While one shouldn't read too much into it, there was a trend at Columbia, more than at the other studios, to build "B"s around the leading ladies. Jack Holt apart, Columbia's "B" leading men were a rather bland, passive lot (while) the leading ladies (Ann Dvorak, Rita Hayworth, Helen Mack, Gloria Stuart, Frieda Inescort) were not only attractive and usually good actresses, but seemed to have considerably more energy! Tonight's triple bill is an interesting and varied cross section. The first, from 1938, is easily the glossiest; production values went down quickly as the "B"s moved into the '40s.-WKE The Lady Objects Erle C. Kenton (U.S., 1938) A fairly close remake of the 1933 Ann Carver's Profession, this combination of musical/mystery/courtroom drama upgrades the musical content considerably to exploit Lanny Ross. One song, "A Mist Is Over the Moon," rated an Academy Award nomination. It's a slick little film that, despite the songs given to Ross, allows Gloria Stuart to dominate.

The Lady Objects Erle C. Kenton (U.S., 1938)
A fairly close remake of the 1933 Ann Carver's Profession, this combination of musical/mystery/courtroom drama upgrades the musical content considerably to exploit Lanny Ross. One song, “A Mist Is Over the Moon,” rated an Academy Award nomination. It's a slick little film that, despite the songs given to Ross, allows Gloria Stuart to dominate.-WKE

A Woman Is the Judge Nick Grindé (U.S. 1939)
The script by Karl Brown, former cameraman of Griffith and Cruze, and later a director himself, is a colorfully embellished reworking of Madame X. There's so much going on and so many plot twists that you're bound to enjoy the ride, even if you find it a little hard to believe.-WKE

Girls of the Road Nick Grindé (U.S. 1940)
Released shortly after The Grapes of Wrath, Girls of the Road may have been Columbia's attempt at a “B” social protest film (though) the montage of the fates awaiting young girls at big-city bus depots was clearly shot for the trailer and the advertising! Well intentioned, the film falls between two stools, and is too contrived to make much impact. Girl hoboes weren't all so lucky as to have the Governor's daughter masquerading as one of them to improve their lot. But it's quite unique of its kind, helped by a strong cast, and an appropriate climax to our evening.-WKE