The Trial of Madame X (1948) User Reviews

Umpteenth version of the potboiler is a sight to behold

[davidvmcgillivray-24-905811 · 2/10 · 28 June 2023]

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.

Almost unwatchable!

[ronevickers · 2/10 · 14 May 2024]

What a hoot this film turns out to be. It's pretty much unwatchable, despite the fact that it runs for less than an hour. It really is basement level film making, where the actors look like they've wandered in to their first acting assignment, minus any training. The story is downright tedious, and the film merits two stars simply for the hilariously, over the top performance from Mary Taviner, in the title role. It has to be seen to be believed, and is melodramatic in the extreme.

As a curiosity piece, it stands alone and, together with the cringeworthy background music, it is absolutely dire!