Dr. Christian: Dr. Christian Meets The Women (DVD)

The "Dr. Christian" radio show, co-created by star Jean Hersholt, captivated audiences from 1937 to 1953 and spurred six independently produced motion pictures. In the third installment of these cinematic time capsules, Dr. Christian Meets The Women, the hometown physician confronts the unique and timeless American obsession with dieting.

Disreputable but smooth-talking Professor Kenneth Parker steamrolls into the town of River's End with a weight loss program that promises dangerously unrealistic results in a dramatically short period of time. Steadfast Dr. Christian warns the townswomen, but they regard his advice as professional jealousy from a stodgy old general practitioner and hypnotically embrace Professor Parker's poisonous plan. Soon the women find themselves sick and in failing health due to their new diet regimen. The men folk of River's End rally against Parker's design for living and it's up to the noble Dr. Christian to come to the rescue with a real plan for a balanced diet.

• drama