On Trial (1928 film)

On Trial is a 1928 American talking drama film produced and distributed by Warner Bros., and directed by Archie Mayo. The film starred Pauline Frederick, Lois Wilson, Bert Lytell, Holmes Herbert, and Jason Robards. The film is based on the 1914 Broadway play of the same name by Elmer Rice. A silent version of the film was also released on December 29, 1928.

The first film was released in 1917, starring Barbara Castleton, Sidney Ainsworth, and Mary McAllister. It was remade again in 1939 with John Litel, Margaret Lindsay, and Edward Norris.

Plot summary
A man is put on trial for the murder on his best friend. A young attorney wants to become successful and decides to defend him. However, he is very inexperienced.

Cast

 * Pauline Frederick as Joan Trask
 * Bert Lytell as Robert Strickland
 * Lois Wilson as May Strickland
 * Holmes Herbert as Gerald Trask
 * Richard Tucker as Prosecuting Attorney
 * Jason Robards Sr. as Defense Attorney
 * Franklin Pangborn as Turnbull
 * Fred Kelsey as Clerk
 * Vondell Darr as Doris Strickland
 * Edmund Breese as Judge
 * Edward Martindel as Dr. Morgan

Reception
According to Warner Bros records, the film earned $1,089,000 domestically and $365,000 in the rest of the world.

Preservation status
The 1928 film version of On Trial is now considered lost. However, Vitaphone soundtrack discs for the film survive and are housed at the UCLA Film and Television Archive and British Film Institute. The film's trailer also survives.