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by Frank Showalter

The Greene Murder Case

D+: 2 stars (out of 5)
1929 | United States | 69 min | More...

Disappointing follow-up to The Canary Murder Case has William Powell reprising his role as dilettante sleuth Philo Vance investigating a wealthy family where the last surviving heir stands to inherit a fortune.

Unlike the prior film, which focused on a single murder, this entry piles up bodies at an absurd rate, culminating in a finale that made me laugh out loud. Also not helping: the costumer’s decision to dress Powell in a kimono, a paisley smoking jacket, an oversized white topcoat, and a pair of thick-rimmed Coke bottle glasses 1. Fortunately, not all at once. Followed by The Benson Murder Case.

Footnotes

  1. Yes, it’s more in keeping with the source novel’s portrayal of Vance as a dandy, but Powell deserved better.

Viewing History

  • Watched on
    Thu, Jul 30, 2020 via YouTube