William Powell’s second talkie and first leading role. He plays Philo Vance, a dilettante detective who uses “psychology” to solve the locked-room murder of a notorious showgirl.

Powell’s great, delivering an early version of the urbane sleuth he’d perfect in the Thin Man film series. Bonus points for the script’s good red herrings and extended poker scene. Look fast for Pat O’Brien¹ as a desk sergeant. Followed by The Greene Murder Case.