Public Domain Movies

The Greene Murder Case is a 1929 American pre-Code mystery film directed by Frank Tuttle and stars William Powell in his second Philo Vance outing, Florence Eldridge, and Jean Arthur.

The Greenes are a wealthy and dysfunctional family who are forced to gather annually to fulfil the stipulations of the late patriarch's will. The family is ruled by the resentful and ailing Mrs. Tobias Greene (Gertrude Norman), who holds little affection for her children, Rex (Morgan Farley), Chester (Lowell Drew), and daughter Sibella (Florence Eldridge). The children despise each other, while adopted daughter Ada (Jean Arthur) is excluded from the inheritance due to her non-blood relation. The tension within the household is palpable, with suspicions surrounding Sibella's indiscreet affair with the family's doctor, Arthur Von Blon (Ullrich Haupt Sr), and rumors that Mrs Greene's infirmity may not be as severe as it seems. The Greene family's servants, including butler Sproot (Brandon Hurst), housekeeper Gertrude Mannheim (Augusta Burmeister), and devout Hemming (Marcia Harris), also harbor their own doubts. When members of the family start being murdered, District Attorney John Markham (EH Calvert) enlists the help of amateur detective Philo Vance (William Powell), who, alongside Sergeant Ernest Heath (Eugene Pallette), must sift through the animosity and hidden motives to unmask the killer.

Cast
William Powell as Philo Vance
Florence Eldridge as Sibella Greene
Ullrich Haupt, Sr. as Dr. Arthur Von Blon
Jean Arthur as Ada Greene
Eugene Pallette as Sgt. Ernest Heath
E. H. Calvert as District Attorney John F.-X Markham
Gertrude Norman as Mrs. Tobias Greene
Lowell Drew as Chester Greene
Morgan Farley as Rex Greene
Brandon Hurst as Sproot
Augusta Burmeister as Mrs. Gertrude Mannheim
Marcia Harris as Hemming