The Bishop Murder Case

This film is important for a couple of reasons. First, it is an early talkie, and if you are a student of film, it is essential to watch the transition from silent films to talkies. Some of the characters in this film seemed to think they were still doing silents. Secondly, it stars Basil Rathbone as detective Philo Vance. Philo Vance, a character by S.S. Van Dine, has appeared in many films. The great William Powell played him several times before he did The Thin Man, and here Rathbone does him before he goes on to playing Sherlock Holmes.

Ordinarily, a "B" movie of this quality should be given a lower rating but considering this film was made in 1930, we have an ultra-ordinary hidden gem. The plot is relatively simplistic yet provides the viewer with interesting plot twists, gives insight to Rathbone's future portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, and delights with a spot on effort from the supporting cast. The drawback, as many have noted, is the poor sound track. If viewing this movie on TCM, a quick remedy is to add the subtitle audio option. TCM seems to understand many of the sound problems associated with movies of this era and more often than not have the subtitle option/feature available. Just another reason to give a huge hand of appreciation for TCM's dedication to preserving these national treasures and enhancing the viewers experience. For those who are film buffs of the 30's and 40's, this is an enjoyable experience... Not to mention finally learning "Who killed Cock Robin".

"The Bishop Murder Case" may seem antiquated to modern audiences, but it's worth sitting through for some very effective camera shots (examples: the second and the fourth murder), a twist-and-trick-filled ending, as well as Basil Rathbone's terrific performance as Philo Vance; taller than everyone else in the cast, he is authoritative, suave and convincingly intellectual. Some of the other actors still have the tendency to do grimaces and gestures more befitting of silent films (which is understandable, it was 1930 after all), but others (Philo's two sidekicks, for example) are more modern. Now more widely available for viewing, "The Bishop Murder Case" does require some patience, but it has its rewards. **1/2 out of 4.

Good effort given the primitive technology. This very early talkie does not creak like most of them did, and you believe that the same team could have done much better only a few years later. Check out the innovative scene of Hyams at the three-way mirror. Beautiful scene that directors even today should view for technique. There are several little skilled touches added to this film that make you realize that the only limitation on the talent was the primitive lower-than-low tech. Rathbone and Hyams seem more modern than the movie and they definitely do not creak. Must reluctantly give it a "5" because of old set-bound look of the film and the lack of music but it is rewarding if you can overlook such drawbacks.

Basil Rathbone is a dashing, intense-looking Philo Vance in "The Bishop Murder Case," an early talkie that shows signs of the painful transition from silents. I actually had quite a bit of trouble with the sound. I saw it on television and had difficulty understanding what was being said at times. The film, nevertheless, is very interesting, if only to see Rathbone, with those amazing eyes of his, in his pre-Sherlock Holmes days. His acting is excellent. It was also delightful to see Roland Young. Leila Hyams plays the professor's niece, and she was quite beautiful and effective. It has a good plot as well. Parts of this film came off like a stage play, probably because some of the actors were still adjusting to film technique. And the sound was darned strange. In one of the outdoor scenes, the actors sounded as if they were speaking through megaphones. Nevertheless, Philo Vance fans should certainly enjoy it, as will others from a historical perspective.