
A Wife on Trial
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.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
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
Ruth Ann Baldwin
Leo Pierson, Margaret Widdemer
Department Leadership Roster
Leo Pierson
Writer
Ruth Ann Baldwin
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
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".
















