The Bishop Murder Case

Another one of S.S. Van Dine's swell mystery stories comes to the screen. Since this was made my Metro-Goldwyn and Bill Powell is a Paramount star, they had to find another Philo Vance. Basil Rathbone plays him well—but his performance doesn't equal Powell's characterization. The production is excellent and this story of wholesale murder to the accompaniment of mysteriously worded nursery rhymes is absorbing in movie form. Excellent performances by Alec Francis, George Marion and Leila Hyams. You will miss Bill Powell, but this mystery film is well worth seeing.

—New Movie, March 1930

The Bishop Murder Case

With Paramount already having proved the S.S. Van Dine Philo Vance stories excellent screen mystery entertainment, M-G-M cinches the proposition with "The Bishop Murder Case." One studio seems to have done as well as the other in translating these master-mind detective yarns to the screen, with Paramount's edge being that William Powell makes a better Philo than M-G-M's candidate, Basil Rathbone. Also Eugene Pallette has more on the Van Dine dumb dick character than has James Donlon of the M-G-M version. Offsetting which, Roland Young gives a performance in the present instance which has not been equalled by any of the supporting cast in the Paramount Vance offerings.

Why, however, these stories are forthcoming from two studios is not easily understood. Illusion certainly will be destroyed for both by seeing the same man thus portrayed by different actors.

As with the run of Van Dine's yarns, this one doesn't depend on the thrill stuff for its effectiveness. There is an absence of sliding panels, groping hands, sudden shrieks and the like. It is a mental gymnastic for the audience, with several murders interspersed to increase the tangle and to bring suspicions of various of the characters to an abrupt halt.

Because of the familiarity of the series and their likeness in general structure, there is no need to rehearse the story here. Suffice to say that suspicion is well cast about, four characters having the accusing finer definitely pointing at them at different periods of the story. The denouement is well calculated to surprise exceedingly, and yet is extremely logical. In other words a first-rate story. Love interest is nil.

EXHIBITORS' VIEWPOINT: Another of the Class A mystery films, and as such a mighty good booking for houses where this stuff draws. Of course it's great for the kids.

PRODUCERS' VIEWPOINT: With the exception of not eliminating confusion as to the relationship of several characters to one another in the beginning, and coincidentally not definitely explaining their status in the situations evolving, direction by Nick Grinde and David Burton was up to all demands. Requirements were for straightaway story development only, with no nuances of emotionalism, and this they did well. For which they are to be commended heartily, as that is what is wanted by mystery story audiences.

CASTING DIRECTORS' VIEWPOINT: Basil Rathbone gives a highly polished and convincing performance of Vance, and whether or not his characterization is preferable to that of Powell will largely depend upon taste, though, in this reviewer's opinion, Powell's work is the better.

Roland Young is the most striking figure in the picture, again displaying his distinctive personality to high advantage and handling his assignment with a convincing case.

Leila Hyams is blondily the girl. James Donlon was assigned the task of being the chief laugh-getter, and accounted for all of his chances. Alec B. Francis brings his usual artistry to his part, and Zelda Sears makes a short role stand out.

Others worthy of special mention for good work include George Marion, Charles Quartermaine and Clarence Geldert. Completing the cast satisfactorily are Carroll Nye, Bodil Rosing, Sydney Bracey, Delmar Davis and Nellie Bly Baker.

—Inside Facts of Stage and Screen, March 8, 1930

The Bishop Murder Case

Here is an ideal program picture. an ingenious mystery story, good direction, exceedingly intelligent dialog, and S.S. Van Dine's name to draw them in.

There isn't much use in trying to explain a Van Dine plot in anything less than a book of equal length. Suffice to say that this is another Van Dine story. The murders are a bit less bloody than usual, but just as effective.

As mystery stories go, this isn't as curdling as usual. Even though your house isn't strong on blood-and-thunder stories this shouldn't be passed up because of its title. It is a collected, even, intellectual film that will pull word-of-mouth trade as the week progresses.

—N. K.

—Exhibitor's Herald-World, February 8, 1930

Bishop Murder Case

Definitely following the regulation formula of the Van Dine mysteries, "The Bishop Murder Case" has been finely handled. It's a substantial attraction for the week runs, and will entertain in all types of houses. audience partial to murder mysteries will cling to their seats.

Philo Vance, S.S. Van Dine's detective character, is brought in to solve a murder. During the unraveling, four other characters are murdered.

With no outstanding picture names for "draw" qualities, the picture nevertheless has a most capable group of players. Excellent characterizations are provided by Roland Young, Alec Francis, George Marion, Charles Quartermaine, Clarence Geldert and James Donlan. Basil Rathbone is rather stiff as Vance, while Leila Hyams provides a slight romantic interest. Directors Nick Grinde and David Burton sustained interest and provided a fast tempo.

—Walter R. Greene, Motion Picture News, November 16, 1929