Robert N. Lee

S.S. Van Dine's Philo Vance has sadly been all but forgotten today, seeming too perfect and erudite for today’s reading audience. The dapper detective was adapted to film several times, however. The Kennel Murder Case is by far the best film adaptation of the highbrow sleuth. Famed director Michael Curtiz used that early 1930s soft focus look and a well-written and witty script to bring Vance to life in the form of William Powell, who proved perfect for the part.

From the opening moments of Vance at the Long Island Kennel Club with his dog, Captain McDavish, this is a classy and breezily-paced little mystery. The murder of Hilda Lake’s dog escalates into a human murder with lots of suspects. But how was the murder committed, since the victim is found dead in a room locked from the inside? It’s just the type of puzzle relished by Philo Vance, so he cancels his vacation cruise to lend Detective Heath (Eugene Pallet) a hand.

A young and very stylish Mary Astor stars as Hilda Lake, with a supporting cast which includes Helen Vinson, Ralph Morgan, Frank Conroy, and Paul Cavanagh. James Lee Liang as a cook obsessed with Chinese treasures adds flavor to this delicious little concoction. Vance has a locked room puzzle to solve, which could make this film seem stage-bound. Director Curtiz, however, manages enough flair and visual touches to offset that drawing-room feel many early 1930's mysteries had.

Shady business dealings, spurned affections, and valuable Chinese artifacts all play a part in this tight little mystery. Powell’s Vance is uptown, cool as a cucumber, and fun to watch as he’s always one step ahead of everyone else. In many ways, what makes Van Dine’s written characterization of Philo Vance seem insufferable to modern readers, lends the screen Vance, influenced by William Powell’s charm, almost hip. Vance’s solution to the mystery is unique, but the best part is the fun we have getting there.

This is a great little rainy night mystery for those times you’re in a nostalgic mood. Mystery lovers won’t want to miss this little gem.… (mehr)