"THE WITNESS FOR THE DEFENCE."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18007, 6 August 1920, Page 7

"THE WITNESS FOR THE DEFENCE."

• "The Witness for the Defence," A. E. W. Mason's famous play, will be presented as a .Paramount-Artcrait picture -at the Octagon and Plaza Theatres to-day. Elsie Ferguson, in the stellar role, is supported by Vernon Steel, Warner - Oland, and Wyndham Standing. The story is of a girl who forgoes the prospects of a happy marriage to look after a, selfish parent, an invalid in India. She later marries, too, according to her father's wishes. Her hus_band is a drunkard, and during an attack of delirium tremens, he struggles with his wife. A revolver is discharged and the man falls, dead. At the trial she refuses to give testimony in her own defence but is 6a.ved from conviction by the intervention of an admirer, Thresk. who swears he had heard the deceased man's life threatened by Indian natives whom he had wronged. She is aco'uitted on this evidence- and returns t6 England, Thresk following. The story of Thresk's vain love and the gallant part he plays in her reinstatement to a respected' position in society, and the revelation of the tree facts of her husband's death are said to make The Witness For the Defence" a picture far above the average. . Miss Ferguson's artistry is described as being particularly notable. The supporting films will include a Mack Sennett comedy, a pictcgraoh, and a travelogue. For the Octagon Theatre seats may be reserved at Begg's.