The Philo Vance murder mystery series was entertaining and worthwhile but had one serious problem, the actor playing the lead role of Philo Vance kept changing from movie to movie. This was not true of other successful series such as Basil Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes and Chester Morris' Boston Blackie. By far the most competent actor in the role was the indomitable William Powell, who starred in not only the best one of the Philo Vance films but a movie classic "The Kennel Murder Case." Alas, he was too good and went on to bigger and better roles, in particular the Thin Man series. What we get with "Calling Philo Vance" is James Stephenson, who makes a pleasant enough Philo Vance but he is certainly no William Powell. On the other hand, the supporting cast is equal to and sometimes even better than the supporting cast in "The Kennel Murder Case." "Calling Philo Vance" is a reworking of the "Kennel Murder Case," updating the story to involve espionage (Hitler invaded Poland the year before this movie was released). Other than the spy angle and having Philo a government agent rather than a P.I. there is not much change. The story still involves the intriguing idea of having a murder committed in a sealed and locked room. A few of the scenes are shot verbatim from the original. So why watch this one if you can get hold of the original, which is a superior film? I'm a Philo Vance fan. So I enjoyed this one too.
20 Reviews
An enjoyable murder mystery despite a lackluster James Stephenson as Philo Vance.
Art-223 December 1998
This remake of Kennel Murder Case, The (1933) has some good points, but James Stephenson is not one of them. He plays it too impersonal for my taste and pales by comparison with William Powell, who played Vance in the original. But the screenplay, which was updated for the war that loomed on the horizon, was nicely developed, concerning plans for a warplane. The setting was switched to the State Department, with Vance an employed investigator instead of a private eye. I really enjoyed how he used diagrams to explain the movement of the people involved in the murder of the warplane designer, so that in the end, the actions of all were clear. The film also had the advantage of having Edward Brophy in the Sergeant Heath role (here he's called Ryan), bringing comedy without the stupidity of the Heath character. It was rather fun to watch.
Making it timely
bkoganbing3 June 2005
Warner Brothers probably of all the studios loved remaking its films. I guess Jack Warner thought it saved on buying new properties. Calling Philo Vance after a brief prologue updating the story to have Vance working for the State Department investigating the theft of airplane designs, it becomes almost a word for word remake of The Kennel Murder Case. Even the character names remain the same. Whole bits of dialog from the original are reused in this one.
Too bad they couldn't have gotten William Powell as well. But he was over at MGM keeping Nora and Asta in line. So James Stephenson became the latest in a long line of Vances. Philo Vance would soon fade from the screen.
Stephenson is serviceable, but lacks Powell's unique debonair charm. And of course we've seen it all before.
Too bad they couldn't have gotten William Powell as well. But he was over at MGM keeping Nora and Asta in line. So James Stephenson became the latest in a long line of Vances. Philo Vance would soon fade from the screen.
Stephenson is serviceable, but lacks Powell's unique debonair charm. And of course we've seen it all before.
Calling Philo Vance
CinemaSerf1 April 2023
This is an adequate afternoon B-feature that probably served more as a warning against fifth-columnists than it actually entertained anyone. It all centres around attempts by the Axis powers to obtain access to the designs of "Archer Coe" (the briefest of appearances from Richard Kipling). Now he has an exclusive arrangement with the Americans so when he is found murdered, it falls to the wily, suspicions and tenacious "Vance" (James Stephenson) to find out who the killers were and on whose malevolent behalf they were working? Did they manage to steal his secret plans? Now this is just a substantial reworking of "The Kennel Murder Case" (1933) - even down to whopping great chunks of the script being transferred, albeit updated, to allow for it's WWII scenario. Although all pretty lightweight and devoid of any real sense of jeopardy, Stephenson is actually quite engaging and there is a decent supporting effort from Edward Trophy ("Ryan") delivering some fun to this rather dry, procedural, crime drama. It's only an hour, and if you like the genre then there isn't really anything not to like - or memorable - about this.
Warner Bros. programmer gives Philo Vance role to James Stephenson...
Doylenf8 November 2007
While I do like JAMES STEPHENSON as an actor (he was excellent in THE LETTER with Bette Davis), he lacks the sort of debonair charm needed for the role of Philo Vance in CALLING PHILO VANCE. However, that's not integral to your enjoyment of this updating of "The Kennel Murder Case" which was made in '40 when the Nazis were making big strides during World War II.
Secret stolen plans for a bomber falling into the hands of German agents is the crux of the matter here, to the tune of $250,000. The story begins with Vance accepting an assignment in Vienna where he is trying to find out whether Archer Coe is selling aircraft plans to a foreign country. But the main story begins when he's deported to the U.S., escapes authorities and returns to investigate the case for Chief Investigator Markham (HENRY O'NEILL).
The wealthy household where Coe died in a locked room, is at first ruled as the scene of a suicide but soon evidence proves it to be a murder and there are several suspects--among them, RALPH FORBES, DONALD DOUGLAS and MARTIN KOSLECK, in an unusual role as a butler. Kosleck usually played German spies in all the Warner war films.
Under Stanely Clements' direction, the tale moves quickly to an all too abrupt conclusion with very little explanation given for the intricate murder plot. While not exactly plausible, it does make an interesting mystery for who-dun-it fans with some clever touches in the script.
But the main disappointment lies in not having a satisfactory actor in the Philo Vance role.
Secret stolen plans for a bomber falling into the hands of German agents is the crux of the matter here, to the tune of $250,000. The story begins with Vance accepting an assignment in Vienna where he is trying to find out whether Archer Coe is selling aircraft plans to a foreign country. But the main story begins when he's deported to the U.S., escapes authorities and returns to investigate the case for Chief Investigator Markham (HENRY O'NEILL).
The wealthy household where Coe died in a locked room, is at first ruled as the scene of a suicide but soon evidence proves it to be a murder and there are several suspects--among them, RALPH FORBES, DONALD DOUGLAS and MARTIN KOSLECK, in an unusual role as a butler. Kosleck usually played German spies in all the Warner war films.
Under Stanely Clements' direction, the tale moves quickly to an all too abrupt conclusion with very little explanation given for the intricate murder plot. While not exactly plausible, it does make an interesting mystery for who-dun-it fans with some clever touches in the script.
But the main disappointment lies in not having a satisfactory actor in the Philo Vance role.
Engaged without Sex
tedg24 August 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Spoilers herein.
There are two kinds of films: those that simply talk to you, and those that have an engaging conversation of some type. There are an amazing number and variety of the second type, with the prototype being the detective story. In its pure form it is an intimate wrestling match for control over what happens next in your imagination.
This is interesting because it is something in between. The detective story is very clever in the situation it presents. But it is not given as a game, instead all we can do and watch as the story surprises us with its various confabulations.
Its titillating being on the edge.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
There are two kinds of films: those that simply talk to you, and those that have an engaging conversation of some type. There are an amazing number and variety of the second type, with the prototype being the detective story. In its pure form it is an intimate wrestling match for control over what happens next in your imagination.
This is interesting because it is something in between. The detective story is very clever in the situation it presents. But it is not given as a game, instead all we can do and watch as the story surprises us with its various confabulations.
Its titillating being on the edge.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
It's just a re-tread! See it ONLY if you never say THE KENNEL MURDER CASE or PRIVATE DETECTIVE 62!
planktonrules11 November 2007
This is a very cheaply made and predictable programmer--predictable since its plot is taken, almost verbatim, from two earlier films. It was literally like splicing two old movie together to make a new film!
The first 15 minutes of the film is lifted right out of PRIVATE DETECTIVE 62 (1933--starring William Powell), though the hero was stealing information from a French safe in the original film and in CALLING PHILO VANCE it involved stealing from an Austrian one. In both, he was working for the state department (though they denied this) and in both cases he was deported back to the US--only to have the boat's captain be told to return the man just as they are pulling into New York harbor--at which point the man jumps overboard and the rest of the film begins. It's so exact that they are practically the same film in the first reel.
Following this narrow escape, the plot is THE KENNEL MURDER CASE (also starring Powell). I am sure of this because I just saw both 1930s films in the last month. In fact, in many places it was word-for-word the same--so much so that I couldn't stand watching the film again--especially because James Stevenson on his best day doesn't even come close to the charm and style of William Powell's version of Philo Vance. It's like having Lee Majors play the lead in High Noon instead of Gary Cooper (this DID happen) or Timothy Dalton play "Rhett Butler" instead of Clark Gable (this, sadly, also DID happen)!! So, unless you've never seen the near-perfect KENNEL MURDER CASE (which earned a well-deserved 9 from me), don't even bother with this by-the-numbers re-make. It just isn't worth your time. And, for that matter, PRIVATE DETECTIVE 62 is also quite superior to CALLING PHILO VANCE. In fact, just WHO is this James Stevenson and why is he stealing from William Powell?!
The first 15 minutes of the film is lifted right out of PRIVATE DETECTIVE 62 (1933--starring William Powell), though the hero was stealing information from a French safe in the original film and in CALLING PHILO VANCE it involved stealing from an Austrian one. In both, he was working for the state department (though they denied this) and in both cases he was deported back to the US--only to have the boat's captain be told to return the man just as they are pulling into New York harbor--at which point the man jumps overboard and the rest of the film begins. It's so exact that they are practically the same film in the first reel.
Following this narrow escape, the plot is THE KENNEL MURDER CASE (also starring Powell). I am sure of this because I just saw both 1930s films in the last month. In fact, in many places it was word-for-word the same--so much so that I couldn't stand watching the film again--especially because James Stevenson on his best day doesn't even come close to the charm and style of William Powell's version of Philo Vance. It's like having Lee Majors play the lead in High Noon instead of Gary Cooper (this DID happen) or Timothy Dalton play "Rhett Butler" instead of Clark Gable (this, sadly, also DID happen)!! So, unless you've never seen the near-perfect KENNEL MURDER CASE (which earned a well-deserved 9 from me), don't even bother with this by-the-numbers re-make. It just isn't worth your time. And, for that matter, PRIVATE DETECTIVE 62 is also quite superior to CALLING PHILO VANCE. In fact, just WHO is this James Stevenson and why is he stealing from William Powell?!
Decent
blanche-229 May 2009
This is a remake of the "Kennel Murder Case" with Philo Vance (James Stephenson) going after some U.S. airplane plans sold to a foreign nation; the designer of the plans and his brother both wind up murdered, and there are plenty of suspects.
William Powell was probably the best Philo Vance - he had the requisite charm. Stephenson, who started in films late in life after stage work, was on his way to a big career when he made "Calling Philo Vance" - unfortunately, he died the next year, at the age of 53. As with "The Dragon Murder Case" with Warren William as Vance, the supporting players have the good lines and the energetic roles. Stephenson doesn't have a lot to work with, but he's okay.
Parts of this film are interesting, it's a little better than "The Dragon Murder Case," which isn't really saying much.
William Powell was probably the best Philo Vance - he had the requisite charm. Stephenson, who started in films late in life after stage work, was on his way to a big career when he made "Calling Philo Vance" - unfortunately, he died the next year, at the age of 53. As with "The Dragon Murder Case" with Warren William as Vance, the supporting players have the good lines and the energetic roles. Stephenson doesn't have a lot to work with, but he's okay.
Parts of this film are interesting, it's a little better than "The Dragon Murder Case," which isn't really saying much.
Cheap wartime knockoff film
bernie-503 June 2005
Archer Coe makes airplane designs all by him self and keeps them at home in an easily accessible form. All his friends and neighbors want them even if they do not know what an airplane is. One morning Archer is found dead in a locked room. Yep it was suicide, or was it.
Everyone could have do it if they could get inside the room many we find out are foreign agents or just unscrupulous. There is even a buyer from England.
Be sure to watch the original film first.
This film is not an update of "The Kennel Club Case" (1933). It is a cheep wartime substitute. It is worth obtaining as a contrast and compare movie in your collection. However it strains itself to cram "plain plan" in every time it should say money.
James Stephenson makes a snotty Philo Vance with no passing or charm. He makes you wish he was the victim.
Everyone could have do it if they could get inside the room many we find out are foreign agents or just unscrupulous. There is even a buyer from England.
Be sure to watch the original film first.
This film is not an update of "The Kennel Club Case" (1933). It is a cheep wartime substitute. It is worth obtaining as a contrast and compare movie in your collection. However it strains itself to cram "plain plan" in every time it should say money.
James Stephenson makes a snotty Philo Vance with no passing or charm. He makes you wish he was the victim.
Passable B movie
barbara177631 March 2021
The main problem with this movie is that it is a remake of the 1933 the Kennel Murder Case, starring the incomparable William Powell. James Stephenson makes a passable attempt at playing Philo Vance, but without Powell's panache and humor. He would have made a better Bulldog Drummond. The plot is updated to Nazis and aviation secrets with a mysterious suicide? Murder? In the obligatory locked room. The supporting cast is as effective as most B movies, although Margot Stevenson lacks the fire and spirit of Mary Astor, who originated the role. It remains a moderately diverting movie. Be sure to catch William Hopper and George Reeves in early uncredited roles.
Pointless remake of "The Kennel Murder Case"
gridoon202417 October 2018
One of the weakest Philo Vance films: a pointless remake of "The Kennel Murder Case", with a blander cast. But if you haven't seen "Kennel", you may still find the story ingenious. The then-topical WWII elements look out of place now in a Philo Vance mystery. ** out of 4.
remake of earlier P Vance..
ksf-28 December 2018
Willard Wright had written murder stories from 1929 - 1939, and created the character Philo Vance. Various people played the Vance character in films over the years, and were written under the name S.S. Van Dine. His addictions contributed to his early death at age 51. In our story, Vance (James Stephenson) is traveling around europe under an assumed name, and when they try to keep him in Germany, he escapes and pops back up in America. Keep an eye out for better-known Ed Brophy as his co-worker "Ryan". This one a a remake of Warner Brothers' own very successful Kennel Murder Case from 1933. By this time, europe was getting esconced in spies and a brewing war, so now its all about stolen fighter plane plans. this one has the usual side gags... the bumbling police, and the muttering medical examiner who is called in every time there's another murder. This one has more of a steady plot line, and a smooth plot line, since it is a remake. Pretty good. Directed by William Clemens, who also directed a bunch of the "Falcon" films.
One Of The Better Philo Vances
boblipton3 June 2023
James Stephenson is Philo Vance in this movie. He's in Vienna, tracking down a rumor that Richard Kipling has been selling his military airplane designs to foreign governments, instead o the US, as he is required by contract to do so. Vance gets the plans, but they are taken from him by the local police. As a result, when he returns to the States, he reports to Henry O'Neill that he has no proof that would stand up in court. Stephenson and O'Neill go to Kipling's home, only to discover him dead bebehind a locked door. He seems to have committed suicide -- by shooting himself with a bow, a gun, and a blunt instrument.
It's a remake of The Kennel Murder Case, and Stephenson's posh British accent and unhurried motions fit the character pretty well. The updating of the maguffin from Chinese art to airplane plans shows where Warner Brothers' thoughts were about the international situation. With a plethora of suspects, including Margot Stevenson, Sheila Bromley, Ralph Forbes, and Bo Ling, it's a pretty good updating of S. S. Van Dine's mystery.
It's a remake of The Kennel Murder Case, and Stephenson's posh British accent and unhurried motions fit the character pretty well. The updating of the maguffin from Chinese art to airplane plans shows where Warner Brothers' thoughts were about the international situation. With a plethora of suspects, including Margot Stevenson, Sheila Bromley, Ralph Forbes, and Bo Ling, it's a pretty good updating of S. S. Van Dine's mystery.
Well, if you had to remake one of the Philo Vance movies...
utgard141 February 2014
The Kennel Murder Case was the highlight of the Philo Vance movie series. This film is a remake of that, updated to fit World War II with an espionage theme. James Stephenson makes a poor Philo Vance. He talks through his nose the whole time, which I found annoying. Supporting cast isn't bad. Includes great character actors Edward Brophy and Henry O'Neill. There is one scene where Brophy is supposed to knock open a door. He bumps into it with his shoulder twice with no result. Then he kicks it and his foot awkwardly knocks out a part of the door without actually kicking it open. Whether this was intentional or not I do not know but it sure looked like a goof. A cheapie like this wouldn't have done multiple takes if they could help it. Margot Stevenson plays the part Mary Astor played in the original. She speaks breathlessly and acts weakly. The best thing about the film for me are the Warner sets and backlot. It's a watchable film. Not a patch on the original and very flawed, but passable.
It's Deja Vu All Over Again!
bsmith555213 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I suppose if you hadn't seen "The Kennel Murder Case" (1933, you would enjoy "Calling Philo Vance" a little more. Because you see, this is a remake of the earlier film which starred William Powell arguably the best in the series.
James Stephenson takes over as Vance and although no Powell, gives creditable performance in the lead. The storyline was changed to a war time scenario where Vance is working undercover in Vienna, trying to prove that airplane designer Arthur Coe (Richard Kipling) is selling design secrets to foreign powers. Vance finds the necessary evidence but is arrested and deported before he can take action.
Back in the good old USA, Vance, who is now working for ex-D.A. Markam (Henry O'Neill) a Chief Investigator for some unknown agency, goes to seek out Coe. However on arriving at Coe's residence, Coe's body is discovered by butler Gamble (Martin Kosleck). The body is behind a door locked from the inside with a gun in his hand indicating suicide which Marham's assistant Ryan (Edward Brophy) is quick to point out.
The plot from this point forward is word for word identical to that of the original. Coe's brother Bisbane (whom we never meet) is found dead in a closet. Although Vance concludes that Brisbane killed his brother using an interesting device, but there appears to be another murderer involved. Vance tricks the murderer into revealing himself and.......................................................
It was sad to see that the Philo Vance series had been reduced to programmer status re-using an existing script from an earlier film.
James Stephenson takes over as Vance and although no Powell, gives creditable performance in the lead. The storyline was changed to a war time scenario where Vance is working undercover in Vienna, trying to prove that airplane designer Arthur Coe (Richard Kipling) is selling design secrets to foreign powers. Vance finds the necessary evidence but is arrested and deported before he can take action.
Back in the good old USA, Vance, who is now working for ex-D.A. Markam (Henry O'Neill) a Chief Investigator for some unknown agency, goes to seek out Coe. However on arriving at Coe's residence, Coe's body is discovered by butler Gamble (Martin Kosleck). The body is behind a door locked from the inside with a gun in his hand indicating suicide which Marham's assistant Ryan (Edward Brophy) is quick to point out.
The plot from this point forward is word for word identical to that of the original. Coe's brother Bisbane (whom we never meet) is found dead in a closet. Although Vance concludes that Brisbane killed his brother using an interesting device, but there appears to be another murderer involved. Vance tricks the murderer into revealing himself and.......................................................
It was sad to see that the Philo Vance series had been reduced to programmer status re-using an existing script from an earlier film.
A step back for Philo Vance!
JohnHowardReid9 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This remake of "The Kennel Murder Case" (the bulk of the film) and "Private Detective 62" (all the introductory sequences) offers quite passable entertainment for those of us who haven't yet had the pleasure of seeing William Powell in both these wonderful films directed by Michael Curtiz. This one is directed efficiently but somewhat less effectively by William Clemens. The best thing about it is Jimmy Conlin who does more amusingly by Doctor Doremus than did Etienne Girardot in the original adaptation of the S.S. Van Dine thriller. Edward Brophy is also a joy. On the other hand, James Stephenson who gave such a great performance opposite Bette Davis in "The Letter" (1940) makes a very disappointing Philo Vance. In fact, he was miscast. His accent is all wrong for a start, a problem that Stephenson himself seems acutely aware of. Instead of making Vance a debonair detective (William Powell style), he turns him into a stuffed shirt. Both his expressionless facial activity and his reading of his lines signally lack charisma. But at least you can hear him clearly. He doesn't mumble like many present-day leads, but a stuffed-shirt hero is also a deadly dull hero.
Poor Remake
Michael_Elliott28 February 2008
Calling Philo Vance (1940)
* 1/2 (out of 4)
In this entry, Philo Vance (James Stephenson) is working with the U.S. Government trying to determine if a man sold war plans to a foreign agent. I guess it was natural for this series to enter the foreign agent storyline since it was released during WW2 but it still makes for a pretty poor film. Stephenson is pretty bland in the role and sleepwalks throughout most of the film. The supporting cast doesn't fair any better but to their credit the screenplay doesn't give them much to work with. There are a couple of dogs in the film and they probably give the best performances.
* 1/2 (out of 4)
In this entry, Philo Vance (James Stephenson) is working with the U.S. Government trying to determine if a man sold war plans to a foreign agent. I guess it was natural for this series to enter the foreign agent storyline since it was released during WW2 but it still makes for a pretty poor film. Stephenson is pretty bland in the role and sleepwalks throughout most of the film. The supporting cast doesn't fair any better but to their credit the screenplay doesn't give them much to work with. There are a couple of dogs in the film and they probably give the best performances.
Cheap wartime knockoff film
Bernie444419 October 2023
Archer Coe makes airplane designs all by himself and keeps them at home in an easily accessible form. All his friends and neighbors want them even if they do not know what an airplane is. One morning Archer is found dead in a locked room. Yep, it was suicide or was it.
Everyone could have done it if they could get inside the room many, we find out are foreign agents or just unscrupulous. There is even a buyer from England.
Be sure to watch the original film first.
This film is not an update of "The Kennel Club Case" (1933). It is a cheap wartime substitute. It is worth obtaining as contrast and compares the movie in your collection. However, it strains itself to cram "plain plan" every time it should say money.
James Stephenson makes a snotty Philo Vance with no passing or charm. He makes you wish he was the victim.
Everyone could have done it if they could get inside the room many, we find out are foreign agents or just unscrupulous. There is even a buyer from England.
Be sure to watch the original film first.
This film is not an update of "The Kennel Club Case" (1933). It is a cheap wartime substitute. It is worth obtaining as contrast and compares the movie in your collection. However, it strains itself to cram "plain plan" every time it should say money.
James Stephenson makes a snotty Philo Vance with no passing or charm. He makes you wish he was the victim.
WB war effort
SnoopyStyle3 June 2023
American airplane manufacturer Archer Coe is arriving in Vienna. The American government suspects that he's trying to sell to a foreign power. Philo Vance (James Stephenson) is recruited to investigate, but with plausible deniability. He tries to sneak into Germany, but gets caught. Luckily, he only gets deported although his mission is compromised.
This is the first of this franchise for me. It's fine as a detective mystery, but I'm not that taken. Warner Bros is trying to add to its war effort with an established character. It turns into an old fashion dead body in a room mystery. If he actually got on the boat, this would be a more compelling action thriller. He would be trapped on a boat with a mission and Nazis hunting him down. That's the better concept.
This is the first of this franchise for me. It's fine as a detective mystery, but I'm not that taken. Warner Bros is trying to add to its war effort with an established character. It turns into an old fashion dead body in a room mystery. If he actually got on the boat, this would be a more compelling action thriller. He would be trapped on a boat with a mission and Nazis hunting him down. That's the better concept.
Why Remake A Perfectly Fine Mystery
morganobx27 March 2021
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