This Philo Vance murder mystery features a solid cast, though I think Edmund Lowe's portrayal of the main character is relatively uninspiring. His heavy-lidded persona seems to counter the impression that he is a man of genius.
The story is about a series of deaths that might be suicides, though viewers probably ascertain early on the true nature of the deaths. Even the title of the film is a spoiler; the word "murder" is right there. The real mystery is the cause of these obvious murders.
My main issue with this film is the way Philo makes a mental leap in solving the case that is not entirely logical. Such details always bother me in a plot that should be entirely logical if it is to impress the viewer. In a sixty-one minute film, such expediencies might be considered necessities by some, but I rather they extend the length of the film and make the detective's deductions airtight.
The story is about a series of deaths that might be suicides, though viewers probably ascertain early on the true nature of the deaths. Even the title of the film is a spoiler; the word "murder" is right there. The real mystery is the cause of these obvious murders.
My main issue with this film is the way Philo makes a mental leap in solving the case that is not entirely logical. Such details always bother me in a plot that should be entirely logical if it is to impress the viewer. In a sixty-one minute film, such expediencies might be considered necessities by some, but I rather they extend the length of the film and make the detective's deductions airtight.