Unexciting entry in the Philo Vance series. Before we get to the obvious casting issues, the plot is relatively dull and uninteresting. Considering the previous entries in the Philo Vance series had interesting plots, this one is a big step down on that front. Now, on to the cast. Paul Lukas plays Philo and, as you might expect, is woefully miscast. It's more than just his thick accent. I've been critical of Philo Vance films before because the character doesn't seem to have distinct personality traits all his own like most of the other great movie detectives of the '30s and '40s. Apparently he does in the original books but in the films his personality changes to match whatever actor is playing him that time. Vance was played by many actors so the series lacked consistency on his characterization. That is never more evident than here with Lukas. At no point did I get into the film or root for Vance and that was in large part due to Lukas' disconnected performance.
There are problems with the rest of the cast, as well. Rosalind Russell seems to be trying to channel Myrna Loy but it doesn't work. She had yet to craft her own screen persona. Also, her chemistry with Lukas is nonexistent. Eric Blore's butler shtick has worked much better in other films than it does here. Ted Healy's Sgt. Heath is no substitute for Eugene Palette. Also missing is Etienne Girardot, who played coroner Dr. Doremus and provided great laughs in the last two Vance films before this. Here he is replaced by Charles Sellon, who delivers lines that are supposed to be funny with the utmost seriousness. Just not a great cast or film. This is probably the worst in the Vance series.
There are problems with the rest of the cast, as well. Rosalind Russell seems to be trying to channel Myrna Loy but it doesn't work. She had yet to craft her own screen persona. Also, her chemistry with Lukas is nonexistent. Eric Blore's butler shtick has worked much better in other films than it does here. Ted Healy's Sgt. Heath is no substitute for Eugene Palette. Also missing is Etienne Girardot, who played coroner Dr. Doremus and provided great laughs in the last two Vance films before this. Here he is replaced by Charles Sellon, who delivers lines that are supposed to be funny with the utmost seriousness. Just not a great cast or film. This is probably the worst in the Vance series.