We're on the Jury (1937)

I saw We're On The Jury and Ladies of the Jury (1932) for the first time in fairly rapid succession, and in that order.

Ladies of the Jury is a tour-de-force for Edna May Oliver. I think it was her first leading role in a "full length" movie. Her camera presence, facial expressions and delivery make that a very worthwhile movie to watch.

But apart from Miss Oliver, the movie doesn't amount to much. We're On The Jury is more developed and complete as a comedy movie. As I mentioned in my review of Meet The Missus (1937), Victor Moore and Helen Broderick have actual comedic "chemistry" together, something entirely lacking in Ladies of the Jury, which is essentially a one-woman show (although Ken Murray manages to get in a few good licks).

There are a lot more jokes and funny lines in We're On The Jury, and it fits together better. It seems less contrived somehow than Ladies of the Jury.

The note being smuggled out of the jury room is more central to the plot in Ladies of the Jury, yet it is much more rushed and almost glossed over. It is better developed and more effective in We're On The Jury.

If you want to see a movie that has something to it besides Edna May Oliver and can stand on its own, watch We're On The Jury.