This is the sixth and final film of the Dr. Christian series and considering the film, I could see why this was the last. The film, sadly, does not follow the nice formula of previous films but is more a maudlin musical showcase and offers little in the way of enjoyment.
The film begins with Bob Webster being accused of embezzlement. The good Dr. Christian (Jean Hersholt) comes to his defense, as he can't believe this man would do such a thing. Then, and I am about to say something horrible--so hold on tight, shortly after this there is a birthday party. For absolutely no reason at all, we are "treated" to a boy who sings and dances. Frankly, he is an incredibly ugly and untalented little creep....there, I said it. Sadly, the girl, Janie (Anne Bennett), who sings next in this impromptu review is pretty bad also--and it's pretty obvious that this is a B-movie in more ways than one. Sadly, there is a musical angle to this film, so we are subjected to more semi-talented children throughout the film--making this, perhaps, the hardest Dr. Christian film to watch.
Now back to the accused embezzler. Despite the evidence appearing to be scant and Christian making a fine character witness, Webster is convicted. Pending an appeal, he's allowed to remain free. So the main themes here are proving his innocence and his daughter, Janie's, musical career. This kid, by the way, is a lot like a much less talented Deanna Durbin--and Universal Studios had nothing to worry about with Miss Bennett. I know I sound very harsh here, but I am not a huge fan of talented children performing--I hate children's' pageants.
Eventually, Webster is sent to prison and Janie becomes seriously depressed--much more than is normal. Christian decides something must be done and with Roy's help, they decide to investigate on their own who the real embezzler might be. In a tacky (but kind of funny scene), Roy romances the less than beautiful Lulu (Imogene Coca) to find out if her boss could be implicated in the crime. However, their contention that "there must be a woman involved" seems to come from no where and didn't make much sense--like the script writer was giving them some inside information!! Much of the rest of the film consists of Roy chasing more leads (and more women) as well as Christian meeting with the governor to try to at least allow Webster out of jail for a visit. During Webster's release, he goes to see Janie in a musical competition and the outcome of the contest was a huge surprise....not! And, as expected, there was also the happy ending of Webster ultimately being exonerated. They all lived happily ever after.
Overall, a weak script, too much awful singing and a very insignificant plot compared to other Dr. Christian films make this one tough going.
The film begins with Bob Webster being accused of embezzlement. The good Dr. Christian (Jean Hersholt) comes to his defense, as he can't believe this man would do such a thing. Then, and I am about to say something horrible--so hold on tight, shortly after this there is a birthday party. For absolutely no reason at all, we are "treated" to a boy who sings and dances. Frankly, he is an incredibly ugly and untalented little creep....there, I said it. Sadly, the girl, Janie (Anne Bennett), who sings next in this impromptu review is pretty bad also--and it's pretty obvious that this is a B-movie in more ways than one. Sadly, there is a musical angle to this film, so we are subjected to more semi-talented children throughout the film--making this, perhaps, the hardest Dr. Christian film to watch.
Now back to the accused embezzler. Despite the evidence appearing to be scant and Christian making a fine character witness, Webster is convicted. Pending an appeal, he's allowed to remain free. So the main themes here are proving his innocence and his daughter, Janie's, musical career. This kid, by the way, is a lot like a much less talented Deanna Durbin--and Universal Studios had nothing to worry about with Miss Bennett. I know I sound very harsh here, but I am not a huge fan of talented children performing--I hate children's' pageants.
Eventually, Webster is sent to prison and Janie becomes seriously depressed--much more than is normal. Christian decides something must be done and with Roy's help, they decide to investigate on their own who the real embezzler might be. In a tacky (but kind of funny scene), Roy romances the less than beautiful Lulu (Imogene Coca) to find out if her boss could be implicated in the crime. However, their contention that "there must be a woman involved" seems to come from no where and didn't make much sense--like the script writer was giving them some inside information!! Much of the rest of the film consists of Roy chasing more leads (and more women) as well as Christian meeting with the governor to try to at least allow Webster out of jail for a visit. During Webster's release, he goes to see Janie in a musical competition and the outcome of the contest was a huge surprise....not! And, as expected, there was also the happy ending of Webster ultimately being exonerated. They all lived happily ever after.
Overall, a weak script, too much awful singing and a very insignificant plot compared to other Dr. Christian films make this one tough going.