In spite of an unusually strenuous schedule of extracurricular activities in Hollywood's better night clubs, Paulette Goddard remains one of this department's favorite cinema characters. La Goddard with a twinkle in her eye "gives" more than Ann Sheridan with or without sarong, to mix a metaphor. In Second Chorus, her latest picture, which co-stars her with Fred Astaire, the twinkle is still very much in evidence to the great gratification of all citizens of Brooklyn (her birth-place) and other parts of the United States.

To be frank the film fails to capitalize on Mr. Astaire's dancing ability. Perhaps it was in an effort not to embarrass Miss Goddard, whose terpsichore is not up to the Astaire standard. However, when the greatest white tap-dancer appears in a film more of his work should be featured and to blazes with chivalry.

Burgess Meredith as Mr. Astaire's collegiate rival in trumpet playing and Goddard-wooing reveals a new fact of his screen personality. The star of Winterset may object to playing trivial comic roles, but to his credit he does it well.

The second feature is an innocuous mystery but it's best to arrive at 10, 12:55. 3:50, 6:45, 9:40.