FINE COURT DRAMA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 832, 28 November 1929, Page 15

FINE COURT DRAMA

“ON TRIAL” HAS BIG CAST

PLAZA’S TALKIE PROGRAMME

An indication that the public is fascinated by murder-mystery stories is given by the large audience which attended the Plaza Theatre last evening to see the all-talking picture, “On Trial.” Taking its place as the most tensely gripping murder mystery, this Warner Bros.’ special production presents an entire murder trial with every phase of the proceedings used by the characters. As the details of the surprising case are skilfully brought out by the barristers, the tension produced in theatre audiences is remarkable, and furnishes a convincing demonstration of the effectiveness of modern picture methods. The cast which interprets this dramatic screen play is no less remarkable than the story itself, and includes such film favourites as Pauline Frederick, Bert Lytell, Lois Wilson, Holmes Herbert, Jason Robards, Richard Tucker, Johnny Arthur, Vondell Darr, Edmund Breese. Edward Martindel, Fred Kelsey, and Franklin Pangborn. In “On Trial’* Pauline Frederick is cast as the wife of the murdered man; Bert Lytell as the friend who is on trial for his killing—while Lois Wilson impersonates the wife of Lytell. “On Trial,” as a motion picture, seems destined even to exceed the popularity which it enjoyed on the stage, where it has been looked upon as an outstanding example of what may be termed the modern school of drama. The original play, written by Elmer Rice, was adapted for the screen and directed by Archie L. Mayo. Last evening the Plaza also presented a full programme of shorter alltalking items. This included songs bj the two famous singers, John Charles Thomas and Vivienne Sigel, Paramount Sound Xews, with interesting events, a sound cartoon and the sketch “A Moonlight Romance” by Douglas Stanbury and Marie Uambraelli.