The Dragon Murder Case *** (1934, Warren William, Margaret Lindsay, Lyle Talbot) – Classic Movie Review 11,312

‘PHILO VANCE TACKLES A MONSTER! ‘

Warren William takes over effectively from William Powell as private detective Philo Vance in director H Bruce Humberstone’s efficient 1934 mystery thriller The Dragon Murder Case, shot at Warner Brothers Burbank Studios, 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California.

Warren William appeared as private detective Philo Vance in two of the series films, The Dragon Murder Case (1934) and the comedic The Gracie Allen Murder Case (1939).

Notably in support, Eugene Palette reprises his role as Sgt Heath and also returning is Etienne Girardot as the coroner Dr Doremus.

George Meeker plays Monty Montague, who disappears without trace after diving into a pool of water on an estate. Philo Vance and the District Attorney come to investigate, drain the pool, and Montague’s body is found at the bottom of a deep pothole with dragon claw marks on it.

It follows The Kennel Murder Case (1933) with William Powell.

It is followed by The Casino Murder Case (1935) with Paul Lukas.

The cast are Warren William as Philo Vance, Margaret Lindsay as Bernice, Lyle Talbot as Leland, Eugene Pallette as Sgt Heath, Helen Lowell as Mrs Stamm, Robert McWade as Markham, Robert Barrat as Stamm, Dorothy Tree as Ruby, George E Stone as Tatum, Etienne Girardot as Dr Doremus, George Meeker as Monty Montague, Robert Warwick as Dr. Halliday, William B. Davidson as Greeff, Arthur Aylesworth as Trainor, and Charles C Wilson as Detective Hennessey.

The Canary Murder Case was released by Paramount Pictures on 16 February 1929 and starred William Powell as debonair detective Philo Vance. It was shot as a silent and partly reshot and dubbed as a talkie, and the film was successful enough for Powell to film two sequels at Paramount, The Greene Murder Case (1929) and The Benson Murder Case (1930), as well as The Kennel Murder Case (1933) at rival studio Warner Bros.

© Derek Winnert 2021 Classic Movie Review 11,312

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