On Trial (1939)
This second film version of Elmer Rice's play On Trial stars Edward Norris as a green lawyer on his first case. He is assigned to defend alleged killer John Litel, who makes Norris' job doubly hard by refusing to defend himself. Through flashbacks, Norris discovers the reason behind Litel's recalcitrance. The young attorney also reunites the convicted man with his missing wife (Margaret Lindsay) and his little daughter (Janet Chapman). The original Broadway production of On Trial gained a near-legendary reputation through its ground breaking use of flashbacks and its surprise ending; these elements aren't quite as innovative in the film version, but they still retain their effectiveness. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- John Litel, Margaret Lindsay, (more)
- Director(s):
- Terrell O. Morse
Synopsis of On Trial
This second film version of Elmer Rice's play On Trial stars Edward Norris as a green lawyer on his first case. He is assigned to defend alleged killer John Litel, who makes Norris' job doubly hard by refusing to defend himself. Through flashbacks, Norris discovers the reason behind Litel's recalcitrance. The young attorney also reunites the convicted man with his missing wife (Margaret Lindsay) and his little daughter (Janet Chapman). The original Broadway production of On Trial gained a near-legendary reputation through its ground breaking use of flashbacks and its surprise ending; these elements aren't quite as innovative in the film version, but they still retain their effectiveness. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Complete Cast of On Trial
- John Litel - Robert Strickland
- Edward Norris - Arbuckle
- James Stephenson - Gerald Trask
- Larry Williams - Glover
- Gordon Hart - Dr. Morgan
- Sidney Bracey - Joe Burke
- Vera Lewis - Mrs. Leeds
- Stuart Holmes - Mr. Summers
- Jack Mower - Court Stenographer
- Loia Cheaney - Mrs. Rosenblatt
- John Harron - 2nd Reporter
- Margaret Lindsay - Mae Strickland
- Janet Chapman - Doris Strickland
- Nedda Harrigan - Joan Trask
- Earl Dwire - Judge
- Charles Trowbridge - Henry Dean
- Kenneth Harlan - Mr. Trumbell
- Nat Carr - Clerk
- Cliff Saum - Bailiff
- John Dilson - Jury Foreman
- Edgar Edwards - 1st Reporter
- William B. Davidson - Gray
- Director(s):
- Terrell O. Morse
- Writer(s):
- Don Ryan
- Producer(s):
- Bryan Foy
- Looking for special editions of On Trial?
- See All Versions
- Subtitles:
- Check All Versions
- Closed Captioning:
- Check All Versions
BY MAIL
We're sorry, this title is not available to rent or buy by mail.
IN-STORE
What's Your Take?
Member Reviews
