The Benson Murder Case (1930)

The Benson Murder Case (1930). 1h 5m | Passed

“Being an avid William Powell and Philo Vance devotee, I was pleased to find that all four of Powellu0026#39;s forays as the effete detective are available on DVD. But beware if you are not a fan of either of the above or of early sound films since you might find this a little too static for your tastes. If you are a fan, then read on.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003ePowell made four Vance films which got better as they progressed. This one, made in 1930, is still a bit on the stagy side although the acting was improving as the players were becoming more adept at u0026quot;talkiesu0026quot;. Itu0026#39;s basically a one set film, taking place in a hunting lodge where a murder takes place and all the suspects are gathered. Powell, as usual, is very debonair and unruffled and Eugene Palette returns in the role of Sergeant Heath. I miss Eteinne Girardot, who played Dr. Doremus, in the later u0026quot;Kennel Murder Caseu0026quot;. He added humor to the story which was less heavy-handed than that of Palette. Watch for Mischa Auer, a mainstay of films in the 30s and 40s, as the butler.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSince this was before the Code, Natalie Moorehead doesnu0026#39;t make a secret of her u0026quot;professionu0026quot; but is let off easy in the end by a sympathetic Vance.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis film makes a good addition to the William Powell/Philo Vance series and is certainly worth the watch for the fan. I will not comment on any Vance films made without Powell (except those with Basil Rathbone) as they are not worthy of comment.”