Meet Nero Wolfe
Rex Stout's portly detective prides himself on solving crimes without venturing outside his comfortable home; here he relies on others to do the legwork in pinpointing who among a number of suspects is responsible for two sudden deaths, which the authorities at first are not convinced were murders.
Insights
Plot Summary
Eccentric, reclusive private detective Nero Wolfe is coaxed out of his New York brownstone to investigate the murder of a young woman. The victim was about to inherit a fortune, and Wolfe must untangle a web of greed, jealousy, and deception among a host of suspects to find the killer. He relies on his brilliant deductive skills and the assistance of his loyal legman, Archie Goodwin.
Critical Reception
The film received a mixed reception upon its release. While some critics praised its faithful adaptation of Rex Stout's characters and the intriguing mystery, others found its pacing slow and the performances somewhat uneven. It is generally considered a competent, if not groundbreaking, entry in the detective film genre of the 1930s.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its faithful portrayal of Nero Wolfe's unique personality.
- The mystery itself is considered engaging, though sometimes overshadowed by pacing issues.
- Edward Arnold's performance as Wolfe is a highlight for fans of the character.
Google audience: Audience reviews for this film are scarce due to its age and limited availability. When found, reactions tend to focus on the classic detective story elements and the portrayal of Nero Wolfe.
Fun Fact
This film is one of the earliest screen adaptations of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe character, predating the more famous and numerous film and television adaptations that would follow.
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