AMUSEMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1930, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS.

V£RYBODYS PICTURES

‘ON TRIAL”-TO-NIGHT,

“011 Trial,” Warner Bros, latest crime mystery special, is being hailed a.s tiie best minder trial melodrama to be presented as a motion picture. 'Though this lact is undoubtedly one of the reasons ior the sensation it is creating in theatrical circles all over the country, there are several other factors of even greater importance. The ftrst of these is the exceptionally briliant cast, headed by Pauline rredencit, Bert Lytell, Lois Wilson, and Holmes Herbert, and including Jason Robards, Franklin Pangborn, Johnny Arthur, Richard Tucker, Edward Martindel, Fred Kelsey, Vondell Darr and Edmund Breese. The second is that “On Trial” was adopted by the versatile Robert Lord. The third is the fact that it was directed by Archie L. Mayo, one of the pioneer directors of Warner Bros’ productions. The fourth reason is the play itself, written by Elmer Rice, and with a record of forty-six weeks on Broadway and numerous revivals and road company presentations. “On Trial” injected a new and revolutionary idea into the theatre, the “flash-back,” first influence of motion picture technique on the theatre. Because of this motion picture structure, it was ideally suited for adaptation to the .screen, which makes possible qualities not attainable on the stage. The programme includes three short lahiies.