children's building sets. Of course, that only lasted through the Christmas rush. Before that, I worked in a petrol station, but things got…
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Format: Duologue · Genre: Drama · Source: Witness for the Prosecution · Author: Billy Wilder · Characters: VOLE, SIR WILFRID
This duologue from Witness for the Prosecution presents a fascinating character study of Vole, a man accused of murder, as he attempts to establish credibility with his skeptical barrister, Sir Wilfrid. The scene revolves around Vole's rather erratic employment history, which he tries to spin into a tale of an ambitious, albeit unsettled, inventor. It's a critical moment where Vole is fighting to earn trust and support, revealing elements of his personality that will be crucial to his defense.
Vole is a complex character who projects an "Everyman" vulnerability while harboring deeper layers of potential manipulation or genuine naivety. He presents himself as a well-meaning drifter, eager to please and prone to explaining away his past instabilities. His shift from discussing job woes to proudly presenting his invention, the egg-beater, highlights his aspirational side and perhaps a touch of desperation to prove his worth. Sir Wilfrid, on the other hand, embodies the "Sophisticated" and astute "Lawyer," constantly probing and subtly challenging Vole's narrative, never fully revealing his judgment but always observing.
This scene is ideal for auditions because it offers significant emotional range and the opportunity for subtle character revealing through dialogue and subtext. The narrative arc within Vole's lines, from defensiveness to hopeful invention, allows an actor to showcase vulnerability, earnestness, and a touch of the dramatic. The dynamic between Vole and Sir Wilfrid provides clear objectives and obstacles, creating a compelling interpersonal exchange that is highly engaging for casting directors.
This scene is specifically well-suited for male actors within the 35-45 "Age Range" who can embody both "Vulnerable" and potentially "Dramatic" casting types. It's excellent for those looking to demonstrate their ability to navigate moments of "Interrogation" and "Suspense" while portraying a character under pressure. It's particularly strong for "drama-school-audition" settings or "self-tape" submissions where a nuanced performance is expected, as it allows for a detailed exploration of character motivations.
For Vole, focus on the underlying desperation and his desire to be believed. While he rambles, ensure there's a clear objective: to earn Sir Wilfrid's trust. Pay attention to how he shifts from a defensive posture about his job history to an enthusiastic inventor, using the egg-beater as a symbol of his potential. For Sir Wilfrid, inhabit the role of an almost impassive observer, allowing his questions to be precise and his reactions minimal but impactful. His moments of dropping ashes or his pointed questions should communicate a shrewd legal mind constantly assessing.