last Philo Vance film that MGM would make; the series was picked up by Warner Bros. for two films, and then Producers Releasing Corporation for three films. Critical response On Allmovie, Craig Butler wrote that "Although filmed on a budget, production values are decent, with some especially noteworthy art deco settings" but calls Edwin L. Marin's direction "rather pedestrian". Edmund Lowe's performance as Philo Vance "bring[s] his personal style to the role and giv[es] it a small twist here and there that adds fun without violating the character's inner nature." Turner Classic Movies comments that Lowe was "well past his leading man heyday and ten years older than Philo Vance's stated age." References Notes External links 1936 films American mystery drama films American black-and-white films Films based on American novels Films based on mystery novels Films directed by Edwin L. Marin Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films 1930s mystery drama films 1936 drama films 1930s English-language films 1930s American films Philo Vance films