While there were not that many filmed Philo Vance mysteries, THE GARDEN MURDER CASE is a standout in the series and, perhaps, a close second to the dynamic KENNEL MURDER CASE that starred William Powell. This is an elaborate murder mystery with the dapper Edmond Lowe doing the honors as the master detective. The only debit in this case is quite obvious as Lowe did not continue the series, which needed a debonair gent, and he definitely fit the bill. Beautiful Virginia Bruce plays the damsel in distress, naturally suspected of murder and the object of Lowe's affection. They make a superior couple, too. This screenplay is extremely clever, dealing with hypnotism, and is similar in concept to THE WOMAN IN GREEN, a Sherlock Holmes entry, starring Basil Rathbone (and yes, he too played Philo Vance!) which makes us armchair detectives lean in the direction that the writers at Universal may have "borrowed" a few ideas from this screenplay to keep their famous detective in business! Another interesting footnote is that the hilarious Nat Pendleton was cast as the long arm of the law(!), quite the same type of role he played in the original THIN MAN. Those casting directors were an intuitive bunch! Whatever the case, THE GARDEN MURDER case will keep your attention through and through, a tad campy at times, and guessing the murderer is worth the wait. Add this one to your dvd collection.