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A Wife on Trial poster
IMDb191750m

A Wife on Trial

Topics:#lost film

Synopsis

Phyllis Narcissa, an underpaid children's librarian, eagerly accepts a dinner invitation from Horace de Guenther, one of her patrons, and happily entertains his invalid wife. Later, Mrs. de Guenther encourages Phyllis to meet with Mrs. Harrington, a dying rich woman whose son Allan, once a vigorous young man, was paralyzed in an auto accident. When Mrs. Harrington proposes to the librarian that she marry and take care of Allan in exchange for his wealth, Phyllis reluctantly consents. While struggling to cheer up the eternally gloomy Allan, Phyllis welcomes the visits of his friend, a doctor who informs her that her husband's paralysis may be psychosomatic.

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

July 30, 1917

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Ruth Ann Baldwin
Screenplay & Story
Leo Pierson, Margaret Widdemer
Original Title
A Wife on Trial
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
50m
Production Studios
Universal Film Manufacturing Company

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Ruth Ann Baldwin

Screenplay & Story

Leo Pierson, Margaret Widdemer

Literary Origin & Source Material
Novel:Margaret Widdemer

Department Leadership Roster

Leo Pierson

Leo Pierson

Writer

Ruth Ann Baldwin

Director

Official cinematic photography and background stills for A Wife on Trial.

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Frequently Asked Questions About A Wife on Trial

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is A Wife on Trial about?

Phyllis Narcissa, an underpaid children's librarian, eagerly accepts a dinner invitation from Horace de Guenther, one of her patrons, and happily entertains his invalid wife. Later, Mrs. de Guenther encourages Phyllis to meet with Mrs. Harrington, a dying rich woman whose son Allan, once a vigorous young man, was paralyzed in an auto accident. When Mrs. Harrington proposes to the librarian that she marry and take care of Allan in exchange for his wealth, Phyllis reluctantly consents. While struggling to cheer up the eternally gloomy Allan, Phyllis welcomes the visits of his friend, a doctor who informs her that her husband's paralysis may be psychosomatic.

Who directed A Wife on Trial?

A Wife on Trial was directed by Ruth Ann Baldwin.

Who stars in A Wife on Trial?

The principal cast of A Wife on Trial includes Mignon Anderson, Leo Pierson, L. M. Wells, Julia Jackson, George C. Pearce.

When was A Wife on Trial released and how long is it?

A Wife on Trial was released in 1917 with a total runtime of 50m.

Is A Wife on Trial based on a book or true story?

A Wife on Trial is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Margaret Widdemer".