Penguin Pool Murder (1932)

James Gleason is always a treat to watch, but the real star is Edna May Oliver. Not only the role of life time for Ms. Oliver but what a duo they make. This is wonderfully written repartee as well as being a strong whodunit.

The 1930's produced many mysteries [ The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes] of which a few would be counted with the best ever made; though the former is not one of the best, it is a joy to watch and listen to. From start to finish this film crackles with wit and is filled with visual tics and quirks that lead us to the conclusion that these are two souls that we will not soon want to forget.

Helen Broderick tried unsuccessfully to fill Ms. Oliver's shoes in the fourth and final installment of the Withers' series "Murder on a Bridle Path" but there was no chemistry between Gleason and Broderick as well as the fact, that it was not a well written entry. It just goes to show, that Edna May and Gleason shone as a crime fighting duet and as unlikely romantic leads.