A cinematograph adaptation of Tom Gallon's novel, " The Lackey and the Lady," and an announcement made regarding it at a "trade"? show on March 6 last year, were the subjects of an actict: for damages for slander brought by Mr. Thomas Bentley, film producer, against Mr. Bearn, film renter, before the Lord Chic! Justice and a special jury in the King's Bench Division. Mr. Bearn, managing director of the Phillips Film Company (Ld), did not admit that he spoke the words but added that if he did he spoke them on a privileged occasion. In another plea he said the words were true.
"Ruiy to Mr. Bentury."
Mr. Douglas Hogg, K.c., who appeared for the plaintiff, said that after being delayed by a snowstorm early last year the film called " The Lackey and the Lady" was ready for production, On March 6 trade show was to be given. The band began play and the people assembled. When the time came for the film to be exhibited Mr. Bearn mounted the platform and announced that "The Lackey and the Lady would not be shown, and that another film would be given in its place. The sole reason, he si for the statement that "The Lackey and the Lady" would not be shown was that it was nob considered good enough to place before the audience. In making that statement, he added that no reflexion was thrown on the British Actors' Film Company (with which Mr, Bentley was connected). He further said that they had agreed to scrap it, although between £3,000 and £4,000 had been spent on the production.
This statement meant ruin to Mr. Bentley, who was on the point of entering into an agreement with the London Film Company. That was broken off the next day, and from that day to November last he was not able to produce a single play. For the time being, Mr. Boam's announcement iilled Mr. Bentley's reputation.
The plaintiff gave evidence, and was cross-examined by Mr. Patrick Hastings, x.c.
Do you think that Mr. Bearn and his colleagues ever had a conspiracy to do you an injury?—I don't like that word.
Do yout—I think Mr. Bearn disliked me very much, and that the others were entirely led by him.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.