TRIAL MARRIAGE. Columbia, 1929. Norman Kerry, Jason Robards, Sr., Sally Eilers, Thelma Todd, Charles Clary. Director: Erie C. Kenton. Shown at Cinecon 45, Hollywood CA, September 2009.

    Constance Bannister (Sally Eilers), a vivacious party girl, engages in a trial marriage contract with the reserved Dr. Thorvald Ware. When she slips out to a party while her husband is at work, he dissolves the contract, then marries her conniving sister Grace (Thelma Todd), who’s been scheming to ensnare Thorvald for herself.

    The film opens with a lively party scene, highlighted by a black bottom dance by Eilers, an eye-catching performance that clearly intrigues Thorvald but, at the same time, makes him a bit wary of the high-living Constance.

    The subsequent drama of rupture and eventual reconciliation is enhanced by first-rate acting and direction, making this a period piece that still charms. The sentimental twist that finally reunites the couple is the only major flaw in an otherwise engrossing period piece that retains much of its original charm and poignancy.