Nothing better illustrates the fallacy of the "big double bill" type of program than the current offering at the Paramount and Fenway. "The Widow from Monte Carlo" tries so hard to be a smart, sophisticated, gay comedy, and it falls flat with a dull thud that resounds throughout the theatre.

On the other hand, "The Country Doctor" makes no pretense at all, and the result is a completely guileless, and charming picture with a simple plot built around the biggest human interest story of them all.

There is nothing in the least mawkish or sentimental about the picture or the Dionnes. They are left to act as entirely natural as possible and no attempt is made, we are glad to record, to wring sighs and giggles from the audience.

The plot is at all times kept within the range of reason and provides a good background for the antics of the five ladies. The birth scene is particularly well handled and at no time is the inherent humor of the situation lost sight of.

"The Widow from Monte Carlo," obviously made for the second half of a two-film program, suffers accordingly.

Monte Carlo is only in the picture for about five minutes, and the rest of the time is spent in Mr. William's courting of the Duchess, (Miss Del Rio), who has somehow got transplanted from Mexico. They have the best time together going to the English equivalent of Coney Island and masked balls, and probably other places too. The reason we are uncertain is that the sound mercifully failed at one point. The audience took the blow manfully, however.

"The Country Doctor" is definitely amusing and entertaining; the "Widow" isn't. C. W. W.