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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1533

The Canary Murder Case

192982 minUnited States

Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: English
This copy runs: 79:42
Subtitles: No subtitle track in this language

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Malcolm St. Clair · Public domain

Synopsis

A showgirl's blackmail schemes leave several people with reasons to want her dead. After she is strangled, Philo Vance must separate the suspects' movements and motives from the apparent evidence.

Cast

William Powell

Jean Arthur

James Hall

Louise Brooks

DirectorsMalcolm St. Clair

Behind the scenes

Initially filmed silently, the production was converted to sound during Paramount's rapid transition to talking pictures. William Powell's first appearance as Vance helped establish the detective's screen career.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 16, 2026.

Photograph credit

Photographs cropped, resized and optimized as WebP, displayed in monochrome.

William Powell — George Hurrell for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer · Public domain
Jean Arthur — Unknown studio photographer · Public domain
James Hall — Photoplay Magazine · Public domain
Louise Brooks — Unknown author Unknown author; https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000315/mediaviewer/rm1371521025/?ref_=nmmi_mi_all_100 · Public domain

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