Although using an almost identical plot and characters, this slackly directed thriller generally comes across as a ruthlessly pedestrian re-working of The Canary Murder Case. True, the original was snowed under with talk, but this uncredited re-make is even worse. As far as action is concerned, only the car crash has equal impact in both movies. In Glen Athol, however, not only does the direction seem twice as dull and the incessant dialogue five times as wearisome, but most (though not all) of the players rate as far inferior to William Powell and company.
To everyone's surprise, this generally lackluster re-visit does provide two significant exceptions in the acting department. Iris Adrian gives Louise Brookswould you believe?a real run for her money here and definitely comes out way ahead. Of course, Iris has the advantage of using her own voice, but she also wears a dazzlingly slinky costume that makes Miss Brooks' outfit seem almost Victorian. Furthermore, Iris is allowed more screen time to establish her character.
Also benefiting from a similar character expansion is the lovely Irene Ware who easily outclasses the dowdily photographed and costumed Jean Arthur.
But otherwise, The Canary Murder Case, while it certainly has its share of defects, is definitely the superior film. Even William Powell at his second best is miles ahead of John Miljan. And as for wearisome James Burtis who obnoxiously plays Miljan's Man Friday as a Heath-like stooge, the least said the better!
To everyone's surprise, this generally lackluster re-visit does provide two significant exceptions in the acting department. Iris Adrian gives Louise Brookswould you believe?a real run for her money here and definitely comes out way ahead. Of course, Iris has the advantage of using her own voice, but she also wears a dazzlingly slinky costume that makes Miss Brooks' outfit seem almost Victorian. Furthermore, Iris is allowed more screen time to establish her character.
Also benefiting from a similar character expansion is the lovely Irene Ware who easily outclasses the dowdily photographed and costumed Jean Arthur.
But otherwise, The Canary Murder Case, while it certainly has its share of defects, is definitely the superior film. Even William Powell at his second best is miles ahead of John Miljan. And as for wearisome James Burtis who obnoxiously plays Miljan's Man Friday as a Heath-like stooge, the least said the better!