The Dragon Murder Case (1934)

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Warren William

Philo Vance

Margaret Lindsay

Bernice

Lyle Talbot

Dale Leland

Eugene Pallette

Sgt. Heath

Helen Lowell

Mrs. Stamm

Robert McWade

Markham

Robert Barrat

Rudolph Stamm

Dorothy Tree

Ruby Steele

George E. Stone

Ken Tatum

Etienne Girardot

Dr. Doremus

George Meeker

Monty Montague

Robert Warwick

Dr. Halliday

William B. Davidson

Greeff
(as William Davidson)

Arthur Aylesworth

Trainor - Stamm's Butler

Charles C. Wilson

Detective Hennessey
(as Charles Wilson)

Milton Kibbee

Service Station Attendant
(uncredited)

Wilfred Lucas

Police Sergeant
(uncredited)

Sam McDaniel

Steam Room Attendant
(uncredited)

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Trivia
Tropical fish were not as yet popular in Southern California, but they were called for in the script as one of the film's most important sets was a solarium filled with fish tanks, most remarkably, Siamese fighting fish. Pet stores did not stock them as there was no demand. Then an advanced collector located in the San Fernando Valley agreed to have his collection rented. The appearance of tropical fish in "The Dragon Murder Case" was the spark that boosted tropical fish sales nationwide.

Goofs
When Vance is in the Stamm Family Vault, the only source of light is his flashlight. He bends over and moves down toward the floor to pick something up. The circular light should get smaller as he moves closer to the floor, but it doesn't.

Quotes
Dr. Doremus: [to Markham, angered that there is no body] I can't perform an autopsy on a theory! I'm a coroner, not a philosopher!

Connections
Followed by The Casino Murder Case (1935)

Soundtracks
Without That Certain Thing
(1933) (uncredited)
Written by Max Nesbitt and Harry Nesbitt
Played during the first scene in the house

Philo Vance (Warren William) investigates a cursed swimming pool. It's called the dragon pool because there is supposedly a killer dragon in it! Extremely interesting idea elevates this murder mystery. Nice cast too. Warren William is good. It's amusing to me how there seems to be little consensus on Philo Vance's character in these films. He seems to change personality depending on who is playing him. This is probably why he's one of my least favorites of the classic mystery film detectives. But I do enjoy Warren William so I enjoyed this. Eugene Palette reprises his role as Sgt. Heath and he's always fun. Also returning is Etienne Girardot as the coroner Doremus. I love this actor. He's hilarious! The lovely Margaret Lindsay appears as one of the suspects, as does character actor George E. Stone. Lyle Talbot plays a half-Indian apparently. He doesn't look it but they keep referencing it so I thought I'd throw that in there. Short runtime helps keep the pace tight. Good old school detective flick. Fans of them will enjoy this one.