On Trial
Cast & Crew
James Young
Barbara Castleton
Sydney Ainsworth
Little Mary Mcalister
James Young
Corene Uzzell
Film Details
Synopsis
Robert Strickland, the self-confessed murderer of Gerald Trask, refuses to defend himself on the witness stand. His attorney, however, cross-examines Strickland's wife and by questioning his daughter Doris as well, he exposes the fact that years earlier Trask had seduced Mrs. Strickland. This evidence is sufficient to call for a verdict of not guilty from eleven of the jury, but the twelth member holds out because money disappeared from Trask's safe the night of the murder, and evidence points to Strickland as the thief. When Glover, Trask's secretary, is cross-examined, however, he breaks down and confesses to the robbery, thus clearing the way for Strickland's acquital and his reunion with his family.
Director
James Young
Cast
Barbara Castleton
Sydney Ainsworth
Little Mary Mcalister
James Young
Corene Uzzell
Patrick Calhoun
John Cossar
Film Details
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
The playwright Elmer L. Reizenstein later changed his name to Elmer Rice. This was the first film purchased by the First National Exhibitors' Circuit. It originally was to be released by the K-E-S-E Service. The film opened in New York the week of June 10, 1917. It was reviewed at five reels and copyrighted at seven reels. After the Pennsylvania State Board of Censors cut several titles from the film, actors spoke the titles of the complete film at screenings at the Stanley Theatre in Philadelphia. Warner Bros. filmed Reizenstein's play in 1928, with Pauline Frederick starring and Archie Mayo directing (see AFI Catalog of Feature Films, 1921-30; F2.3980), and again in 1939, with Margaret Lindsay starring and Terry Morse directing.
