A court-room drama in which Robert Strickland (Bert Lytell) finds himself on trial for the murder of his friend..

For film historians and enthusiasts of early sound cinema, On Trial (1928) is an essential, if sometimes cumbersome, watch. This adaptation of Elmer Rice’s hit play offers a fascinating glimpse into the nascent stages of the talkie era, showcasing both its limitations and its burgeoning potential. For a general audienc...

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Comparing the cinematic DNA and archive impact of two defining moments in cult history.

Archie Mayo

Alexander Butler
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"For film historians and enthusiasts of early sound cinema, On Trial (1928) is an essential, if sometimes cumbersome, watch. This adaptation of Elmer Rice’s hit play offers a fascinating glimpse into the nascent stages of the talkie era, showcasing both its limitations and its burgeoning potential. For a general audience seeking a compelling courtroom drama, however, the film’s significant technical and stylistic quirks, born of its time, might prove a considerable hurdle. If you have patience fo..."
Robert Lord, Elmer Rice, Max Pollock
United States

