Overview

Another thrilling courtroom drama by the author of You the Jury. Like its famous predecessor, this play too employs the novel and ingenious gimmick that proved so popular with audiences all over the country: at the conclusion of the trial, it permits the audience as a whole to become a jury and vote on the guilt or innocence of the defendant. In addition to an absorbing story, intricately plotted, For the Defense offers a valid theme which cannot be devulged here; a question of morals and ethics that the audience will be thinking about long after the curtain falls. The defendent is "Lucky Sam" Luckey, on trial for the fatal shooting of Marvin Stump. Thomas Nash, the prosecutor, is confident of obtaining a conviction, not so much on the evidence, which is actually rather skimpy, but because of Luckey's record and reputation as a boss racketeer. On the other hand, the defense attorney, the dynamic and flamboyant Russell Holloway, faces the outcome glumly, knowing that Sam is in effect being tried not for what he did, but for what he is. So the trial runs its course, replete with surprises, vivid character flashes and tense crises, until the final witness turns the whole case topsy-turvy, and the audience-jury is ready to bring in its verdict. Although this is a realistic play, there is nothing morbid or offensive in it, and it can be unreservedly recommended to all groups, from high school to little theatre.