IMDb >
Calling Philo Vance (1940)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsCalling Philo Vance (1940) More at IMDbPro »
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
3 February 1940 (USA) morePlot:
Philo is in Vienna working for the US Government to see if Archer Coe is selling aircraft designs to foreign powers... more | add synopsisUser Comments:
Warner Bros. programmer gives Philo Vance role to James Stephenson... moreCast
(Complete credited cast)| James Stephenson | ... | Philo Vance | |
| Margot Stevenson | ... | Hilda Lake | |
| Henry O'Neill | ... | J.P. Markham | |
| Edward Brophy | ... | Ryan | |
| Sheila Bromley | ... | Doris Delafield | |
| Ralph Forbes | ... | Tom McDonald | |
| Donald Douglas | ... | Philip Wrede | |
| Martin Kosleck | ... | Gamble | |
| Jimmy Conlin | ... | Dr. Doremus - Coroner (as Jimmy Conlon) | |
| Edward Raquello | ... | Eduardo Grassi | |
| Creighton Hale | ... | Du Bois - Fingerprint Man | |
| Harry Strang | ... | Hennessey - Markham's Assistant | |
| Richard Kipling | ... | Archer Coe | |
| Wedgwood Nowell | ... | Brisbane Coe | |
| Bo Ling | ... | Ling Toy |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
62 minCountry:
USAColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 moreSound Mix:
MonoFun Stuff
Goofs:
Factual errors: Ralph Forbes is credited onscreen as "Tom MacDonald," but throughout the film, he is called Taylor MacDonald. moreSoundtrack:
I'm Happy About the Whole Thing moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Calling Philo Vance (1940)Recommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Mr. Moto's Last Warning | The Spider Returns | The Falcon's Brother | Marie Galante | The Case of the Curious Bride |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | IMDb Mystery section |
| IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |


While I do like JAMES STEPHENSON as an actor (he was excellent in THE LETTER with Bette Davis), he lacks the sort of debonair charm needed for the role of Philo Vance in CALLING PHILO VANCE. However, that's not integral to your enjoyment of this updating of "The Kennel Murder Case" which was made in '40 when the Nazis were making big strides during World War II.
Secret stolen plans for a bomber falling into the hands of German agents is the crux of the matter here, to the tune of $250,000. The story begins with Vance accepting an assignment in Vienna where he is trying to find out whether Archer Coe is selling aircraft plans to a foreign country. But the main story begins when he's deported to the U.S., escapes authorities and returns to investigate the case for Chief Investigator Markham (HENRY O'NEILL).
The wealthy household where Coe died in a locked room, is at first ruled as the scene of a suicide but soon evidence proves it to be a murder and there are several suspects--among them, RALPH FORBES, DONALD DOUGLAS and MARTIN KOSLECK, in an unusual role as a butler. Kosleck usually played German spies in all the Warner war films.
Under Stanely Clements' direction, the tale moves quickly to an all too abrupt conclusion with very little explanation given for the intricate murder plot. While not exactly plausible, it does make an interesting mystery for who-dun-it fans with some clever touches in the script.
But the main disappointment lies in not having a satisfactory actor in the Philo Vance role.