PLAZA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 836, 3 December 1929, Page 15

PLAZA

SCREENING OF “ON TRIAL” Can you imagine a character in a motion picture being killed before the story even starts, but still appearing on the screen throughout the film? That is just what happens in the case of Holmes Herbert, who plays an important part in Warner Bros.’ latest special mystery production. On Trial.” Herbert is murdered before the picture opens, but the method of tell- ] ing the story brings him into constant ! view during the thrilling denouement. ! The film adaptation of Elmer Rice's remarkable play, “On Trial,” brings to the screen one of the most sensational I melodramas of theatrical history, and the fact that every bit of the play is from actual life vastly heigthens its effect on the audience. The distinguished cast of “On Trial” includes Pauline Frederick. Bert Lytcll, Lois Wilson. Holmes Herbert. Jason Robards, Richard Tucker. Johnny Arthur. Vondell Darr, Edmund Bree-e. Edward Matrindel, Fred Kelsey, and Franklin Pangborn. The production was directed from the original play by Elmer Rice. j The supporting programme includes j songs by the two famous singers, John Charles Thomas and Vivienne Sigel; Paramount Sound News, with interesting events; a sound cartoon: and the sketch,* “A Moonlight Romance.” by Douglas Stanbury and Marie Gambraelli.