The Skull Murder Mystery

1932
21m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

When the skeleton of a young man is dug up in an alley, a mysterious Chinese merchant and his eccentric upstairs tenants come under suspicion. The team of Inspector Carr and Dr. Crabtree use... Read allWhen the skeleton of a young man is dug up in an alley, a mysterious Chinese merchant and his eccentric upstairs tenants come under suspicion. The team of Inspector Carr and Dr. Crabtree use the skull of the victim to solve the murder.When the skeleton of a young man is dug up in an alley, a mysterious Chinese merchant and his eccentric upstairs tenants come under suspicion. The team of Inspector Carr and Dr. Crabtree use the skull of the victim to solve the murder.

Director
- Joseph Henabery
Writers
- S.S. Van Dine
- Burnet Hershey
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

5.0/10

160

YOUR RATING

Director
- Joseph Henabery
Writers
- S.S. Van Dine
- Burnet Hershey
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Film debut of Paul Guilfoyle (Paul).

Quotes
Lieutenant Scott: Since you're asking me, chief, I'd say the case is washed up. You haven't got the body; you've got no suspects.
Dr. Crabtree: You forget the occupants of that house.
Lieutenant Scott: Ha! A Chinaman ... and three intellectual nuts!

Connections
Followed by The Cole Case (1932)

User reviews6

Review

Featured review

3/10

A quickie detective film...and not a lot to recommend it.

This is an unusual short from Vitaphone. While the division of Warner Brothers was known for their short films, most were musical or comedy acts. However, this one is a murder mystery...which is odder yet since it's so rushed.

When the film begins, a skeleton is found stuffed in a trunk...buried behind a building. The residents (including the Chinese man who owns the place and his tenants upstairs) are investigated by the police (John Hamilton and Donald Meek) until, ultimately, one turns out to be completely insane and he tries to kill himself AND the cops!

This is a very rushed film...and because of that, it's not especially good. Additionally, the print shown by TCM is dark and grainy. All in all, you could find better shorts from the era to watch.