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| James Stephenson as Philo Vance |
Philo Vance (James Stephenson) is sent on assignment to Vienna to investigate an airplane manufacturer named Archer Coe (Richard Kipling), who may be selling important designs to the axis powers. Before Philo can get anywhere he is arrested -- as if anyone could believe Stephenson was an American newspaperman -- and sent back to New York, where he continues his investigation at Coe's townhouse when the man is found murdered. The suspects include the victim's niece, Hilda (Margot Stevenson), who hated her uncle; her boyfriend, Tyler (Ralph Forbes); Coe's associate, Philip (Donald Douglas), who is in love with Hilda; a neighbor named Doris (Sheila Bromley) who is covering for someone; the maid Ling Toy (Bo Ling), who acts suspiciously; and even the butler, Gamble (Martin Kosleck). Helping or hindering Philo in his investigation are the dyspeptic cop Ryan (Edward Brophy), Chief Inspector Markham (Henry O'Neill), and Philo's Scotch terrier, MacTavish. Then Coe's brother, Brisbane (Wedgwood Nowell), also turns up dead.
Calling Philo Vance is a remake of The Kennel Murder Case, which starred William Powell as Philo Vance. Stephenson could be a fine actor -- he was terrific in The Letter with Bette Davis -- but he has trouble making an impression in the wake of Powell. There are some mildly clever aspects to the murder plot, but the movie has little atmosphere or suspense. Philo Vance was also played by Alan Curtis in two films. William Hopper of Perry Mason and George Reeves of Superman have very small parts in this.
Verdict: Not Philo's best. **.
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