The Kennel Murder Case

1933

The Kennel Murder Case

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

83%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 6

67%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,021
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The Kennel Murder Case Photos

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Movie Info

This film stars William Powell, making his fourth screen appearance as S. S. Van Dine's dilettante detective Philo Vance. This time the story involves intrigue at the Long Island kennel club. With the aid of a Doberman, Vance solves not only the original murder but a follow-up killing.

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Cast

William Powell
as Philo Vance
Mary Astor
as Hilda Lake
Eugene Pallette
as Sgt. Ernest Heath
Ralph Morgan
as Raymond Wrede
Jack LaRue
as Eduardo Grassi
Helen Vinson
as Doris Delafield
Paul Cavanagh
as Sir Bruce MacDonald
Robert H. Barrat
as Archer Coe
Arthur Hohl
as Gamble
Robert McWade
as District Attorney John F.X. Markham
Henry O'Neill
as Dubois
Frank Conroy
as Brisbane Coe
Etienne Girardot
as Dr. Doremus
Spencer Charters
as Snitkin
Charles C. Wilson
as Hennessey
Jimmy Lee
as Liang, the Cook
James Lee
as Liang
Harry Allen
as Sandy, the Dog Trainer
George Chandler
as Reporter
Milton Kibbee
as Charlie Adler, Reporter
Wade Boteler
as Sergeant
Leo White
as Desk Clerk
Don Brodie
as Photographer
James Burke
as Cop
Monte Vandergrift
as Detective
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Critic Reviews for The Kennel Murder Case

All Critics (6)

  • As screen entertainment the story is rather complicated and not very strong in human interest, but it has been efficiently directed by Michael Curtiz and is on the whole well acted.

    Jun 14, 2018 | Full Review…

    Charles Davy

    The Spectator

  • William Powell returns to the role that he originated in the late 1920′s. This is perhaps the finest of all the Vance films. It was directed by the legendary Michael Curtiz and features an early performance by Mary Astor.

    Mar 10, 2013 | Rating: A- | Full Review…

    Paul Chambers

    Movie Chambers

  • Far and away the best of the Philo Vance pictures and perhaps the finest example of this particular kind of mystery ever made.

    Aug 2, 2004 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…

    Ken Hanke

    Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
View All Critic Reviews (6)

Audience Reviews for The Kennel Murder Case

  • Sep 26, 2018
    Apparently Bill Powell had years to work on his gentleman detective routine (that gelled to fruition and fame in "The Thin Man" series) with this previous outing some 5 years before. In this one, highly convoluted, 2 murders, several dogs, an amusing-for-its-ineffectiveness police force and the rest of the whole cast as suspects. As with the Thin Man series, no one understands the crime and the criminals as well as Nick Char ..., err, Philo Vance. See if you're not looking for Asta, as I was.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Sep 03, 2010
    Before the Thin Man, Powell played Philo Vance, detective. He has charm and humour in this movie as well. This movie is fun and exciting for a movie involving a dog.
    Aj V Super Reviewer
  • Jul 31, 2010
    Although William Powell is always a class-act, his Philo Vance seems to be Nick Charles, without as much fun. He's a detective trying to piece together a string of murders related to a dog show. I had a little bit of a difficult time keeping up, because so many of the actors looked alike. I kept getting confused on who was who. It's a good little film, but definitely not one of his best.
    nefnie l Super Reviewer
  • Aug 06, 2007
    Creaky mystery but Powell is suave and efficient as always.
    jay n Super Reviewer
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