Alexandre Bisson's 1910 play "Madame X", about a woman who finds herself being defended for murder by her long-lost son, is done here as a cheap filler. It was shot at Viking Studios although also included is glorified home movie footage shot in France probably by one-shot director Paul England. Mara Russell-Tavernan, credited as Mary Taviner, chews the scenery in the title role, something she did in two similar Poverty Row productions. Bit part player England also plays a role and is almost certainly reading his lines from a script on his desk. In the climactic court room scene another actor appears to forget his next line and there is a jump cut. The interiors look very cramped indeed, but there's one jail cell shot that makes stylish use of confined space. There's also pleasure in witnessing a rare screen appearance (as the judge) by Hamilton Deane, author of the "Dracula" play (1924). It's under an hour long so it's not much of a commitment. Bear in mind that the plot no longer makes sense and probably never did. The verdict handed down to Madame X was probably highly unlikely even in 1910. Curiously the version I saw (on Talking Pictures) was called "Jacqueline", gave Bisson no credit, and included Hammond organ music by Robin Richmond.
The Trial of Madame X
(1948)
Umpteenth version of the potboiler is a sight to behold
28 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers