Features: DVD
Studio contract director Michael Curtiz took home a single Oscar (for Casablanca) during his long career, but his list of credits simply cannot be equaled. He gave us Yankee Doodle Dandy, The Sea Hawk and White Christmas, to name just a few.
His The Kennel Murder Case (1933) stands as one of the best mystery pictures of the Thirties, as Philo Vance solves a murder during a snooty Long Island dog show. Curtiz really keeps things moving with plenty of stylish touches along the way (thanks in part to cinematographer William Rees). Of course, having William Powell (as Vance), Mary Astor and Eugene Pallette in the cast doesnt hurt.
Warner Brothers made four films from Carolyn Keenes Nancy Drew books, all starring Bonita Granville, and directed by William Clemens. Nancy Drew, Reporter (1939) may be the best. Though made for kids, these films provided real thrills, held up to adult scrutiny and, most important, were never condescending to their audience, which is why they hold up so well today.
Editor's Note
Two classic mysteries from the 1930s combined on one DVD. In THE KENNEL MURDER CASE, detective Philo Vance investigates a murder at a snooty Long Island dog show. NANCY DREW...DETECTIVE features the girl snoop in one of her most popular adventures.
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