The Garden Murder Case (1936)

The Garden Murder Case is a 1936 mystery/comedy, the tenth in the Philo Vance film series, following after 1935's The Casino Murder Case. In this entry to the series, Vance is played by Edmund Lowe, and Virginia Bruce co-stars. The film also features Benita Hume, Douglas Walton and Nat Pendleton. It was directed by Edwin L. Marin from a screenplay by Bertram Millhauser based on the 1935 book of the same name by S. S. Van Dine.

Synopsis

Society swell and dilettante detective Philo Vance investigates a number of murders, beginning with the apparent suicide of a jockey during a "gentleman's race", which is followed by the sudden collapse of his father, Dr. Garden, supposedly from the shock of his son's death. Then, Edgar Lowe Hammle, who seems to be at the center of much of the intriguing going on in his mansion, is shot dead. At first suicide is suspected, until Vance notices that there's no powder burns on the body. From the choice of the weapon used, Vance suspects that one of the women involved is the murderer, but when questioned each of them tries to throw suspicion on one of the others.

Actors