A story of an attorney that turns over a new leaf. John Barrymore playing a "borderline alcoholic", no a complete alcoholic, was too close to reality of Barrymore's life at the time. Direction and acting midway through the film (the first trial) seemed contrived. At the same time, Barrymore was playing an intoxicated character that seem all too real and painful to watch. Near the end of the film in the second trial, a lucid Barrymore showed the acting skills that made him famous. A brief glimmer of his great talent that was often unrealized by his addiction. In the female lead, Helen Twelvetrees provided a much more consistent and natural performance.
Review of State's Attorney
