When Philo Vance receives a note that harm will befall Lynn at the casino that night, he takes the threat seriously while the DA dismisses it. At the casino owned by Uncle Kinkaid, Lynn is indeed poisoned under the watchful eye of Philo. However, he recovers, but the same cannot be said for Lynn's wife Virginia, who is at the family home. Only a family member could have poisoned Lynn and Virginia and everyone has their dark motives. Philo will follow the clues and find the perpetrator.
The chemistry between the unflappable Russell and Mr. Lukas is appealing. Paul Lukas isn't bad as Philo Vance, a little charming , a bit sympathetic, and I didn't mind his accent, as it gives his character that metropolitan touch, though I do prefer Powell, Edmund Lowe and Warren Williams. Lukas is quite watchable, a good listener - pity he didn't make more as Vance. I think that was the problem, there was too many actors playing one character. Only Powell played it more than once, thus getting into the character.
It doesn't hit the road running and feels like a romantic comedy at first, but halfway in it switches gears, the challenging plot boils with enough twists, red herrings, a suicide and poisonings - it is very stylish with good production values - a satisfying mystery.
The chemistry between the unflappable Russell and Mr. Lukas is appealing. Paul Lukas isn't bad as Philo Vance, a little charming , a bit sympathetic, and I didn't mind his accent, as it gives his character that metropolitan touch, though I do prefer Powell, Edmund Lowe and Warren Williams. Lukas is quite watchable, a good listener - pity he didn't make more as Vance. I think that was the problem, there was too many actors playing one character. Only Powell played it more than once, thus getting into the character.
It doesn't hit the road running and feels like a romantic comedy at first, but halfway in it switches gears, the challenging plot boils with enough twists, red herrings, a suicide and poisonings - it is very stylish with good production values - a satisfying mystery.