MAJESTIC THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 229, 22 June 1940, Page 7

MAJESTIC THEATRE

"The Secret of Dr. Kildare” brings old Dr. Gillespie and bis assistant. Dr. Kildare. to the Majestic Theatre this week. Lionel Barrymore is still splendid as I he bad-tempered, iron-hearted Gillespie, and Lew Ayres is. as usual, very good as Kildare. This film deals with the daughter of the “seventh richest millionaire in the States,” who is worrying her father, Paul Messenger (Lionel Atwill). by her sudden apparent change in temperament. She seems to have developed neurotic and unaccountably hysterical tendencies for what, seems no reason at all, and Messenger calls <>n Gillespie for aid. Gillespie, who is on the verge of a breakdown, but who insists on carrying on his pneumonia investigations, puts Kildare on the case. Kildare meets the heiress and finds her charming, but obviously bewildered hr some secret trouble which he cannot define. Gillespie, meanwhile, has a collapse in his consulting rooms and is ordered a complete rest. This the old. warrior refuses to do. for he considers his pneumonia research of vital importance. Kildare is worried about, his superior’s health, and realizing that he cannot carry on without his assistance, pretends to be influenced by the Messenger wealth and influence. He refuses to stay as the older doctor's assistant, and takes on the Messenger case as his own. Gillespie, who knows he cannot carry on on his own, at last consents to take his holiday. Whije Gillespie is on a fishing expedition with his faithful coloured servant, the vounger man investigates the Messenger case, and discovers that the girl is the victim of a fake doctor and a stupid, highly-strung nurse. The girl has fears for her reason, and these Kildare finally manages to disperse. In the long run, of course, Kildare becomes reconciled to Gillespie and to his real love, the pretty hospital nurse. Mary Malone; and Dr. Gillespie, much refreshed after his holiday, is able to see Kildare set off on his trip to Canada to invesiga.te the cases of pneumonia which are now becoming prevalent with the onset of the cold weather. As is usual with the Kildare films, “The Secret of Dr. Kildare” is well directed and photographed, and the acting is on the sa.me high level to which one is becoming accustomed in this series. The old doctor’s retorts to his various subordinates, and his long-standing feud which disguises a very real friendship with the matron of the hospital, provide some verv amusing moments. Ills touchiness on the subject of bis own ill-health while being always solicitous for other people’s, gives emphasis to an excellent screen character that deserves to be'remembered for a long time to come. A good supporting programme includes a Robert Benchley comedy; another “Our Gang” adventure, in which Alfalfa discovers he has a double and tries for a. short time the delights of luxurious living; a-particularly colourful cartoon, “The Fishing Bear.” and the latest newsreel.