CIVIC TALKIES.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19853, 14 February 1930, Page 4

CIVIC TALKIES.

"HIGH TREASON." SEASON OPENS TO-DAY. Will it bo the practice in the Criminal Courts of the future to have a doctor in attendance throughout a trial to observe the accused person's mental and physical condition under the strain of cross-examination? Evidently the producer of "High Treason," which commences at the Civic to-day, thinks so, becauso in the murder trial at the Old Bailey the prisoner (played by Humbertson Wright) has his heart condition recorded throughout the proceedings by a doctor operating an electro-cardiograph. At hand in the dock are also instruments for making neurological and blood-pressure tests. It is Maurice Elvey's contention that this clinical interest in a prisoner will be based on humane concern for his welfare pending conviction or acquittal, and on possibility of Judge and jury being guided in their findings by his reaction to interrogation. Further evidence of the presumed intrusion of practical science into legal spheres is the provisions made for broadcasting ft trial. Microphones hang in the well of the Court, and one is placed in front of the Judge, where it contrasts strangely with the traditional bouquet—picturesque memento of the days when sweet herbs were used to combat the unhealthy Old Newgate atmosphere. .. . It will be noted in this sequence that while Mr Elvey has dispensed with wigs for Judge and counsel, he has retained the traditional solemnity of the death sentence ritual, including the black cap and form ol the dread pronouncement. "High Treason" has many points of interest. It gives intriguing glimpses of the London of the future, among which the new Charing Cross bridge is to be seen. Te'®" vision has supplanted the telephone, hellcopters and aeroplanes land and rise from the roofs of buildings; sartorial surprises abound, and woman rules the roost._ It must not be thought that "High Treason" is simply a display of futuristic gadgets. Mechanism is not allowed to dwarf humanity. Spectacle abounds, but it is seasoned with a romantic love story in the portrayal of which Jameson Thomas and Benita Hume figure to advantage. The recording of dialogue and sound is excellent. In short, "High Treason" is an entertaining and intriguing film that no one should m 'ln addition to the main feature there is a wonderful supporting programme, including a Pathe Sound Review and News. Also a United Artists' musical and photographic featurette, the "Irish Fantasy. This depicts with vivid realism the eviction of Irish patriots, featuring the brilliant tenor in Bulldog Drummond," Donald Novis. There is, in addition to the'items mentioned, the first of a series of talking cartoons, Mickey the Mouse." Mickey's contribution this week is called "Mickey'B Follies." London papers declare these drawings of Walt. E'isney to be the cleverest ever seen on the screen. The box plans are now open at The Bristol, Begg'B, and The Fanners'. The Civic telephone is 81-508.