THRILLS AT MAJESTIC.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20484, 10 December 1934, Page 3

THRILLS AT MAJESTIC.

Baer v. Camera and “ Crime Doctor.” Thrils a-plenty are presented at the Majestic Theatre this week. First in order of importance from the sporting viewpoint is the complete film of the now famous Baer v. Camera battle for the world’s heavy-weight boxing title. Then, for mystery lovers is “ The Crime Doctor,” in which Otto Kruger, in the role of a fampus detective, show’s how’ a “ perfect ” crime could be committed. It is splendid entertainment, with Kruger, Karen Morlev and Nils Asther all giving of their best. “ The Crime Doctor ” is stated by the producers to be based on Israel Zangwill’s “ Big Bow Mystery,” but readers of the book can hope to find resemblance to that famous story only in the underlying idea. Nevertheless, it is an excellent plot. Laid in an American city, it tells how a famous detective, while writing a book on criminal detection and psychology, becomes obsessed with the idea that a “ perfe t ” crime can be committed. Domestic trouble causes the final break in his brain, and, wdth jealousy tearing at his heart, he plans and executes the " perfect ” crime and sees his rival sentenced to death on circumstantial evidence that he had manufactured. The manner in which the crime is committed, and the portrayal of the emotions of characters as the plot progresses provide an enthralling film. Otto Kruger gives a performance as the detectivecriminal.

The fight between Camera and Baer should go down in boxing history as one of the most thrilling encounters of the age: and the film version should be welcomed by all “ fight fans.” Round by round one sees the splendidlv-built Baer come from his corner fresh and aggressive, w’hile his huge opponent, knocked down eleven times in the eleven rounds, becoming slow r er, but no less a trier, until, as the bell rings for the twelfth round, he can ha stand. As a spectacle of fighting courage under a terible beating this picture is outstanding, and it is also a splendid exhibition of boxing by Baer, who, in the opening stages, looked like another David facing Goliath without the aid of a sling. An amusing Mickey Mouse cartoon and a newsreel complete the programme.