"Trial"

We go to New York for a rally to raise funds for the defense of a kid wrongly accused of murder in the Mark Robson Film "Trial" (MGM, 1955). They used the Shrine Expo Hall, adjacent to the Shrine Auditorium, 665 W. Jefferson Blvd. In this shot it's been augmented quite a bit to appear like it's a much bigger three-balcony venue.

While the story centers around a 1947 murder trial we also get mired in a chaotic mix with the KKK, a thwarted lynching, Communist front organizations, and an unscrupulous lawyer. It stars Glenn Ford, Dorothy McGuire and Arthur Kennedy. The cinematography was by Robert Surtees.  

 

 

A bit of entertainment before the attendees are asked for money. 

 

Glenn Ford at the podium. The band plays him off before he gets more than a few words out. 

 

Leaving after realizing he's been duped. 

See the main page about the Shrine Auditorium on the Los Angeles Theatres site for a list of many other films where the building appears. There's also a separate page for the Expo Hall.

On IMDb: "Trial"