BRIGHT COMEDY.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 493, 30 June 1932, Page 3

BRIGHT COMEDY.

Majestic Shows “ Ladies of the Jury.” 1 “Ladies of the Jury.” which heads the bill at the Majestic Theatre this week, tells in a humorous and thoroughly entertaining manner, how a mixed jury arrives at a verdict in a murder trial. Although the story hinges on the trial of a woman who is charged with shooting her husband, this grim side is forgotten because of the rich humour that has been infused into the picture. Edna May Oliver, the brilliant comedienne, has the role of Mrs Livingstone Baldwin Crane, one of twelve jurors empanelled for the trial. The proceedings in court are made somewhat humorous by Mrs Crane, who becomes chatty with the judge and counsel and insists on asking all manner of questions. When the jury retires to arrive at a verdict the fun really begins. The other jurors represent a medley of human types. The first ballot shows that all the jurors with the exception of Mrs Crane believe the prisoner to be guilty. Cleverly Mrs Crane sets to work to win over the others, by pitting one member against another until all become embroiled in a hectic struggle. ; By various methods she changes posi- ! tive opinion and finally brings to light ! evidence which enables the jury to re- j turn a unanimous verdict of not guilty, j The first half of the programme also j provides good entertainment.