1930 WHODUNIT? William Powell in The Benson Murder Case Paul Lukas Natalie Moorhead Movie

Hello! The Benson Murder case is a great "WhoDunIt" Classic Movie. It stars the wonderful William Powell, (slinky) Natalie Morehead, (gruff-voiced) Eugene Pallette, Paul Lukas, and more...
This story takes place during and after the Stock Market Crash of '29. Many people are ruined because of a low-life investor who gave cause for his clients to want revenge. He still has his beautiful place in the country, money, servants...This home of his is the visual setting for this Classic Philo Vance story, made into an early Talkie movie.
Enjoy!
More William Powell Classics to come :)
Cast (in credits order)
William Powell William Powell ...
Philo Vance
William 'Stage' Boyd William 'Stage' Boyd ...
Harry Gray (as William Boyd)
Eugene Pallette Eugene Pallette ...
Sgt. Ernest Heath
Paul Lukas Paul Lukas ...
Adolph Mohler
Natalie Moorhead Natalie Moorhead ...
Fanny Del Roy
Richard Tucker Richard Tucker ...
Anthony Benson
May Beatty May Beatty ...
Mrs. Paula Banning
E.H. Calvert E.H. Calvert ...
Dist. Atty. John F.X. Markham
Mischa Auer
Albert Brecker (uncredited)
Perry Ivins
Print Dealer (uncredited)
Charles McMurphy
Detective Burke (uncredited)
Guy Oliver
Captain Hagedorn (uncredited)
Dick Rush
Detective Welch (uncredited)
Otto Yamaoka
Sam (uncredited)

[@ludditeneaderthal]

the way they illustrated the crash is almost surrealism! what a classic cinematic device... i honestly can never see this "too many times". awesome choice, thanks for sharing this constellation of maximum magnitude stars!

[@scottdellrobinson]

I drove my uncle's Ford model T to the movie theater to watch this movie. I was the only one in the theater. It was the first show. I was 19 when it came out, right before the depression :)

[@DavidRice111]

@RS (a liar)

[@misskim2058]

Wow, that’s pretty cool!

[@martas9283]

Born in 1910?? Everlasting alright

[@kathrynhighlander9893]

​@@martas9283 comment was made 4 yrs ago, which would make commenter 90. It's possible.

[@martas9283]

@@kathrynhighlander9893 depending on his birthday, and the infirmation: first show, film launched in 1930, the man must have been born in either 1910 or 1911. To me that adds up to between 108 and 109 in 2019, which is pretty everlasting. Shall we give him the benefit of the doubt :)

[@elizabethmerriman531]

The old actors, style of clothes, furniture & even the sound of the manufactured thunderstorm...love it! Thank you so much!

[@amycarmichael2748]

Love old movies!! Nothing better. And I watch everything with William Powell in it!!!

[@robynconway1286]

William Powell is a Dreamboat. Apparently the love of his life died in her mid 20s. Jean Harlow. She was gorgeous also.

[@franniealbaugh1298]

More William Powell please! I love anything I see him in. Such a talented actor. Thank you for sharing.

[@stephenoconnor9904]

When they cast William Powell in this 1930 Release, they hit the nail, right on the head with this one, didn't they.

[@misskim2058]

Yes, he was great in everything he did, solid and reliably well-suited to his roles. And he was always professional, as was Carole Lombard. Whether married or divorced, they were lovely to see together. In these early films, we watch him go from very good to great, and polish himself to a brilliant shine.

[@tinaarko6625]

Love William Powell, watch anything he is in. Thank you!

[@one4allfour1]

I'm so glad you stopped by to watch this great Classic, Tina! I feel the way you do about William Powell movies. He has a way of engaging you as you watch, you know? (I always feel calmer as I watch his suaveness or is it suavity? and low-keyed acting. Such a talented Gentleman, William Powell.) I'm always looking for more movies of his for you and other Subscribers to enjoy! Have a great evening!

[@geraldglover6365]

I agree Tina. I think he was the most underrated actor ever. He got good parts, but his personal problems and health kept him from really shining as a star.

[@sheilabarfield3849]

Me also! Great actor!

[@marisadallavalle393]

Totally agree with you, Tina Arko, one of the best actors ever.

[@marilynbaylis524]

It’s nice to see these older movies. Thank you for bring them back to watch. ❤️👏👏👍

[@anthonycrnkovich5241]

That's one essential thing movies lack today - distinctive character actors with class.

[@YOGI-yl4ff]

Won't even mention the trash they offer on TV. Mesa, AZ May 14, 2022

[@goldgeologist5320]

And quality writing of a story and script!

[@cynthiatucker2147]

Detective Vance solved the murder. It’s amazing. He didn’t miss any clues.

[@VeraLowdermilk-kj8sn]

Fascinating to watch and so intriguing. Modern movies are seldom able to create such quality films even with all their special effects.

[@deborahbranson6053]

William Powell was a great actor and one of my favorites I loved these kind of movies with him in it

[@gabrielleschmidt1435]

I love these old movies!

[@AceMoonshot]

Powell had such great diction. He was great on the radio dramas too.

[@one4allfour1]

You’re right! And how nice to hear from someone who also listens to OTR 👍🏼

[@dianemarshack9215]

I love William Powell in fact I love old movies from the 30 and the 40s...maybe because they were made before I was born ❤

[@jackiebayliss]

Agreed.

[@patriciapalmer1377]

Made at the beginning of The Depression, I'm always mindful of how dear the money was to see a movie and how desperate the public was for a brief interlude from it. Thank God for Hollywood, it provided that for many, at a decent cost. June 2022

[@narvelancoleman3813]

Thanks for posting this gem from the Golden Era of Hollywood. William Powell is one of my absolute favorites.....so suave, debonair.....and the best dresser on Film! He once gave Jean Harlow an 80+ carat, Blue Star Sapphire Ring. When he was wooing Norma Shearer to marry him........he gave her a beautiful crystal glass front, hand carved mahogany chest filled with beautiful assortments of expensive, designer perfumes. It was absolutely breath taking! The chest was like a piece of furniture on four legs, and had several shelves. Some of those bottles were very large one of a kind. I would have married him in a heart beat!

[@one4allfour1]

What great stories, Narvelan! William Powell must have had a wonderfully romantic imagination :)) Your description of that dresser is great. I imagine the salaries of movie stars even back then would have enabled them to give very costly gifts. Thanks for watching, Narvelan! Make yourself at home on my channel :))

[@narvelancoleman3813]

Thank you.....you are so kind! I am soooooo enjoying your channel. If you watch Joan Crawford in "Queen Bee," there is a scene in her bedroom; and there is a chest filled with perfume very similar (if not the same), to the one belonging to Norma Shearer. Researching the lives of these bigger than life, silver screeners is so much fun! At one point in time....I think way before the 40's....somehow our big movie stars were not paying income tax; and they had the studio production set designers/costumers who would decorate their beautiful homes. Check out the website for 'Joseff of Hollywood,' for a pictorial history on ALL of the magnificent jewelry used in Hollywood films....so fascinating! Thanks again for giving us quality films!

[@one4allfour1]

Oh my such wonderful information--thank you so much!! I love learning about different and interesting movie-making facts--what took place in each era ;))

[@one4allfour1]

(Haha--"Federal" Express! ) Great point and interesting information about when the Income Tax was established. I've read about and listened to people talk about tax agents coming to a person's residence to tax what they purchased during the year. The lengths people went to to hide purchases were astounding--and understandable! I've also read that income tax was also not a mandatory tax at one time! Zowee!

[@lesizmor9079]

Narvelan-- 1930 was not the "Golden Age of Hollywood". They were just getting started then; talkies only began 2 years earlier. The late 30's into 40's is considered Hollywood's golden age.

[@anthonymorelli1532]

I REMEMBER WATCHING THE THIN MAN AS A KID WITH MY MOM AND DAD LOVED ALL WILLIAM POWELL MOVIES THEN AND STILL DO THESE ARE ACTORS anD WHAT GREAT MOVIES ARE KEEP THEM COMING

[@tammygrayson233]

I feel in love with William Powell,Love watching him in his movies

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

Excellent in every way. I love the way movies were made and stories were told before the 1960's. It was pretty much downhill after that.

[@one4allfour1]

I agree with you, and, I’m so glad you enjoyed this movie!

[@kathleenmckeithen118]

@@one4allfour1 😊

[@spankyd6]

william powell is the greatest at his crime solving roles (e.g. philo vance, nick charles, my two favorites). he had a style all his own. and, getting all the suspects together in order to announce the 'who' in the 'who dunnit' was classic. i've seen most of powell's works, and i have always enjoyed watcing him. he was suave, debonair, and just plain cool. he would also have been, i believe, a husband of jean harlow, if she would have lived, and he would have divorced the wife he had at the time. Thanks for you posts, i have greatly enjoyed many of them.

[@one4allfour1]

I'm so glad you're enjoying these Classics! Thank you for watching and for your comment :)) I, too, love any movie with William Powell and can watch them over and over for the same reasons you like him! Thanks for watching! I'll be adding more William Powell movies very soon, among other greats, and little known treasures :))

[@chicagogyrl4846]

He did divorce his wife! He met Carol Lombard in 1930, then asked her for a divorce. They divorced in 1931. They were together for three years, so if they wanted to marry, they could have, he married his wife Diana after knowing her for three weeks! He divorced in 1933, and was reported to be with Harlow in 1934, but I believe they were seeing each other while he was still married, hence the divorce.

[@dianeschmidt661]

He and Jean Harlow were engaged when she died.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Not a bad old "B" feature. Worth watching if you enjoy these 1930's films. Regards. September, 2023.

[@ronaldstrange8981]

Hello there. Your kind reply to my comment dated September, has just arrived. This is December 5th! Did appreciate it.

[@RJ-tx2kz]

It is a very interesting story, with good actors as well. I also appreciate the posting of this film.

[@WJack97224]

Eugene Pallette is one of my favorite actors. Thanks for posting.

[@praggypopsqa4652]

I love the way set designers used to arrange rooms. I still take design cues from these old school movies (without the wonderful antiques though. =(

[@one4allfour1]

I so agree, Praggy Pops! I’ve learned as much from Classic Movie Art Directors like Cedric Gibbons, as from my daughter who is an Interior Designer in New York ;)). Love, love the antiques, too (sigh).

[@billiewilson5197]

I love William 💥 In every movie I've ever seen him in. 👍🏾💕

[@chicagogyrl4846]

The quick summary is greatly appreciated! I actually found this movie on a different channel, but with no summary, so I searched for it in order to see if another channel had it with a summary. Yours does, so I will watch this on your channel!

[@one4allfour1]

Thank you! So glad you let me know that my summaries are helpful~Enjoy!

[@chicagogyrl4846]

@@one4allfour1 👍🏼🤗

[@wildwoman2able]

GREAT, thankyou! 😚

[@devonseamoor]

Great Vance-episode. Apart from Powell's elegance, and strength of character, there are funny little scenes, such as the man trying to sell Japanese prints, while police men walked in and out, and Vance examined the jewel box. Or the hilarious bedroom scene with mother and son in a game of make belief 🤥 The sound of the storm, rather overdone by a windmachine, made me laugh as well.😂

[@lindamarie6574]

thank you so much for uploading this, i love these older movies!

[@lisashapiro4714]

Love these old films

[@doreen0]

Wow was there a lot of talking in this movie it was nonstop and a pretty clever detective also he must've been the one that wrote the story well I gotta give it a four stars thank you for sharing one4allfour1 👍🏼👍🏼. 🙂🙋🏽🇨🇦

[@one4allfour1]

You’re so welcome :D

[@Ourladyrules]

excellent, i'd not seen this one before. Eugene Pallet is always fun too.

[@robertwierzbicki7183]

I Loved William Powell Movies So Much , I Named My Youngest Nick Charles.

[@one4allfour1]

That’s wonderful!

[@pkt7050]

Oooo, I’ve been looking for this one. Thank you so much! Love William Powell... sighhh.

[@one4allfour1]

Just saw your comment. You’re so welcome PK T! I’m really glad you stopped by to watch this William Powell Classic :D

[@richardlake5116]

What a wonderful movie , thanks so much for the post

[@one4allfour1]

You’re so welcome!

[@charylliss1721]

I ❤️ William Powell... Thin Man My Man Godfrey

[@C.Hawkshaw]

Yay! I ❤ William Powell !

[@Ourladyrules]

❤❤❤ Natalie Moorehead too 🧓🥂

[@mrsbrojoe]

Love love love elegant & urbane William Powell ~ thanks so much for posting :-)

[@one4allfour1]

You're welcome, mrsbrojoe! I'm so glad you enjoyed this Classic Movie :))

[@raymondj8768]

thanks for a new movie happy new years my friends !!!!!

[@one4allfour1]

You're so welcome, Raymond--Enjoy! A Happy New Year to you and yours :))

[@kenneth7826]

Even in black and white William Powell was well dressed...such style.....

[@karinmoseley8694]

thank you for the good old classic

[@misskim2058]

Back revisiting it again…still appreciate the upload. 😊💕

[@one4allfour1]

So sweet, Miss Kim! I’m glad you enjoy this film, also 😃

[@sergusbower1270]

Phenomenal keep them coming please

[@AnnacolleenEtters]

The clearest copy yet!

[@misskim2058]

Thanks, nice one to revisit, love William Powell:)

[@one4allfour1]

You're welcome, Miss Kim! I love William Powell, too. I'm so glad you stopped by :)) Have a great day!

[@misskim2058]

Thanks, you, too, and a Happy, Healthy, and Propserous New Year! :)

[@julietgeorge9258]

After it was revealed that the actress - so determined to reclaim her pearls in the jewel case - was primarily concerned about her daughter's privacy and welfare - I saw her in a different light. This is considered a pre-Code film, although the censorship system was introduced in 1930. I have tried to find a discussion of this online, without success, and have not read the novel. Was there a suggestion that her daughter was considered illegitimate, and that Benson was withholding them as a way of blackmailing her, or that he was the father? I am only guessing. Maybe I missed something earlier. Authors of the Code did not want audiences to be led to sympathize with any character who had done anything to violate society's rules. In the twist at the end, I suddenly sympathized with the actress. Even if she had not had a daughter, though, the pearls might have been her key to survival after the crash.

[@one4allfour1]

Wow! Thank you for sharing with us such a thoughtful (and sympathetic) look into this story! You helped me appreciate it even more😃

[@kathyflorcruz552]

The way her many "playmates" were mentioned I'll bet you're right.

[@fornikolas]

I’m here for Eugene.

[@BagelBunny]

Lovely movie ! Thank you !!

[@one4allfour1]

You're so welcome, Bunny! Make yourself at home on my Channel :))

[@DavidRice111]

Love Paul Lucas in anything he does!

[@jeanneratterman4174]

Interesting: “Players”, not “Cast,” in the opening credits.

[@ergbudster3333]

Eugene Pallette. Old flick fans: you've seen him in dozens of films but probably never noticed his name. He's the cop foil to the urbane Philo Vance.

[@one4allfour1]

Thank you so much, Erg Budster, for the extra info about Eugene Pallette! In my little intro I tried to emphasize his unusual voice for recognition/descriptive purposes. But I like your description much better ;D Eugene Pallette...another great Character Actor. Thanks for watching, Erg Budster!

[@ludditeneaderthal]

well, it didn't surprise me any... lol. his marx bros reference tickled me, as he was the house dick to rufus firefly

[@craffte]

I love when ppl supply trivia while watching these , thanks!

[@one4allfour1]

I love everyone’s thoughts and factual trivia too! :))

[@ludditeneaderthal]

one4allfour1 WELCOME BACK!!! I hope your absence has been related to good fortune, clear skies, and placid Waters in the ocean of life you sail upon! I've been jonesing for a classic film fix, lol. Honestly, I was actually concerned, so it is QUITE a relief to see you giving love here again

[@SBCBears]

The sheet metal is getting a real workout.

[@lisat9322]

Yu are so right lol! I was picturing the guys back stage bending that sheet metal to sound like thunder. Pretty clever and convincing.

[@jillsafran2713]

90 dollars in 1929 would be worth $1322.00 in today's money.

[@teresawoodruff9305]

Natalie Moorhead has a stare that can melt all of this snow. Lol

[@robertocampano2089]

Have any of these Fools been fired without Pay,etc?> Except for the Hall guy until I see how many times this happened with that student.

[@betsymabry7953]

Loved it! Thank you!

[@g.h.1472]

This guy is all heart. This is a movie about a guy we know of one that we know has gotten to big on others misfortune. Never kick a dog while hes down . one problem with powell is hes so young as well as looks. As he ages his looks come to be what most of us recognise . the voice is there. Thanks. This is after the green murder. It was a good flick.

[@dbo4852]

Proud to say the this film has been fully protected in 4K by Universal!

[@georgew.halliday9869]

powell is always great!!!

[@angelheaven5452]

Great movie

[@wildcatherder]

"Didn't surprise me any." - well, actually it did. I would never have figured out this convoluted, yet spur-of-the-moment, murder. I guess thats why no one calls me "Philo Vance".

[@SybilDefense]

William Powell, from Pittsburgh, PA. Who-da thunk-it?

[@mistervacation23]

This proves just one thing, you want a good suit you got to go to Mount Pilot

[@AnnacolleenEtters]

I enjoy watching this one, because I keep fining things I missed before. All these entitled spoiled brats, living way above their means, deserved everything that came to them. HAH! My grandparents were frugal, and even with their house burning down, twice, and losing all they owned, were able to live in a way they still supported their 3 children, , fed them well, and helped the needy who they saw were trying!

[@one4allfour1]

@@AnnacolleenEtters Thank you for sharing your wonderful Grandparents’ story with all of us 🙂

[@macmcleod1188]

Looking forward to when this is upscaled with AI. They are doing a great job of improving resolution to 1080.

[@kenowens9021]

Eugene Paulette, the detective, was sooo skinny.

[@barbaravick5634]

Don't mean to be rude but, put the name of the film first. Not, "WHO DONE IT?" I love this movie but I've seen it SO many times. I thought briefly, I'd found a new one. Also, the sound is double speed.

[@misskim2058]

Please is the magic word. As is thank you.

[@willg4802]

This was definitely not on the same level as WPs later thin man movies.

[@misskim2058]

Talkies were still pretty new. I noticed in his earlier work, he really used the pause a lot, noticeably so. Of course he is going to get better over time. Anyone in their respective profession had better get better at whatever it is over time.

[@BOG-BOGINJA]

Tnx

[@one4allfour1]

I’m so glad you’re enjoying these Classic Movies :))

[@BOG-BOGINJA]

@@one4allfour1 of course...:-)

[@robertrericha9970]

Dick, Powell is always great!

[@robertrericha9970]

William I mean!

[@one4allfour1]

Haha yes! I knew you catch that ;D. (And I LOVE Dick Powell, also! Sure wish I could find one of his early movies made at an obscure studio, or better yet, in the PD for every one!)

[@barbaravick5634]

Robert Rericha William, not Dick. Dick played a detective sometimes too, or an occasional bad guy, or did his song and dance thing. But, William Powell was the BEST.

[@C.Hawkshaw]

Get him Nick! Get him!

[@philthycat1408]

"Fanny, to you ".

[@one4allfour1]

☺️

[@kokonuttsarefun6472]

These people are horrible. Great movie though.

[@harriettyoung7683]

sound toooo low

[@sarojinichelliah5500]

Boring , too much talk, and not much investigation with a complicated narrative at the end .

[@fannylablanche9952]

Revoir Misha AUER ...

[@doreen0]

@35:10

[@one4allfour1]

He was definitely “all sleazy”!

[@doreen0]

Perfect word to describe him as a sleaze haven't heard that word in a long time thank you for your reply 🙃☺️🙃😌🌷🙋🏽

[@kenzeetwo]

This film is 92 years old!!

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@Ourladyrules]

had to watch it again, im old so ive forgotten most of it since last time. 6 months ago? haha thanks again 🧓