talented detective mr. philo vance ( william powell ) cancel his overseas trip to investigate an apparently cut and dry case of suicide he have good reason to suspect be really something much more and a rather deliciously complex murder . as far a murder mystery film go and it just doesn not get any good than this one . populate with suspicious character and all connect to a dog show and all have very good reason to murder the apparent suicide victim archer coe and it truly tough to figure this one out or wrap one head around it but boy and do it prove fascinate to watch unfold before u . even the cop and the coroner and the district attorney prove colorful and flesh out character add a level of unexpected gritty realism to this one proceeding and amping up it overall fun factor . i particularly enjoy the comic scene involve the coroner ( play by etienne girardot ) and who be always it seem to him be rudely and untimely interrupt by the discovery of corps or injure men during this one running time . also eugene palette detective sgt . heath provide welcome and often later delightfully humorous at his expense and critical commentary during vance investigation . i can not think of any valid criticism to give this movie in fact except perhaps that it hasn not date particularly well . doesn not stop the movie from be just plain good fun view though . watch and see if you can wrap your head around this one mystery . highly recommend you try .