This is one of the two Philo Vance films starring Alan Curtis made during the waning days of PRC Pictures (see my review of the other one, PHILO VANCE'S SECRET MISSION). During this period, PRC was also making a series of Michael Shayne films starring Hugh Beaumont, and the Vance films are not unlike those (neither the Vance nor Shayne characters are much like their literary versions, but forget about that and just accept the films on their own terms and you'll enjoy them much more). Alan Curtis played both comedy (Buck Privates, Sue My Lawyer, etc.) and drama (High Sierra, Hitler's Madmen) equally well in his other work, and that skill allows him to be both convincingly tough and effortlessly witty, as this detective character requires. Terry Austin is a seductive but dangerous femme fetale, And PRC regular Frank Jenks is once again the lovable sidekick. The mystery has some clever angles (I like the cold cream and candy dispenser elements... you'll see what I mean in the actual film), there are a number of red herrings thrown in along the way to make things more interesting, and the climax is exciting. Curtis is an excellent Vance and I'm sorry he did not make more Philo Vance films. Still, the two we have are both very good for fans of gritty but witty low-budget, post-World War II detective films and are worth finding.
9 Reviews
PRC's Philo Vance number 2
kevinolzak2 March 2014
1947's "Philo Vance's Gamble" came second in PRC's brief three picture series (shot Nov 1946), but was issued first (Apr 13 '47), again with Alan Curtis as Vance, and Frank Jenks as comic sidekick Ernie Clark, more helpful this time. Almost as good as "Philo Vance's Secret Mission," particularly in its well thought out solution, Vance calls upon smuggler Jeffrey Connor (Dan Seymour) to learn why Connor has been spreading the word that he's hired the great detective as a bodyguard. Right after Connor signs a check for 'pain and suffering,' he is shot dead by an unseen assailant, who swiftly kayos Vance while he's still on the floor. Just like the first feature, Vance must clear himself by solving the mystery, supported by a veteran cast that 'B' movie lovers will appreciate. Returning from "Secret Mission" are Tala Birell (criminally wasted here) and Toni Todd, while Vivian Austin would be back for the third entry, "Philo Vance Returns." Joseph Crehan plays the District Attorney, who actually mentions D. A. Markham, a fixture from all earlier Vance features. Other capable performers include Cliff Clark, James Burke, Gavin Gordon, Francis Pierlot, Grady Sutton, and especially Karolyn Grimes, coming off her iconic role as little Zuzu in "It's a Wonderful Life." William Wright would take over the title role in the PRC finale, "Philo Vance Returns," making one regret the absence of Alan Curtis, the only actor other than William Powell to play Philo Vance on screen more than once.
Alan Curtis Isn't Philo Vance
boblipton5 March 2019
Dan Seymour has set up a syndicate to fence a stolen emerald. He plans to cheat them all -- investors and girlfriend and fly off to South America. Alan Curtis as Philo Vance takes an interest; Seymour told theres of the syndicate he had hired Curtis to guard the emerald. Curtis meets him in Seymour's study. While they speak, the lights go out, two shots are fired and Seymour is dead.
As with the other two PRC Philo Vances, it's a well-constructed mystery if not exquisitely produced. Curtis still doesn't look or act anything like the Philo Vance of S.S. Van Dyne's books. He's a middle-class PI who knows all sorts of interesting people. Basil Wrangell directs for speed and efficiency, and the number of interesting performers is kept to a mimmum : Grady Sutton as a secretary, Joseph Crehan as the District Attorney, and Tala Birell as a suspect. At an hour's length, it does what a mystery movie is supposed to do, but no more.
As with the other two PRC Philo Vances, it's a well-constructed mystery if not exquisitely produced. Curtis still doesn't look or act anything like the Philo Vance of S.S. Van Dyne's books. He's a middle-class PI who knows all sorts of interesting people. Basil Wrangell directs for speed and efficiency, and the number of interesting performers is kept to a mimmum : Grady Sutton as a secretary, Joseph Crehan as the District Attorney, and Tala Birell as a suspect. At an hour's length, it does what a mystery movie is supposed to do, but no more.
Solid Effort
dpalmer-219 April 2000
I thought Philo Vance's Gamble was a very solid effort, especially for a movie that is a long way down the list of Philo Vance films done. It was a solid mystery, with a little comic relief, good acting and a better than average cast.
I have seen almost all of the Philo Vance films, and besides two or three of the early ones (Kennel Murder Case is a classic), this is one of the better films in the long running series.
I have seen almost all of the Philo Vance films, and besides two or three of the early ones (Kennel Murder Case is a classic), this is one of the better films in the long running series.
Above-average low-budget private-eye yarn, with a double-surprise ending
gridoon202422 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I agree with the previous two reviews: "Philo Vance's Gamble" is one of the better movies of its kind. The script is smart in both its plotting (which cleverly fools the viewer) and its dialogue ("You know I have a dozen of these, right?" - "Yeah, but now I have only 11 more to worry about"). The direction is not phenomenal in any way (with this kind of budget, how could it be?), but it does keep the film moving along without any dull moments. And the cast is competent - in the case of Terry Austin, more than that: she goes beyond the call of duty and gives a masterful performance. The ending holds two major surprises, the first is not that surprising and you may find yourself thinking "Is that it?"....and then, the REAL surprise hits you! It makes sense that this film, "Philo Vance's Secret Mission" and "Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back" (1947) are all written by the same person (Lawrence Taylor) - all three films have way above average mystery stories. **1/2 out of 4.
Just okay...which is actually pretty good for PRC!
planktonrules23 December 2017
Tiny, ultra-low budget PRC made three Philo Vance movies in 1947. While "Philo Vance's Gamble" was the third one released, it was the second one they made....which must have confused a few folks since the final installment (which appeared second) starred a different actor. Now considering they were made by PRC, they aren't that bad...I certainly expected much worse!
The story concerns a stolen emerald and folks who are associated with it suddenly dying. Vance is pulled into the story when the low-life trying to sell it tries to hire him and ultimately he's able to figure out who's killed who.
While this film is very simple and far from great, it is mildly interesting and reasonably well written. For fans of B-mysteries, it's worth seeing. For everyone else, it's a time-passer at best.
The story concerns a stolen emerald and folks who are associated with it suddenly dying. Vance is pulled into the story when the low-life trying to sell it tries to hire him and ultimately he's able to figure out who's killed who.
While this film is very simple and far from great, it is mildly interesting and reasonably well written. For fans of B-mysteries, it's worth seeing. For everyone else, it's a time-passer at best.
Thou shalt not take the name of Philo Vance in vain
bkoganbing27 May 2015
Although this PRC film had its usual bottom of the barrel production values, Philo Vance Gambles might have been a much better film had it been done at a major studio like the previous Vance movies were. Alan Curtis is the urbane and dapper detective who resents false rumors going out about him.
Dan Seymour plays one of his usual oily crooks, he's a jewel thief who has a valuable emerald and he's put out the rumor that Alan Curtis is on his payroll. Not a rumor that Curtis wants to have circulating especially after Seymour and his girlfriend Tala Birrell are bumped off.
Given Vance's outstanding record of solving difficult cases the DA gives him a chance to be his own client. Do you doubt that Philo Vance will solve the murders which total three by the end of the film?
Alan Curtis is hardly William Powell who is more my idea of what Philo Vance should be like. Still he does the job and sad it wasn't in a better produced film.
Dan Seymour plays one of his usual oily crooks, he's a jewel thief who has a valuable emerald and he's put out the rumor that Alan Curtis is on his payroll. Not a rumor that Curtis wants to have circulating especially after Seymour and his girlfriend Tala Birrell are bumped off.
Given Vance's outstanding record of solving difficult cases the DA gives him a chance to be his own client. Do you doubt that Philo Vance will solve the murders which total three by the end of the film?
Alan Curtis is hardly William Powell who is more my idea of what Philo Vance should be like. Still he does the job and sad it wasn't in a better produced film.
"You smell like a chorus girl the day after Christmas"
hwg1957-102-26570410 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
An OK mystery with Alan Curtis as Philo Vance, unlike the book version but more just a routine private investigator who takes his whiskey straight, no soda or ice. He gets involved with a group of greedy people after a precious emerald which eventually involves murder. The identity of the murderer wasn't too difficult to surmise. The acting on the whole is reasonable. Grady Sutton stood out for me in a small but hilarious role as Mr Willetts, always filing his nails. There should have been more of him. Also solid as Lt. Burke was James Burke, which is no surprise as he seemed to have played mostly policemen in his long film career. One of three Philo Vance films released by the Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC) whose output was mainly unremarkable.
Formula Vance - verging on Charlie Chan formula
Bernie444413 January 2024
Based on the character created in the 12 crime novels written by S. S. Van Dine.
Story by Lawrence Edmund Taylor.
Screenplay by Eugene Conrad and Arthur St. Claire.
Vance must track down a gang of jewel thieves that have besmirched his good name. Naturally, the most suspected thieves are dispatched just as you think "That is the one." But of course, we always know it is the last one(s) that you least suspect. It might even be the butler.
Philo Vance is played by Alan Curtis; he played Philo Vance in other movies. He is o.k. But there have been better Vance's including Warren William The Dragon Murder Case (1934) and William Powell The Kennel Murder Case (1933).
Playing Vance's sidekick partner is Ernie Clark played by Frank Jenks is tossed in for comic relief (as if it was needed.)
All-in-all this is a fair Vance for its time. (1947)
Story by Lawrence Edmund Taylor.
Screenplay by Eugene Conrad and Arthur St. Claire.
Vance must track down a gang of jewel thieves that have besmirched his good name. Naturally, the most suspected thieves are dispatched just as you think "That is the one." But of course, we always know it is the last one(s) that you least suspect. It might even be the butler.
Philo Vance is played by Alan Curtis; he played Philo Vance in other movies. He is o.k. But there have been better Vance's including Warren William The Dragon Murder Case (1934) and William Powell The Kennel Murder Case (1933).
Playing Vance's sidekick partner is Ernie Clark played by Frank Jenks is tossed in for comic relief (as if it was needed.)
All-in-all this is a fair Vance for its time. (1947)
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