There was no way that the Character of the reporter played here by Bruce Cabot would become another Nick Charles and b solving murder mysteries in films yet to come. The vehicle that introduces his character is dull, tacky, and in spite of a good setup only has one sequence that is even remotely memorable. Elderly wealthy patriarch Charles Grapewin contacts his ungrateful family together, preparing to rewrite his will, and this leads to the family and its entirety being threatened by being murdered one by one. Grapewin survived long enough to see another family member go before him, but very little action occurs until one horrifying murder occurs that must be seen to fully be appreciated.
With Margaret Lindsay as Grapewin'a daughter who eventually becomes involved with Cabot, the film is set up as a B "Thin Man" knock off. Unfortunately, it lacks in humor and suspense, and a good cast of supporting players are sadly wasted. Joseph Calleia, Stanley Ridges, Vivienne Os orne and George Zucco give their all, but there's too many red herrings to make the outcome remotely interesting. the fascinating title also creates an even bigger disappointment because that made it appear that it would be deliciously cynical and sardonic, but unfortunately neither of those qualities are ever present in the script.
With Margaret Lindsay as Grapewin'a daughter who eventually becomes involved with Cabot, the film is set up as a B "Thin Man" knock off. Unfortunately, it lacks in humor and suspense, and a good cast of supporting players are sadly wasted. Joseph Calleia, Stanley Ridges, Vivienne Os orne and George Zucco give their all, but there's too many red herrings to make the outcome remotely interesting. the fascinating title also creates an even bigger disappointment because that made it appear that it would be deliciously cynical and sardonic, but unfortunately neither of those qualities are ever present in the script.