William Powell returns as Philo Vance
Philo Vance, accompanied by his prize-losing Scottish terrier, investigates the locked-room murder of a prominent and much-hated collector whose broken Chinese vase provides an important clue.
Status
Released
Original Language
EN
Budget
—
Revenue
—
Release Date
October 28, 1933
Popularity
1
Director
Michael Curtiz
Writer
S.S. Van Dine
Writer
Robert N. Lee
Where to Watch
Cast
William Powell
Philo Vance
Mary Astor
Hilda Lake
Eugene Pallette
Detective Heath
Ralph Morgan
Raymond Wrede
Robert McWade
District Attorney Markham
Robert Barrat
Archer Coe
Frank Conroy
Brisbane Coe
Etienne Girardot
Dr. Doremus
James Lee
Liang
Paul Cavanagh
Thomas MacDonald
Arthur Hohl
Gamble the Butler
Helen Vinson
Doris Delafield
Jack La Rue
Eduardo Grassi
Harry Allen
Sandy (uncredited)
Wade Boteler
Desk Sergeant Mellish (uncredited)
Don Brodie
Police Photographer (uncredited)
James Burke
Policeman Who Lets Dog Out (uncredited)
George Chandler
Reporter at Police Station (uncredited)
Spencer Charters
Sergeant Snitkin (uncredited)
Virginia Dabney
Girl (uncredited)
Gallery
Reviews
CinemaSerf
This is a well above average murder mystery that finds amateur detective "Philo Vance" (William Powell), and his Scots terrier, called in to investigate the curious case of a wealthy man who has apparently shot himself whilst locked in his study. The coroner, however, casts doubt on the simplicity of the suicide theory, and when the man's brother is found dead too - we have a cracking little enigma to solve. There are a few twists and turns as many of the characters seem quite likely suspects and Eugene Pallette ("Detective Heath") adds well to the pace of this quite quirky whodunit as a policeman in the ("Lestrade") vein. The ending is a bit contrived, but it's still a good watch.
