PLAZA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 835, 2 December 1929, Page 15

PLAZA

“ON TRIAL”

“On Trial,” ' Warner Bros.’ latest crime mystery special, now at the Plaza Theatre, is being hailed as the be: ; t murder trial melodrama to be presented as a motion picture. Though this fact is undoubtedly one of the reasons for the sensation it is creating in theatrical circles, there are several other factors of even greater importance. The first of these is the exceptionallv brilliant cast, headed by Pauline Frederick, Bert Lytell. Lois Wilson, and Holmes Herbert, and including Jason Robards, Franklin Pangborn, Johnnv Arthur, Richard Tucker, Edward Martindel, Fred Kelsey, Vondell Barr and Edmund JBreese. The second is that “On Trial" w-is adapted 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 revoluntary idea into the theatre, “the flash-back.” first influence of mtftion 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. Equally entertaining is the supporting programme of short talkie items.