The Kennel Murder Case

The Kennel Murder Case, based on the 1933 novel of the same name by S.S. Van Dine, is a 1933 film noir mystery directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Brian Aherne as the renowned detective Philo Vance. The movie, also known as the 18th Philo Vance film, revolves around the intriguing and complex investigation carried out by the intelligent and eccentric detective. The film begins in New York City, where we are introduced to the wealthy and influential collector, William Plummer, who is well-known for his exquisite taste in art and antiques. Plummer is an infamous figure due to his unscrupulous business dealings, which have led to numerous enemies over the years. On a fateful evening, Plummer is found dead in his private study by his nephew, who stumbles upon the crime scene while trying to retrieve a valuable Chinese vase. When the police investigation reaches a dead end, Philo Vance is called to the scene, where he is accompanied by his prized Scottish terrier, Chop-o-keet. Vance is intrigued by the case and decides to take the responsibility of solving the murder, despite his initial skepticism about the seemingly impossible circumstances surrounding the crime. During the autopsy, it becomes apparent that the murderer could only have entered and exited the study through a locked door that had remained sealed throughout the murder, leading many to conclude that the killer must have been able to pass through the solid wall, thereby rendering the door superfluous. This enigmatic event piques Vance's interest, and he becomes increasingly fascinated by the intricate puzzle that lies before him. Vance interviews the suspects, including Plummer's nephew, several business associates, and various acquaintances who have been involved with the victim in the past. As the investigation unfolds, Vance discovers a trail of seemingly inconsequential clues that he believes hold the keys to unraveling the mystery. Among the various suspects, Vance takes particular notice of an antique dealer who had been trying to purchase the valuable Chinese vase from Plummer. The dealer's reputation as a collector of exquisite art pieces seems authentic, yet Vance is wary of the dealer's seemingly innocent intentions and decides to investigate further. Throughout the investigation, Vance's keen observations and insightful deductions allow him to piece together a complex web of events and motives surrounding the murder. As the case unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that the crime scene's seemingly impossible circumstances were merely a ruse to conceal the true identity of the killer. A cleverly constructed red herring further distracts the investigation, and Vance finds himself having to outsmart multiple suspects and narrow down his list of potential perpetrators. Ultimately, Vance uncovers the identity of the murderer and the motive behind the gruesome crime through a series of intricate and logical deductions. As Vance reveals the truth behind the murder, it becomes clear that the seemingly impossible circumstances surrounding the locked room were merely a clever deception to cover up the killer's escape route. The intricate solution of the crime hinges on a combination of cunning and clever use of misdirection on the part of the killer. The Kennel Murder Case showcases the intellectual prowess and analytical mind of Philo Vance as he methodically dissects the complex case, piecing together subtle evidence to ultimately unveil the truth behind Plummer's horrific murder. The film is a prime example of a classic film noir mystery and serves as a testament to Vance's remarkable investigative skills in one of the most intriguing locked-room murders of the 1930s.