On Trial (1917 film)

On Trial is a 1917 American silent crime drama film directed by James Young and based on the 1914 Broadway play of the same name by Elmer Rice. The film is notable for its innovative use of flashbacks, a relatively new cinematic technique at the time, to tell the story from multiple perspectives and reveal the truth behind a murder.

The plot revolves around Robert Strickland, who is accused of murdering his business partner. The film unfolds as the events leading up to the crime are recounted by various witnesses during the trial, each offering a different viewpoint and piece of the puzzle. The flashback structure allows the audience to see the same events replayed from different angles, creating suspense and revealing the complexities of the situation.

The film starred Barbara Castleton, Sidney Ainsworth, and Walter Hitchcock. It was produced by Essanay Studios and distributed by V-L-S-E. On Trial was a critical and commercial success, solidifying the popularity of the play and showcasing the power of flashbacks as a storytelling device in cinema. It is considered a significant early example of this technique and a landmark film in the development of narrative structure in film.