NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 974, 17 May 1930, Page 15

NEW REGENT

“THE TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s firm transcription of “The Trial of Mary Dugan,” which is at the New Regent Theatre, is an intensely dramatic and engrossing treatment of the play which was seen here a year or two ago. The picture, which is an all-talking production, has the advantage of a splendid cast headed by Norma Shearer. Miss Shearer, who makes her debut in dialogue films in the difficult role of Mary Dugan, has an excellent recording voice and handles the emotional sequences of the picture fully as well as any stage veteran could have done it. H. B. Warner and Lewis Stone, as the two attorneys, and Raymond Hackett as Mary’s brother, contribute sterling performances.

To those not familiar with the plot of Bayard Veiller’s gripping melodrama, one may merely say that the setting is a courtroom, in which a sensational murder trial takes place. A rapid fusillade of questions by the prosecuting and defence attorneys is the central point about which the story is unrolled. So intensely realistic is the treatment of the story that the spectator feels himself in the front row of the jury box, watching every bit of the dramatic by-play. The all-talking picture has the special advantage of bringing its audience close to every bit of action, and in “The Trial of Mary Dugan” the result is tremendously satisfying. Suspense, thrills and humorous interludes are cleverly mixed together in the development of this film. Even those who have seen the play are likely to get a stronger reaction than they experienced when the piece was presented on the stage. The plot is the same in every detail, but is particularly well adapted to the speaking screen. Those who have never seen the original “Mary Dugan” may have a double thrill in watching this remarkably stirring and exciting picture. Much of the credit for the excellent results achieved in filming “Mary Dugan” undoubtedly goes to Bayard Veiller. who personally supervised transplanting of this story to the screen. Mr. Veiller, it will be remembered, is author of the famous melodramatic successes, “Within the Law” and “The Thirteenth Chair,” but in the present play he has contrived a more closely knit story, backed up by a perfect atmospheric setting. Miss Shearer’s remarkably fine work deserves special comment in view of the fact that the role is; a complete departure from anything she has ever attempted in the past. Raymond Hackett. in the part of Mary’s brother, gives a most believable portrayal of the young lawyer, who finds a unique way to demonstrate his sister’s innocence.